Face Equality is a social justice issue

It’s World Day of Social Justice – a United Nations sanctioned day that reminds us each year of the need to build fairer, more equitable societies.

 For me, social justice, when applied to Face Equality, means that people with facial differences are respected and valued and feel safe in society. It means that we can report acts of discrimination and our experiences are validated and are acted on. It means being protected by the Disability Discrimination Act – or the equivalent act in your country.   It means that we can feel proud of our facial differences, and not conceal how we look or hide away. It means we are visible and present for other people with facial differences, so they feel less alone.

There’s still a long way to go – because I often don’t feel like I am believed when I talk about experiencing discrimination due to my facial difference – and I know many of my friends with facial differences feel the same. But we are stronger together, and us speaking out about our challenges and triumphs means that Face Equality is more recognised and supported.

And thats social justice in action. 

More info on Face Equality International’s work is here. More info on World Social Justice Day is here.

Video: Carly is talking directly to the camera. She has a red face and short, dark curly hair. She is wearing a green and purple patterned top with decorative brooches. Behind her is a bookshelf.