Halloween can be a particularly challenging time for people with visible differences, as many of the “classic” spooky costumes will feature a visible difference of some sort. At face value this may not seem like a big deal, however, wearing that costume further adds to the stereotype that looking different is a negative thing and something that other people should fear.
For someone with a visible difference it can be tricky to see people dress up for one night of fun by recreating the same scar, mark or condition that they have to live with every single day.
Name-calling by referring to a villainous character is very common, with my fellow campaigners having been called “Joker” and “Freddie Kreuger”.
Although I haven’t personally experienced any name-calling directly linked to evil characters, I have been bullied by people comparing my appearance to characters such as Avatar and have been told that my birthmark makes me look like a Care Bear. It sounds silly to me now, but at the time it hurt me to know that people thought I looked strange and that they wanted to insult me for it.
On many occasions, I have also been asked (or it has been assumed) that I must be wearing makeup or face paint, which then makes me feel that it’s only acceptable for my face to look the way it does if it’s for a costume.
Name-calling by referring to a villainous character is very common, with my fellow campaigners having been called “Joker” and “Freddie Kreuger”. Unfortunately, it’s often said flippantly, and will leave a much longer lasting effect on the victim of the comment than the person who said it might realise. They may have forgotten they made the comment half an hour later, but it will stay on the mind of the person with a visible difference for months or even years.
For anyone who might say, “It’s just a Halloween costume”, I understand that for you, Halloween is simply one night of the year where you can dress up as your favourite character and have a party. I want you to be able to enjoy it, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of someone with a visible difference.
Dressing up inclusively doesn’t have to be boring
Inclusive Halloween costumes could include:
- An animal or creature – spiders and bats are a classic!
- A member of the Addams Family
- A singer or band you love
- A classic duo like Barbie and Ken or Mario and Luigi
Alternatively, you can still go as your favourite villainous character, just be mindful of adding any prosthetic scars or burns that are there to make you look “scary”.
Halloween should be a time of spooky fun for everyone, so please be considerate of those who have real life conditions that affect the way they look and think twice before altering the appearance of your face or body.
