Changing Faces

“Don’t let the potential reactions of strangers put you off from what could be a life changing trip.”

On a recent trip to India, campaigner David experienced something many people with a visible difference will recognise: unwanted comments and questions from strangers. Today, David shares his experiences:

"I travelled solo to India late in 2024, and was looking forward to everything that normally comes with an adventure like that: the energy of the cities, the calm of the holy sites and, of course, the delicious food.

"I experienced all those things and more. But some days were overshadowed by people making observations and asking questions about my visible difference, which is scarring on my forehead and nose.

"While I was never once treated unkindly or mocked, it was still exasperating, especially when the comments came four or five times a day. It was a level of attention I hadn't anticipated.

"When I spoke to an Indian friend about it, he explained that these comments were often culturally acceptable and usually came from curiosity, concern or a desire to start a conversation, rather than from cruelty or a wish to hurt me.

"Holidays are precious and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. While I was upset by the reality of the situation, I knew that I had to make a conscious decision to immerse myself in the experiences I had looked forward to for so long. That wasn't about brushing the comments aside – we all know that can be difficult, if not impossible. It was about giving myself the best chance to experience everything the trip had to offer.

"The vast majority of my time in India was still a fascinating and rewarding experience in the way only travelling can be, and a great reminder that taking a trip is always worth doing, even when we don't feel like it."

If you're considering a trip but feel anxious about people's reactions to your appearance, remember: you deserve to explore the world too.
Our online advice and guidance can help you manage curiosity and feel prepared: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/U8Td4x

“We are incredibly proud of Nuala - her courage, her strength, and her resilience.”

Parenting a child with a visible difference can be challenging. Megan wanted to understand how best to support her daughter, so attended a Changing Faces webinar, which helped her to positively reframe Nuala’s visible difference.

“When Nuala was 9 months old, we noticed her eye becoming increasingly bloodshot and changing shape. We were given devastating news: she had an ultra-rare cancer growing behind her left eye.

“Doctors explained that the only way to save her life was to remove her eye and the muscle behind it. It was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we had to make. Overnight, Nuala became a child with a visible facial difference.

“At first, we put an eye patch on Nuala whenever we left the house. It felt like a way to shield both her and us from stares and questions.

“The turning point came when I attended a Changing Faces webinar. It helped me understand how to support Nuala, how to respond to questions, and how to reframe her difference as something to be proud of.

“As Nuala grew, her personality blossomed. She became confident, chatty, and full of character - she decided she didn’t want to wear her patch anymore. Going out without it brought new challenges. There were still stares and comments, which could feel painful, but there were also positive interactions that felt empowering.

“We know there may be challenges ahead as Nuala starts school and grows older. But our aim is to raise her to feel proud of who she is and how she looks.”

Megan and Nuala's story: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/0h3Qkj

📢 Free community webinar: Skin camouflage, vitiligo and you.

In partnership with The Vitiligo Society, we’re running a webinar about skin camouflage options for people with vitiligo and the support available.

Campaigner and guest speaker, Joti, shares thoughts:

“Vitiligo is often seen as a purely aesthetic condition, but it can seriously impact a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Loss of identity is a common issue felt by the vitiligo community, and being able to access treatments or products that enable us to maintain or regain our identity is incredible.

“It's also about choice. Not everyone will want to use skin camouflage products, and that’s just as valid as wanting to give it a try. Some people reach a place of self-acceptance, embracing their changing appearance. No one should feel pressured to use a treatment or product simply to 'fit in'. It’s an entirely personal decision."

Our webinar is free to attend and open to anyone with vitiligo. Please do share our event with your communities.

Register here: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/WdBS4l

"For so long, people with visible differences have often been spoken about rather than given the space to speak for themselves. Changing Faces' recent campaign, 'Think Before You Speak', created an opportunity to tell honest stories about confidence, stigma and everyday experiences in a way that felt human and relatable." - Joti, Changing Faces campaigner.

Recently, campaigner Joti shared her experiences of living with vitiligo, and what she'd like people to understand about visible differences, with West London Living:

https://www.westlondonliving.co.uk/people/my-west-london-life/joti-gata-aura-ambassador-for-changing-faces/

“I really wish I could go back and give younger me a hug and show her how little her visible difference will end up defining her.”

Rachel acquired scarring following the removal of a haemangioma. Bullying impacted her self-esteem but she’s learning to see her difference as a strength.

“During the first six months of my life, I developed a haemangioma on my left cheek, which required laser surgery and multiple operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“I feel so much for my parents who felt so helpless during this time. 27 years ago, it wasn’t as “normalised” to have differences. They had support from other parents at Great Ormond Street but other than that, I know they felt very alone and guilty, even though it was never their fault.

“I have always been incredibly self-conscious of the scarring that remains on my cheek. As a child, I was bullied and called names like "scar face".

“As I’ve got older, I have been better able to embrace my difference, and I’ve tried to boost my confidence. However, it can be difficult and often exhausting.

“I wish I knew about Changing Faces sooner, because I honestly think seeing more people that looked and felt like me would have helped. I am so proud of the person I have become but also grieve for how much time I spent hiding away and not wanting to face the world because of one tiny part of me. I want to help anyone else who feels like that.”

Rachel’s story: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/qnecCS

Quotes gathered from Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)'s research with 75 LGBTQIA+ young people shows that holding multiple marginalised identities can create a unique and intensified form of exclusion.

Many participants described feeling “different from everyone” - not fully belonging in cis/straight spaces or q***r spaces. Appearance standards within LGBTQIA+ communities, fear of judgement, and painful rejection in dating and social settings were also common experiences.

At the same time, some young people found strength, empathy, and resilience through their intersecting identities, and felt more accepted in LGBTQIA+ spaces than elsewhere.

These findings will be used to develop tailored, evidence-based support for LGBTQIA+ people with visible differences, because one-size-fits-all resources don’t reflect lived reality.

This month is Pride month, and we are running an online discussion group on Thursday 25 June, bringing together q***r people who may feel isolated or struggle with acceptance.

Talking with others who understand both communities, we hope to empower you and ensure your voice is heard.

Places are strictly limited so make sure you visit the link in our bio to learn more and sign up today: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/j0tSdh

“Volunteering for Changing Faces gives me the chance to have amazing experiences, as well as meet incredible people.” – Crystal, Changing Faces campaigner

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who takes time out of their busy lives to volunteer for Changing Faces. From our wonderful campaigners and ambassadors to our fundraisers, Real Story contributors and lovely community, each of you make such a difference to our cause.

The dedication you all show to raising awareness of visible difference to tackle stigma and improve representation is inspiring. Thank you so much for your support. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do!

Crystal shares what she loves about volunteering for Changing Faces:

“My favourite thing about being a volunteer campaigner is being involved in a community of inspiring, compassionate and epic campaigners who understand what it’s like to live with a visible difference. We celebrate each other's wins, rally around each other when we are down, and make sure we never feel alone.

“I also love having a platform to help people like me by advocating for a more inclusive world for people with visible differences.

“Recently, I was asked to be a speaker for Changing Faces at a talk about body image and confidence. It was at the hospital that I was treated for facial bone cancer at the age of 18, and it was a very therapeutic experience. The room was full of healthcare professionals who support young people with cancer. Being able to advise them on how to emotionally care for a patient going through such a challenging time gave me purpose, and I was happy to use my knowledge to help.”

If you’ve been inspired to lend a hand, there are plenty of ways to get involved, including fundraising and sharing your story – find out more: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/qSHZxP

"Changing Faces has shaped me to be the person that I am today. As a little girl, I had no confidence whatsoever. But through support and since becoming a Changing Faces campaigner, I've learnt to embrace my visible difference and find confidence in being myself, no matter what I look like.

"I wanted to do something to say thank you to the charity."

Congratulations to Katy and all our other fantastic supporters for recently completing our first ever Steps For Change challenge.

Every pound you raised has helped us to continue supporting people with visible differences to build confidence, challenge stigma, and know they are not alone.

Thank you for helping us in our mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and accepted. 💜

Feeling inspired? We have lots of challenges that you can get involved with, and plenty of other ways to make a difference: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/PHnXL9

“Discovering Changing Faces and finding a language to describe having a visible difference has helped me to better articulate and validate how I felt over the years.”

Corrina has kyphoscoliosis. After struggling with her self-esteem when she was younger, Corrina has now grown in confidence, focusing on the amazing things her body can achieve.

“I was diagnosed with kyphoscoliosis as a toddler, which caused a severe curvature of my spine.

“The work of the brilliant surgical team helped to straighten my spine as much as possible, which is something I will always be thankful for. However, I was left with a significant rib hump on my left side which couldn’t be fully corrected. I also have uneven hips and ongoing discomfort from being unable to sit or lie straight.

“Moving into senior school, my back severely affected my confidence. I worried about how I looked constantly, was extremely shy and was excluded from sports, which set me further apart from others. Any negative comments really stuck with me, including one from an adult when I was a teenager at a swimming pool telling me I looked ‘bad’ and needed more surgery – I remember leaving the pool in tears.

“As I moved to university and then into work, my main feeling was always shame and embarrassment if someone mentioned my back, however well meaning.

“Now in my 40s I’ve learnt to be kinder to myself and to focus on what I can achieve with my body rather than how it could hold me back. Ten years ago, I took up running for the first time, starting with Couch to 5K. I have since completed nine half marathons, which I am really proud of and something I never thought I could do.”

Corrina’s story: https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/story/corrinas-story-kyphoscoliosis/