Ideas worth spreading

How I help people understand vitiligo

2,684,564 views | Lee Thomas • TED Salon: The Macallan

TV news anchor Lee Thomas thought his career was over after he was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that left large patches of his skin without pigment and led to derision and stares. In a captivating talk, he shares how he discovered a way to counter misunderstanding and fear around his appearance with engagement, dialogue -- and a smile. "Positivity is something worth fighting for, and the fight is not with others -- it's internal," Thomas says. "If you want to make positive changes in your life, you have to consistently be positive."

TV news anchor Lee Thomas thought his career was over after he was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that left large patches of his skin without pigment and led to derision and stares. In a captivating talk, he shares how he discovered a way to counter misunderstanding and fear around his appearance with engagement, dialogue -- and a smile. "Positivity is something worth fighting for, and the fight is not with others -- it's internal," Thomas says. "If you want to make positive changes in your life, you have to consistently be positive."

This talk was presented at a TED Salon event given in partnership with The Macallan. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED Salons.

Learn more about the National Diversity Council and their mission to be a resource and advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion.

Learn more about the Vitiligo Research Foundation and their work creating public awareness about vitiligo.

Learn more about The Vitiligo Society and their work empowering the vitiligo community.

About the speaker

Lee Thomas

Broadcast journalist, diversity advocate

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Lee Thomas has loved to watch, write and share stories his entire life.

Lee Thomas | Momentum Books, 2008 | Book

Turning White: A Memoir of Change

In his thought-provoking memoir, Turning White, Emmy-winning TV broadcaster Lee Thomas shares the physical and mental battle he's waging with vitiligo — a skin disorder that's literally turning him white. At age 25, Thomas had a dream job: a feature/entertainment reporter for the ABC network's flagship TV station in New York. Then he discovered a few white spots on his scalp, the small beginnings of a disease that has spread to half his face — a fact he covers with makeup when on camera. As someone in the public eye, vitiligo has transformed not only Thomas’s color but also his life.

Yan Valle | 2017 | Book

A No-Nonsense Guide To Vitiligo

Yan Valle is a vitiligo survivor who investigates the hidden truth about his devastation skin condition. After a harrowing breakup, he finds refuge in the technological underground. He never expected to become CEO of Vitiligo Research Foundation and to make a choice that will change 100 million lives. On this journey to the mysterious source of white spots, Valle relentlessly looks for clues in the body and environment, bringing together shamans, scientists, celebrities and top executives to share valuable secrets and solve the puzzle.

Learn more

About TED Salon

TED Salons welcome an intimate audience for an afternoon or evening of highly-curated TED Talks revolving around a globally relevant theme. A condensed version of a TED flagship conference, they are distinct in their brevity, opportunities for conversation, and heightened interaction between the speaker and audience.

Read more about TED Salons

This talk was presented at a TED Salon event given in partnership with The Macallan. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED Salons.

Learn more about the National Diversity Council and their mission to be a resource and advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion.

Learn more about the Vitiligo Research Foundation and their work creating public awareness about vitiligo.

Learn more about The Vitiligo Society and their work empowering the vitiligo community.