Anthony’s story: “Invisibility is a privilege”
Anthony reflects on the complexities of visibility for trans and non-binary people and how having a visible difference has also helped her find pride in her uniqueness.
Real stories
Read or listen to real stories from people affected by visible difference, their parents and families, as well as Changing Faces staff and volunteers. Inspired to share your story? We’d love to hear it – share your story now.
Featured stories
Oliver’s story: “Stand against appearance-based discrimination”
Oliver’s story of being refused service at a local eatery shows we’ve still a long way to go in reducing intolerance and promoting equality.
All stories
Being a parent with a visible difference: Becky’s advice
Being a parent with a visible difference can be challenging, but talking to your child about difference is an important part of building acceptance and understanding. Becky gives her top tips.
Cerys’ story: “Being neurodivergent with a physical difference can be tricky”
Cerys has a lymphatic malformation on her back and has autism. Being neurodivergent with a physical difference means she can feel judged in multiple ways, but her differences make Cerys who she is.
Hugo’s story: “Overcoming the shame around my scar”
As a child, Hugo saw his scar as strength. Then, as the stares became more noticeable, the need to hide it took over. Now he’s focused on overcoming the shame around his scar.
Raising a confident child with Parry-Romberg syndrome – Anna and Saoirse’s story
Anna shares her journey of raising her vibrant seven-year-old daughter, Saoirse, who was recently diagnosed with Parry-Romberg syndrome.
Reclaiming summer: Accepting my body as a man with scars
As Romeo’s friends went shirtless in the summer months, he stayed covered. Accepting his body as a man with scars was hard until he began to work with it rather than against it.
Oliver Bromley: Tackling discrimination in hospitality venues
Oliver Bromley and others in the visible difference community have experienced discrimination in hospitality venues. With allyship and better education, we can put a stop to it.
Enjoying summer with a visible difference
For years, Katie hid her scoliosis under heavy clothes, even in hot weather. Enjoying summer with a visible difference was hard, until she decided to put her own comfort first.
Sofia’s story: “I don’t hide that I was born with a cleft lip”
Sofia was born with a cleft lip and palate, but it wasn’t something her family spoke to her about. She now wants to tell her story on her own terms, embracing who she is.
Empowerment through embracing your scars
Crystal acquired a scar on her stomach during cancer treatment, which she’s been afraid to show. A recent gym experience has enabled her to find empowerment through embracing her scars.
Gillian’s story: “My journey with Parry-Romberg Syndrome”
While it took Gillian 17 years to discover she has Parry-Romberg Syndrome, she has spent that time learning to love the way she stands out.
David’s story: “Building confidence after acquiring a scar”
David’s scar developed seemingly out of nowhere, making building confidence after acquiring his scar challenging. But he’s not letting this dull his personality.
Pride: Growing up as an LGBTQIA+ person with a visible difference
Rob talks about the challenges that come from being an LGBTQIA+ person with a visible difference, but also the joy he’s found in his uniqueness.