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A left hand with the caption: International Left Handers Day The first International Lefthanders Day was in 1976, initiated by Dean Campbell, founder of Lefthanders International, Inc. The goal was to celebrate the uniqueness of being lefthanded and to raise awareness about the everyday issues lefthanders encounter. Over the decades, this day has grown in popularity, fostering a sense of community and understanding among lefthanders globally.

Roughly 10% of the population is lefthanded. The exact reason why some people are lefthanded has long been the subject of research. There may be at least twenty genes that contribute to handedness. In addition, epigenetic marks, which regulate the expression of DNA, could influence this trait.

Because they are a small minority, lefthanders face numerous challenges in the righthand world. Many everyday items – scissors, knives, computer mice, notebooks, desks, cameras, musical instruments, etc. – are designed with righthanders in mind. This design bias can lead to discomfort and inefficiency for lefthanders. Historically, lefthanders have also faced even more serious discrimination. In the Middle Ages, for example, being lefthanded could lead to accusations of witchcraft. In fact, the Latin word for left is sinestra from which the English word sinister is derived.

Because of the stigma, many lefthanded children have been forced to be righthanded. While this has been much less the case in the US since the 1970s, this practice still continues in some cultures where using one’s lefthand for some activities like eating is considered rude or where being lefthanded is considered unlucky. Yet, forced right-handedness can have developmental consequences. Studies have associated it with learning disorders, dyslexia, stuttering, and other speech disorders.

Despite these challenges, there are also benefits to being lefthanded. Left-handedness is often associated with creativity. This creativity may be a natural consequence of living in a righthanded world which requires lefthanders to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability. Lefthanded athletes can often excel as their left-handedness results in a unique and unexpected approach to their sport from the perspective of righthanders. Some studies indicate that lefthanded people may also be more verbal and have better language skills.

International Lefthanders Day is more than just a celebration of a trait; it is a day to promote understanding, inclusivity, and appreciation for the diverse ways in which people interact with the world. To learn more about hand dominance and left-handedness, check out these resources from the Library.

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International Lefthanders Day

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