Written by Tanisha Cardozo
Many individuals from earlier generations grew up unaware that they were naturally left-handed, often because they were “corrected” during childhood to use their right hand. This often led to long-term adjustment challenges. Even today, left-handed individuals—especially children—might begin using their right hand after observing that most of their peers are right-handed. The need to conform and feel included can cause some to suppress their natural preferences, potentially affecting their comfort and development over time.
This Left-Handers Day, we spoke to three individuals who reflect on what it’s like growing up left-handed in a world designed for right-handed people. Their stories range from funny to frustrating, but above all, they are real.
✨Jai Vernekar
“Being left-handed in a right-handed world is both fun and frustrating,” says Jai. “Every time I start writing, someone inevitably asks, ‘Wait—are you left-handed?’ as if it’s a rare superpower!”
Fun fact: Jai describes a world where even lefties are surprised to see another leftie. “It’s weird for us when we see a leftie too,” he jokes. “We’re so used to everyone being right-handed.” Some people even challenge them to write with their right hand—just to watch them fail.
🖐️Logan Lobo
“I would instinctively use my left hand for anything,” Logan remembers. “I had to practice making my right hand dominant—handing things over or greeting people.”
Logan found writing the letter S difficult because watching right-handed kids confused him. How long it took him? A couple of years he said. “I don’t think there’s anything special about my left hand,” he states.
Fun fact: Logan says, “I’ve been learning to use my right hand too, just so I can confuse people and they won’t know if I’m lefty or righty.”
🎯Manuela Braganza
“I’m by definition right-handed but use both hands,” Manuela shares. She recalls an eye-opening experience from third grade, when she had mirror twins in her class—identical twins who used opposite hands. At the time, she didn’t even know such a thing existed. Thinking it was a skill she needed to learn, she began to write with her left hand.
While she admits she’s not perfect at writing left-handed, the shift brought unexpected benefits. Manuela found that using her left hand came naturally when she picked up a camera or tried archery. In fact, she shoots archery left-handed because she feels she has more control and better aim using that hand.
Manuela’s ability to use both hands proved especially valuable in her role as a cabin supervisor, where she had to operate the heavy manual doors on Boeing’s smaller aircraft. “They can weigh over a ton,” she explains. “You need your full body strength to open them—especially the angled ones connected to the aerobridge.”
For many crew members, these doors are notoriously difficult. “You need to be skinny to meet the flight standards, but strong enough to open the door, especially in tough conditions like strong winds or on ladders,” she explains. While many crew members struggled or even failed door checks, Manuela’s ambidexterity made the task more manageable— pushing with her left hand while gripping the assist handle with her right gave her greater balance and confidence during the process.
🌍🤝Taking Back the Narrative
For too long, left-handedness was seen as something to correct or fix. But Jai, Logan, and Manuela show us that being left-handed is something to embrace and take pride in—not something to hide or change. This Left-Handers Day, it’s time to take back the narrative, celebrate our differences, and build a world that truly includes everyone—lefties and righties alike.
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