Carly Findlay, an Australian writer and disability advocate, has lived with ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition, since birth. The condition causes dry, scaly skin and affects about 1 in 300,000 people. As a child, Findlay faced teasing, unwanted prayers, and harmful 'cures' from others who saw her skin as something to fix.
In her memoir and public speaking, Findlay emphasizes that her greatest achievement is learning to love her body rather than trying to change it. She has spoken about the emotional toll of being studied by doctors and offered treatments that were not evidence-based. Her advocacy focuses on disability pride and challenging societal beauty standards.
Findlay's work has been featured by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and other media outlets. She continues to write and speak about living with a visible difference, promoting acceptance over 'fixing' oneself.
