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
How primary schools can support children with visible differences
Kate is a primary school teacher who also has a visible difference. She provides her tips on how primary schools can support children with visible differences.
Jo’s story: “Living with a vascular anomaly hasn’t been easy”
Jo grew up with a birthmark on her lip. At the age of 18, she developed a vascular anomaly on her cheek. It’s been challenging to accept her differences, but she hopes that sharing her story will make others feel less alone.
“Rewriting My Reflection: Living Authentically with a Port Wine Stain Birthmark” – Amanda’s story.
Amanda shares her powerful journey of growing up with a port wine stain birthmark, facing stigma, and finding self-worth and confidence.
Beth’s story: “If I’d been told more about my facial palsy, I’d have felt less alien”
After developing facial palsy as a child, Beth found herself isolated from her peers. She wishes she’d had better support and now hopes to raise awareness to spread understanding.
Summer with Eczema: managing flare-ups and building confidence in hot weather
When it comes to summer with eczema , there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Managing eczema and other skin conditions present unique challenges, and while some people find relief in warmth and sunshine, others, like Harriet, experience increased eczema flare-ups during summer months.
Learn to love yourself through dance
Dylan has always enjoyed dancing and the freedom it gives him to express himself. Here he talks about how you can learn to love yourself through dance.
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.