
Facial disfigurement: 'My face led to me being denied service at a local cafe.'
I was denied service in a café due to my appearance
Amit Ghose, who was born with Neurofibromatosis type 1, faced brutal bullying as a child and continues to endure constant staring, pointing, and hurtful comments. He recounted a recent incident at a London coffee shop where he was refused service because of his face, with the person serving him coldly stating, 'Oh, we're not serving any more' before walking away. This unjust treatment left Amit feeling like a spectacle to be gawked at.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Amit has learned to accept his facial disfigurement and now visits schools to share his inspirational story. He aims to empower children to embrace their unique personalities and celebrate their individuality. To further spread his message, Amit recently self-published a children's book titled Born Different after encountering individuals who taunted him in a park, prompting him to take action.
Following a traumatic surgical procedure at the age of 11 that resulted in the removal of his left eye and further disfigurement, Amit grappled with abuse and bullying throughout his school years. However, joining the cricket team helped him forge meaningful friendships and reclaim his identity. Although he still faces unwarranted attention as an adult, Amit remains committed to spreading positivity and encouraging self-acceptance.
With the support of his wife Piyali, Amit has found solace in sharing his experiences on social media platforms like TikTok, where he has amassed a large following and inspired millions with his resilience. By embracing who he is and refusing to be defined by his appearance, Amit hopes to inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness.
As he transitions to full-time motivational speaking and prepares to launch a podcast featuring individuals with similar experiences, Amit remains dedicated to empowering others to overcome insecurities and challenges. He believes that true confidence comes from accepting and celebrating one's authentic self.
Tags: facial disfigurement, birmingham, disability, inspiring stories, neurofibromatosis
Monday 19th May 2025