Life Is Not Fair. I Think She Bleaches

The Challenges of Living with Albinism

That’s what I heard her say, as she walked past me in the hallway. She was talking to her friend, and they were both looking at me with envy and contempt. She was referring to my skin, which is lighter than hers, and which she assumed was the result of bleaching.

She didn’t know anything about me, or my life, or my struggles. She didn’t know that I was born with albinism, a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. She didn’t know that I had to deal with the physical and social challenges of albinism, like:

- Sensitivity to sunlight: I have to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, to avoid sunburns, skin cancer, and eye damage. I also have to avoid outdoor activities, especially during the summer, when the sun is harsh and bright.

- Poor vision: I have to wear glasses or contact lenses, to correct my nearsightedness, astigmatism, and nystagmus. I also have to use magnifiers, large-prints, or digital devices, to read, write, or study. I also have to cope with the stigma and stereotypes associated with wearing glasses, such as being nerdy, geeky, or unattractive.

- Discrimination and bullying: I have to face the ignorance and prejudice of others, who judge me based on my appearance, and not on my personality or abilities. I have to endure the insults, jokes, and rumours, that are spread about me, such as being a ghost, a witch, or an alien. I also have to deal with the isolation and loneliness, that come from being different and misunderstood.

She didn’t know that I had to work hard, to overcome these challenges, and to achieve my goals and dreams. She didn’t know that I had to study hard, to get good grades, and to get into a good college. She didn’t know that I had to apply for scholarships, grants, and loans, to pay for my tuition and expenses. She didn’t know that I had to join clubs, organizations, and networks, to make friends and connections. She didn’t know that I had to volunteer, intern, and work, to gain experience and skills.

She didn’t know that I had to love myself, accept and embrace my albinism, and celebrate my uniqueness and beauty. She didn’t know that I had to educate myself, to learn more about albinism, and to raise awareness and advocacy for it. She didn’t know that I had to support myself, to find resources and services, that could help me with my albinism. She didn’t know that I had to inspire myself, to find role models and mentors, who had albinism, and who had succeeded and thrived in life.

She didn’t know any of these things, because she only saw my skin, and not my soul. She only saw what she wanted to see, and not what was really there. She only saw what she thought was unfair, and not what was actually fair.

Life is not fair. I think she bleaches.

That’s what she said, and that’s what she believed. She was wrong, and she was missing out. She was missing out on the opportunity to know me, to learn from me, and to grow with me. She was missing out on the chance to be my friend, my ally, and my sister. She was missing out on the beauty and diversity of life, that is beyond skin deep.