Sinister Manifesto

The world is a hostile place for the left hand.

Most people have a favorite hand to explore this world with—usually their dominant one. Or, you know, the right one.

And almost everything is designed for this right-handed majority.

But what about the 10% of us who are left-handed?

Lefties have to navigate a world that wasn’t made for us. We’ve become masters of adapting, changing our actions and behaviors without even noticing.

But we are not thriving in this right-handed world.

No.

Instead, we’re mildly inconvenienced multiple times a day.

When writing a protest letter about this lack of accessibility, we’re stuck between smudging the ink or contorting our wrist like a circus act just to avoid it, all while battling an awkward notebook.

Awkward, right.

Because it’s either fumbling with right-handed tools or paying a premium for the left-handed version. Kitchen utensils, sports equipment, musical instruments… It gets pricey.

We’ve adapted to this right-handed world, but we’re still judged, excluded, and overlooked.

Ever notice how the language we use reflects this?

Take a look at the word “sinister.” It comes from the Latin word for “left,” and now means something scary or dangerous. Yet, in science, "sinistral" still simply means “left.” Sinistral through and through.

Meanwhile, “dexter” (right) gave us words like “dexterity,” all about skill and grace. Even in French, “gauche” means both “left” and “awkward.” Thanks for that, language.

And don’t get us started on idioms: “two left feet” for clumsiness, “caught left-handed” for mischief, or a “left-handed compliment,” which isn’t a compliment at all.

Let’s not forget the history books, where lefties were treated like bad omens or evil just for existing. Really, world?

Yet left-handers have shaped the arts, sciences, and innovation in ways the world can’t ignore.

We are resilient, always adapting to this right-handed world, but it’s time to demand inclusivity in design and accessibility.

We’re asking for respect and acceptance of left-handed differences. Inclusion is long overdue. What has to be accessed by hand should be designed to be accessible for both hands.

Southpaws, it’s time to take a stand. Let’s embrace and celebrate our differences, demanding a world that designs for all hands, not just the right ones. Together, we can create a future where left-handedness isn’t a challenge, it’s a strength. It’s time for left-handers everywhere to unite, stand strong against norms that don't serve us, and fight for accessibility!

Shout it from the rooftops: we are left-handed and we are proud!