On 13 August, people around the world marked International Left-Handers Day, a celebration of the roughly 10–12% of people who use their left hand more often than their right. The event raises awareness about the challenges left-handers face in a world built mainly for right-handers and highlights the unique strengths of being a “lefty.”
Famous left-handers include tennis champion Rafael Nadal, football legend Lionel Messi, singers Lady Gaga and Sir Paul McCartney, and actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Oprah Winfrey. Even Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, is left-handed—one reason many of his characters, like Bart Simpson, are too.
In the past, life was much harder for left-handers. In the UK and other countries, children were often forced to use their right hand for writing and other tasks. In some places today, using the left hand for eating or passing objects is still considered rude. Language has also been unkind to left-handers, with words like “gauche” (French for “left” and “clumsy”) and “sinister” (Latin for “left”) carrying negative meanings.
Long before modern times, left-handed people were part of human history. Archaeologists have found evidence of left-handed Neanderthals living over 500,000 years ago. By studying tooth scratches caused by stone tools, scientists believe about one in ten Neanderthals preferred their left hand—similar to today’s numbers.
While old superstitions once linked left-handers to bad luck or even witchcraft, attitudes have changed. Now, being left-handed is more accepted and celebrated, with more people proudly identifying as lefties.
This year’s International Left-Handers Day was not only a celebration but also a reminder: whether left-handed, right-handed, or both, every hand has a place in shaping the world.
