A hypnotist born with the most severe form of albinism has gone from the depths of despair at his disability to headlining his own show. Fraser Penman, 30, was born with oculocutaneous albinism. The congenital disorder affects just one in 20,000 people and means he lacks pigment in his skin, hair and eyes as well as having a visual impairment. Growing up in East Kilbride, Fraser was bullied at school "because he was different", culminating in a violent gang attack when he was a teenager. He said: "The hate texts started when I was only eight years old. As I got older, it got much worse with rocks thrown at me before I was attacked by a gang of 15. His difficult school days led to him trying to cover up his condition. "I was so tired of fitting out of society, I wanted to cover up and change my appearance," he said. "From the age of 14, I wore make-up, fake tan and dyed my hair. "In my early 20s, I felt like I was living a double life and it gave me depression and anxiety. And it made me question if I wanted to be here at all." Fraser's turning point came after a heart-to-heart with his older brother Ross. He encouraged Fraser to be anything in the world he wanted to be. Fraser - who had become a fan of well-known hypnotist and illusionist Derren Brown - said his only wish was to be a hypnotist. "I was inspired by Derren Brown's storytelling and showmanship," said Fraser. "I must have watched a DVD about hypnosis a thousand times. I remember being in a barber shop and we were talking about hypnosis, and I said to the barber I had done this before. "So, after my haircut, I hypnotised someone in the shop using the same language and pattens used in the DVD and the person just dropped unconscious and in a trance. I then started hypnotising my friends in the pub for fun. "I had never done a live stage performance before and for the first time I was not worried about how I looked. It was total freedom, the feeling was incredible," he said. Fraser wanted nothing else but to perform on stage, but knew he had to sort his own mind out first, so he tried the hypnosis techniques on himself. "I used self-hypnosis to give myself one suggestion. The simple suggestion I gave myself was 'You Are Enough'," he said. "When I woke up the next morning, I hated the fake tan and hair dye. I shaved off all my hair and it was the first time I had seen my hair so short and white since I was 14. "I felt liberated and I walked through the supermarket in shorts and T-shirt, I was not worried at people seeing me." Fraser completed a diploma in clinical hypnotherapy and during Covid worked with clients online in the US, UK and Germany. After the pandemic, he embarked on a tour of pubs and halls around the country to hone his craft. And he has just been announced as a headline act at the world's largest arts festival in Edinburgh. He has been tipped as one of the Fringe's rising stars after securing a 25-day slot at the Gilded Balloon in July and August. Fraser's show is a mix of hypnosis, mind reading and comedy which gives an insight into how the coping mechanism he initially used to deal with his limited sight has heightened his other senses, allowing him to perform stunts. He is determined to change the perception of those with albinism and hopes his stage show will act as an inspiration for people with the condition. " If I hadn't gone through these struggles, I wouldn't have been inspired to make a difference now. " Many people with albinism are confined to the house wearing dark glasses but I'm determined to change that perception, I'm going against the grain."
Albino hypnotist: I hypnotised myself to become a headline act
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Hypnotist with Albinism Overcomes Adversity to Headline Edinburgh Festival"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Fraser Penman, a 30-year-old hypnotist born with oculocutaneous albinism, has transformed his life from one of bullying and despair to becoming a headline act at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This rare congenital condition affects about one in 20,000 individuals, resulting in a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, as well as visual impairment. Growing up in East Kilbride, Fraser faced relentless bullying, which intensified as he aged. He recounted experiences of hate texts starting at just eight years old, leading to violent encounters during his teenage years. Desperate to fit in and escape the stigma associated with his appearance, Fraser began to cover up his condition with make-up and hair dye, ultimately leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. It was a pivotal conversation with his brother Ross that inspired Fraser to embrace his true self and pursue his dream of becoming a hypnotist, a passion ignited by the performances of hypnotist Derren Brown.
After initially practicing hypnosis on friends, Fraser embarked on a journey of self-hypnosis to overcome his insecurities, leading to a profound personal transformation. By adopting the mantra "You Are Enough," he liberated himself from the need to hide his appearance, shedding the fake tan and hair dye he had relied on for years. This newfound confidence allowed him to perform live on stage for the first time, where he experienced a sense of freedom that was previously elusive. Following the pandemic, Fraser honed his craft by performing in pubs and halls, ultimately earning a coveted slot at the Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival. His show, which combines hypnosis, mind reading, and comedy, aims to challenge societal perceptions of albinism and inspire others with similar conditions. Fraser is determined to change the narrative, proving that individuals with albinism can thrive in the spotlight rather than being confined to the shadows.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The story of Fraser Penman, an albino hypnotist, reflects not only personal triumph but also broader societal themes such as resilience, acceptance, and the power of transformation. This narrative aims to inspire individuals who face adversity and to shed light on the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Purpose of the Article
The article serves to highlight Fraser's journey from hardship to success, showcasing how he leveraged his unique experiences to carve out a niche in the entertainment industry. By detailing his struggles with bullying and mental health, it emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the capacity for personal growth. This narrative also seeks to foster empathy among readers, encouraging a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Public Perception
The article intends to create a positive perception of individuals with disabilities, portraying them as capable of achieving remarkable feats despite societal challenges. It aims to shift the narrative from one of victimhood to empowerment, encouraging readers to rethink their views on disabilities and the potential of those who live with them.
Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on Fraser's personal story, it could also be interpreted as a commentary on societal issues surrounding disability and acceptance. There may be an underlying agenda to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about bullying and mental health, particularly in the context of individuals with visible differences.
Manipulative Aspects
The article may possess a degree of manipulative quality, particularly in how it frames Fraser's narrative as one of inspiration. By emphasizing his transformation and success, it may inadvertently downplay the ongoing struggles faced by many individuals with disabilities, potentially oversimplifying the complexities of their experiences.
Truthfulness of the Article
The article appears to be grounded in truth, as it provides a personal account of Fraser's life and experiences. However, the narrative is crafted in a way that emphasizes a positive outcome, which may lead to questions about the comprehensive portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Societal Messaging
This story communicates a message of resilience and hope, suggesting that personal circumstances can be overcome with determination and support. It encourages readers to believe in the possibility of change and the importance of pursuing one's passions, regardless of societal judgments.
Connections to Other News
When compared to other stories about individuals overcoming adversity, this article aligns with a broader trend in media that highlights personal triumphs. It shares thematic similarities with narratives focused on mental health awareness and the celebration of diversity, creating a network of stories that promote acceptance and understanding.
Impact on Society
The publication of this article could lead to increased awareness and discussions around disability, mental health, and the importance of inclusivity. It may inspire individuals facing similar challenges to seek help and pursue their passions, potentially leading to a more supportive and understanding community.
Supportive Communities
Fraser's story is likely to resonate with various communities, particularly those advocating for disability rights and mental health awareness. It appeals to individuals who have faced bullying or discrimination, as well as those interested in the performing arts and personal development.
Economic and Market Influence
While the article may not directly influence stock markets or financial markets, it could impact industries related to entertainment and mental health, potentially leading to increased investment in inclusive programs and initiatives.
Geopolitical Relevance
The story does not have a direct link to global power dynamics but contributes to ongoing discussions about equality and representation within society. It aligns with current movements advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
AI Involvement in Writing
It's possible that AI tools were used in the writing process, particularly in structuring the narrative and highlighting key themes. AI could influence the tone and style, making it more engaging for readers by emphasizing emotional elements and personal stories.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, the article is largely reliable, as it provides a personal account of Fraser's experiences and has the potential to inspire and inform readers. However, it is essential to approach it with a critical eye regarding the complexities of disability narratives and the potential oversimplification of challenges faced by individuals.