People with facial differences are not villains, costumes or objects of pity. Yet across film, television, beauty, fashion and media, facial differences are still too often used as symbols of fear, danger, tragedy or villainy. These stereotypes do not just exist on our screens. They can influence how people with facial differences are treated in everyday life.
Fear No Face is Face Equality International’s annual campaign for better representation of people with facial differences. Each October, our global community comes together to challenge harmful stereotypes, celebrate authentic representation and build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Be a part of creating change.
Why representation matters
The stories we see and hear help shape how we understand the world and the people around us. When people with facial differences are repeatedly portrayed as villains, monsters, tragic figures or people to be feared, these portrayals can reinforce stigma, prejudice and discrimination.
People with facial differences deserve to see themselves reflected in ways that recognise the diversity, complexity and humanity of our community. Authentic representation benefits everyone. It helps create a society where people with facial differences are understood, respected and included.
What is Fear no Face?
Fear No Face is a global campaign for face equality. The campaign focuses on:
- Challenging harmful stereotypes about facial difference
- Promoting authentic and inclusive representation
- Amplifying the voices of people with facial differences
- Building allyship and public understanding
- Encouraging media, beauty, entertainment and cultural organisations to improve representation
While October is our annual campaign moment, the issues Fear No Face seeks to address exist all year round.
How you can get involved
For people with facial differences and allies
- Share your voice: Help challenge stereotypes by sharing your experiences, perspectives and stories. We will soon be sharing sample graphics and written content that you may find useful, below.
- Start conversations: Talk to friends, family, colleagues and your community about why representation matters.
- Support the campaign: Share Fear No Face content and help amplify the voices of people with facial differences.
- Sign the Hey Hollywood petition: Join thousands of supporters calling for better representation in entertainment.
- Help fund the fight for face equality: Make a one-off or recurring donation today.
For organisations and partners
- Learn about face equality: Explore our resources and understand how representation impacts people’s lives and how to support respectful and authentic representation.
- Review your content and communications: Consider how people with facial differences are represented in your campaigns, storytelling and visual content.
- Stop appearance-based discrimination in the workplace: Sign up for workplace training, to make sure people with facial and visible differences can thrive at your organisation.
- Help fund the fight for face equality: Donate or partner with us.
Campaign resources
International Media Standard
Our International Media Standard provides guidance for journalists, content creators and communicators on respectful reporting and representation of facial difference.
Position Paper: Visible Difference and Disfigurement in the Arts
Our position paper explores the impact of representation in arts, entertainment and culture and outlines recommendations for change.
Fear no Face, 2024
In 2024, FEI partnered with Sephora, to promote a more inclusive and respectful way to celebrate Halloween in a way which doesn’t need to cause harm or offense to minoritised communities.
