International Left-Handers Day

August 13th marks International Left-Handers Day, a day to celebrate the unique individuals who are left-handed and to raise awareness of their experiences in a predominantly right-handed world. Research shows that about ten to twelve percent of the world’s population is left-handed.

Many famous people throughout history have been left-handed. Several U.S. presidents, like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, were lefties, as well as former UK Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and David Cameron. Prince William, the future King of the United Kingdom, is also left-handed, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, King George VI.

Left-handedness is also common among celebrities. For example, Justin Bieber is left-handed, although he initially struggled with a right-handed guitar until his mother bought him a left-handed one. Other well-known left-handed stars include Oprah Winfrey, Sir Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lawrence.

Historically, left-handed people have faced discrimination. In the past, some were forced to use their right hand for tasks like writing. In some cultures, using the left hand for certain activities is still considered impolite. Even language reflects this bias: in French, “gauche” means both “left” and “clumsy,” and the word “left” in English comes from the Old English “lyft,” meaning “weak.”

Despite these challenges, left-handed people have many strengths.

Scientists from the University of Oxford discovered that left-handers’ brains have unique connections that may improve skills like language and coordination. This has led to the belief that left-handed people might be more creative, although there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm this.