Face Equality Week 101

It’s Face Equality Week. This year’s theme is My Face is a Masterpiece.

Image: Carly, a woman with red skin, wearing a strappy black dress, red lipstick and glitter at the sides of her eyes. She’s smiling.

Here is an explainer about Face Equality Week.

What does facial difference include?

Facial difference can be the result of birthmarks, scars, skin conditions, burns and cranio-facial conditions. It can affect people from birth, can be acquired after birth, and can be temporary or episodic.  

What is Face Equality? 

Face Equality is a movement started  by UK charity Changing Faces, led by the late, great James Partridge, aimed at ensuring people with facial differences are treated equally and fairly, free from discrimination, stigma and stereotypes. Face Equality Week is an annual worldwide campaign, led by people with facial differences. This year’s theme for #FaceEqualityWeek shows there is a masterpiece in every face, talents over tropes, skills on screens, amplify artists who don’t fit the mould, and elevate art that depicts visible difference. 

Why do we need Face Equality Week?

Because people with facial differences are still discriminated against – in the workplace, by service providers, in society as a whole.

Because people with facial differences are still omitted and erased – from TV and film, fashion, media and advertising. 

Because people with facial differences are still used as punchlines in jokes

Because people with facial differences are still portrayed as villains, evil, tragic and scary in films and books. 

Because people with facial differences are stared at, othered, mocked, ridiculed, feared and harmed, even when these behaviours are not intentionally carried out  to cause harm. 

Because poking fun at yourself when your face looks a little different from the “norm” is poking fun at people with facial differences.

Because staring, othering, ridicule, erasure and discrimination is exhausting and has a huge impact on our mental health. 

Because we need to celebrate facial differences – triumph over tragedy! It’s important to show our beauty, joy and pride, as well as the difficulties we face.

What can you do to be an ally this Face Equality Week?

Follow, amplify and learn from people with facial differences. I’ve shared a bunch of people in my previous post. Show your kids people with facial differences. 

Make a donation to Face Equality International so they can continue to do great work.

Recognise and unlearn harmful tropes about facial differences and speak nicely about your own appearance. 

More info about Face Equality Week can be found at Face Equality International.

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