“I feel like this is just the beginning of representation in all of the media, and to showcase how beautiful differences really are.”
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“I feel like this is just the beginning of representation in all of the media, and to showcase how beautiful differences really are.”
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The Harmful Trope of Facial Differences in Film VillainsBy Tess Buckley “The constant portrayal of individuals with facial differences as villainous or frightening reinforces harmful stereotypes.“ “In the world of cinema, a familiar face often greets us when the villain is revealed – a face marked by scars, burns, or other visible differences. This long […]
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We deeply were saddened and frustrated this week to read a story in the news of a member of the facial difference community in Britain being asked to leave a London restaurant by staff who claimed that the customer’s appearance was upsetting other diners.
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“I have worked in facial difference research for almost five years now – something I never ever thought I would say.”
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“I was reminded that one person can make a difference. I was reminded that I was that person; that I made a difference. That the start of my advocacy work started with a spark of anger”.
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My name is Logan Zelenak and I was born with a fast flow vascular anomaly in my left mandible. When I was nine I acquired a long scar from surgery ranging from the top of my left ear to the bottom of my neck. I’ve come a long way with accepting my facial difference, but like anyone would, I’ve had my fair share of bumps along the way.
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Logan Zelenak is a face equality activist based in Michigan. Their recent efforts have seen them connect with their local Senator, resulting in a vote to mark face equality day in the state. Logan documents their journey and shares their personal thoughts and experiences of the process.
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A selection of books and reading material from authors with lived experience, or who have a loved one with a facial or visible difference.
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When I didn’t want to deal with pointed fingers or questioning looks while out in public, I could just let down my shield of long hair to cover as much of it as I needed. Now that’s not an option.
Read MoreTo advance equality, we must stop fearing our differences, recognize our conscious and unconscious biases, and shift our focus to our unique strengths and talents. End the worn-out tropes and stereotypes and normalize disfigurement.
Read MoreCasting people with facial disfigurement as confident and capable would help to change negative attitudes and false misconceptions. Continuing to ignore, exclude, or misrepresent us perpetuates the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
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I was reminded that one person can make a difference. I was reminded that I was that person; that I made a difference. That the start of my advocacy work started with a spark of anger.
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The way disabled people are shown on screen – often as the villain or having a tragic life – shapes how people see us. I strongly believe this is why children have been scared of me. And so we need disabled people – not just on screen but in writers rooms, overseeing auditions, behind the camera and on awards panels.
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“When it comes to destigmatising disfigurement on a community, society focused level, I don’t think I’m yet to experience anything as pioneering as what goes on at Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital.”
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If we are to ensure Face Equality International is truly international, we must understand what the global need is for this movement and build the networks to ensure that we understand the real challenges when accessing equitable healthcare for the FD community, but most importantly, we must understand what the face equality movement looks like in low to middle income countries like Nepal.
Read MoreThe global movement for face equality continues to gather recognition and momentum. As a newly established UK charity, we are looking for two new recruits to join our team of face equality changemakers.
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Clara delves into cultural context and disability history. Having grown up in the US and after a move to the UK, she shares experiences of the parallel movements.
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Open letter written by Jenny Kattlove. Jenny’s open letter highlights the impact of portraying villainous character, Frank Nakai with scars in the TV series, Dark Winds.
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