I’m Alison and I was born with a port wine stain birthmark and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). KTS is a rare disorder that affects blood and lymph vessels, as well as causing limb overgrowth.
Having a visible difference has impacted every aspect of my life. Growing up, it felt like appearance was everything, so I hid my conditions with make-up and clothes. This meant I missed out on lots of activities, so that I wouldn’t have to deal with people’s reactions.
While I carry myself with confidence, I lack self-belief. I’ve held myself back from various opportunities to stay in the background. It was easier for me cope this way.
At 55, I continue to wear make-up when going out to avoid the stares and abuse I’ve experienced in the past. Make-up has become a safety net for me, and it allows me to live my life without fear of judgement. While there is nothing wrong with this, it’s upsetting that I feel I have to live this way to avoid the stigma surrounding my appearance.
Alison wears make-up to feel more confident
Having a visible difference can be challenging, and sometimes it feels like nobody truly understands what you’re going through. However, it’s so important to seek out and accept help from others. I’m grateful for the people in my life who support me.
I wish there was better education around visible differences. The more people know, the more accepting they will become. Hopefully, future generations won’t have to face the negativity that I have, and they’ll be able to build their self-esteem without others knocking it down. If they do experience abuse, I hope that the law will be better equipped to help them.
Now is my time to step up and contribute to the visible difference movement. I want to be part of the positive change we’re starting to see, and telling my story is a huge leap forward for me. It can be scary to break out of your comfort zone, but in the process, you might find a brand-new community to support you.
