Changing Faces: “Think Before You Speak” Face Equality Week
This year, I was proud to work with Changing Faces during Face Equality Week as part of their “Think Before You Speak” campaign in May 2026.
Why "Think Before You Speak" Matters More Than Ever
Being involved in this campaign meant a great deal to me because it reflects something I have experienced throughout my life. I was honoured to feature in the campaign video, which was shared across the charity's website and social media platforms, helping to spread an important message about empathy, understanding, and the impact our words can have on others.
One of the highlights of this year has been working alongside Changing Faces during Face Equality Week as part of their powerful “Think Before You Speak” campaign.
The campaign encourages people to pause and think before making comments, asking personal questions, or making assumptions about someone's appearance. Although many people don't intend to cause harm, even seemingly innocent questions can leave someone with a visible difference feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or emotionally hurt.
For me, this message has taken on a different meaning in recent years. As many people know, I have lived with vitiligo for most of my life. However, over time, I have naturally lost many of my vitiligo patches, meaning my appearance has changed again. Ironically, this has brought a new set of challenges.
People often question my identity because they remember me looking different. There is frequently uncertainty about where I am from, and when people notice that my pigmentation has changed, I am regularly asked how it happened. Some people have even assumed that I have undergone skin-whitening treatments to remove my vitiligo. These experiences remind me just how quickly people can jump to conclusions.
The reality is that we rarely know someone's story simply by looking at them. That's why I believe the message behind Think Before You Speak is so important. Taking a moment to consider whether a question is necessary, respectful, or appropriate can make an enormous difference. A little empathy goes a long way, and by choosing kindness over curiosity, we can help create a society where everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are.
A few months later, I was delighted to host a Changing Faces community webinar on skin camouflage and vitiligo. Having used camouflage makeup myself for many years, I understood how valuable it is to create a safe space where people can ask questions and learn from experts.
It was my first time hosting a live webinar, and I loved facilitating the discussion and supporting others within the visible difference community. The positive feedback made the experience even more rewarding and reinforced why I continue to use my lived experience to raise awareness and support others.
Highlighting my work with Changing Faces, I was also delighted to be featured by West London Living, where I spoke about my journey, my advocacy work, and why representation and visibility matter so much.
Whether I'm taking part in campaigns, speaking at events, or hosting webinars, my goal remains the same: to encourage greater understanding and help create a world where people are accepted for who they are, not judged by how they look.
Sometimes, the simplest messages are the most powerful.
Think before you speak.
Contact Joti Gata-Aura to share her story through press, social media and in-person public speaking and television.
