Paris Thompson

Paris is a 17-year-old deaf activist who wants to be an actress – working in the film industry and on the stage. She’s performed her own poetry and lyrics on stage and acted on a film set. Paris has delivered many speeches raising deaf awareness helping people understand what it is they need to do. In school, she raised deaf awareness by teaching year groups, and teachers what to do, and taught her form group British Sign Language for Christmas carols. She has also set up BSL clubs teaching different year groups sign language and deaf awareness, as well as giving speeches for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Using the story of her deafness, she has shown how her story is empowering; playing a starring part in GOSH’s campaign to raise over £11 million for their Sight and Sound centre supporting deaf and/or blind children.

One action Paris would like everyone to take:

“First of all, be aware of the people around you, and what they need. Be active in what you learn, engage, and be willing to help and practice what you learn. Read about the world around you – be prepared to change. Change is good! Protest is hopeful. We will always lead to better things in the future!”

Follow Paris on Instagram.