Ep. 19: A lesson in empathy with Pulitzer Price Photojournalist Stephanie Sinclair

Podcast

Sep 1

Last year, I had the privilege of meeting the graceful and oh so charming Diandra Forrest to record a podcast episode on her albinism at the Wing Dumbo in Brooklyn. Many people came to me wondering why I did an episode on albinism, given that she's not tall. Well, tall enough to be a supermodel gracing the covers of magazines worldwide and appearing in two of Beyonce’s videos. But not tall as far as the T-Factor goes. At almost 5’10”, this unusual beauty and mother of two is a prominent activist for albinism awareness.

The ratio of people with albinism (both sexes) in the US is 1 in 17-20,000. It appears that the percentage of people in the US taller than 6ft is 15.5%, with 1% of that being women. Meaning, we know we stand out.

So it only felt natural to discuss albinism, what it’s like to be the different one in the room, to have all the eyes stare and usually comment. Sounds familiar, my tallies? I was teased as a child and teenager that I was so white I looked like an albino (a term which isn’t used anymore. Use rather person with albinism) Not a day would pass in France when I didn’t receive a comment on either my height or my skin color (or lack thereof).

This week’s guest on the podcast has a strong connection to Albinism. In this episode, Award winner Stephanie Sinclair describes how she and her husband got to adopt two children (all at once!) with Albinism after she had done a compelling project in Tanzania for the National Geographic. This episode teaches us how choosing a life of purpose can truly change the world. Her work in the New York Times Magazine, Natural Geographic, The Time, NPR and more has changed cultures and the lives of so many, especially young girls through her non-profit Too Young To Wed.

As i mention in our very informative episode, when I did research on albinism, I was crying for a week, having a hard time falling asleep imagining the horror stories I read on people with albinism around the world. Open your heart and listen in.

Stephanie Sinclair with her daughter Lotus (Time)

Links to learn more:

Under The Same Sun: 100% of donations go directly to their school in Tanzania and provide the children with goods such as hats and school supplies.
Salif Keita Global Foundation : This famous singer who has albinism from Mali is a fierce advocate for Albinism Awareness. Diandra Forrest tells us the story of her trip with them in her podcast episode. The foundation is for the fair treatment and social integration of people with Albinism.
NOAH: National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. In US and Canada, it provides a place where people with albinism and their families can find acceptance, support and fellowship.
Positive Exposure: World renowned Fashion photographer Rick Guidotti founded this charity making positive change with positive photography after a chance encounter in 1997 with a young lady with albinism at a bus stop in New York City. He challenges ideas of beauty, celebrating the beauty and richness of human diversity.
International Albinism Awareness Day - United Nations June 13th. This year’s theme was “Made to Shine” bringing attention to the achievements and successes of people with albinism worldwide.
One Sight: a Global Vision Care Nonprofit.