Red Hair Identity: Challenging Discrimination

Welcome to Redheads United

Redheads United is an organization for redheads who believe that anti-redhead behavior, or Reddism, must come to an end. We refuse to accept that redhead jokes are something we should simply endure. We firmly believe that Reddism is no better than racism, and we advocate for redheads to be recognized as a minority group in the UK, in the same way as ethnic and religious minorities.

You've also shared your feelings about having red hair, and we're here to amplify those voices.

Voices from Our Community

Here are some powerful examples from our archive, showcasing diverse experiences:

Alice Lockyer: Growing Up Redhead

Growing up as a redhead, I started getting the impression that I looked different. I was often called 'Carrot Top' and 'Red,' and then there was the stereotype – the common idea that redheads have a 'fiery' temper. It's crazy! I've lived all my adult life feeling terrible about my hair, and it doesn't get any easier; people still laugh at you even when you're older. Maybe they are right... I mean, (I think), who could possibly like having pale skin and getting sunburned easily? I wonder if Nicole Kidman feels this way, too.

Ellen Hanceri: A Change of Heart

I never liked my hair color, but then one day, while looking in the rearview mirror, suddenly a gray hair stared directly back at me. 'Oh, no! This can't be happening!' I thought. Instantly, I became more connected to my red hair and certainly didn't want to lose it! Now, I'm spending a fortune to dye my hair to retain that red, which I used to hate. How ironic!

Tim Boote: Pride in Red Hair

Red hair is rare. The list of celebrities with red hair is pretty short, at least in the U.S. But good things come with having red hair. Red hair is often associated with Celtic heritage, so most people with red hair have a Scottish or Irish background. In fact, two of the few places where you'll find a lot of redheads are Ireland and Scotland.

Sometimes people are harmed, of course, but then you find others saying, 'I wish I had that color,' which is always a good comment – that's the comment that really makes you feel good. I mean, at school I used to get called names, but being the only person in your classroom with red hair can also be the coolest thing. Now I am a lawyer, and I live in a big city – the city that brought jazz and blues to the world: New Orleans. I can say that here, having red hair has never been a problem. I'm very proud of being born with red hair.