TED Talks Daily

How I help people understand vitiligo | Lee Thomas

Aug 29, 2019
Lee Thomas, a determined TV news anchor, shares his inspiring journey living with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that changes skin pigmentation. He recounts how he faced initial despair but turned his life around with positivity and resilience. Thomas emphasizes the importance of engagement and dialogue to combat misunderstanding and fear. He champions self-acceptance and highlights storytelling as a powerful tool for raising awareness about vitiligo, proving that the true fight for positivity begins within.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Vitiligo Diagnosis

  • Lee Thomas, a TV news anchor, was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder affecting skin pigmentation.
  • This diagnosis made him fear his career was over.
ADVICE

Concealing Vitiligo

  • Thomas decided to conceal his condition with makeup to continue his career.
  • He progressed to anchoring a morning show in Detroit.
INSIGHT

Double Life and Stigma

  • Thomas experienced a double life, confident on-air with makeup, but facing stares and judgment without it.
  • He felt like an outcast due to others' reactions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app