Face Equality Week 2026 – Seen and Served

I am an ambassador for Face Equality International (FEI), and this week is an important week for Facial Difference advocacy.

From FEI: “International Face Equality Week is a global moment each May dedicated to celebrating and supporting the Facial Difference community, and to call for a world where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. In 2026, we are shining a light on the exclusion of people with facial differences in hospitality and service settings (e.g. restaurants, cafes, shops and bars). From being ignored by staff or refused service, to being seated in “hidden” corners of a venue, our community is often rendered invisible. This campaign aims to reclaim these public spaces, demanding that our community, is seen, with dignity, served, with respect and made to feel they belong and are welcome. Together we will ensure the FD community is Seen & Served.”

This week I will be sharing some of the experiences I have had as a retail and hospitality customer, and also some tips on how retail and hospo can be more welcoming and respectful.

If you work in retail or hospitality, there is a pledge that you can sign – promising to be aa welcoming and respectful place for people with facial differences to visit:

Sign the pledge to make sure people with visible differences are Seen and Served:
More info on the #SeenAndServed campaign is here.

Looking forward to the week ahead – and mindful of the impact of resharing some of my trauma publicly.

👀👋🏽
Image description:

This is a promotional graphic for Face Equality International on a black background with bold yellow, white, and grey design elements.
At the top is the organisation’s logo: a yellow circular brushstroke beside the words “FACE EQUALITY INTERNATIONAL” in white uppercase text.
In the centre are playful sticker-style graphics with smiley faces and cartoon eyes. One smiley face has facial difference markings, including a stitched scar detail. The stickers include the phrases:
“SEE ME”
“SERVE ME”
One circular badge contains the words “SEEING FACE EQUALITY” around a smiley face.
Large bold yellow text across the middle says:
“I’M USING MY SKILLS
FOR FACE EQUALITY!”
Below, white text reads:
“To ensure everyone is #SeenAndServed with dignity in public spaces, regardless of appearance.”