Dockuma: Breaking the silence on ichthyosis and the gaze of others

Affected by ichthyosis, a rare disease causing extreme skin dryness, Dockuma has lived with this condition since birth. According to BBC Afrique, this Frenchman of Malian descent has had to face, throughout his journey, demanding daily care as well as persistent social stigma linked to his physical appearance.

Dockuma's daily life was long marked by cold stares, hurtful remarks, and exclusion in public spaces. He testifies to painful situations, such as people changing seats on public transport or parents pulling their children away, behaviors he describes as "atrocious things for a human being to experience."

To overcome these trials, Dockuma draws his strength from his faith and the unwavering support of his family. He has gradually learned to ignore external judgment to focus on his personal growth, affirming today his pride in the man he has become, fully embracing his identity and his difference.

Now, he uses social media, particularly TikTok, to raise public awareness about ichthyosis and encourage self-acceptance. With his concept "Being yourself without a filter," he receives a large majority of kind messages. He now plans to extend his fight through projects in modeling, cinema, or the non-profit sector.

Our perspective

Dockuma's journey illustrates the need to deconstruct the prejudices that weigh on different bodies within our societies. By refusing to let himself be defined by the gaze of others, he embodies an inspiring form of individual sovereignty. For the African community and its diaspora, this approach recalls the fundamental importance of human dignity and solidarity toward those rejected by the norm.