Overcoming Adversity

Tasha Ghouri describes embracing her deafness and inspiring the next generation.

Many people first became aware of you on Love Island, which you’ve described as a “Once-in-alifetime opportunity,” and you’ve also expressed how you: “wanted to go on for representation for the deaf community”. Could you tell us more about your decision to feature on Love Island?

Growing up, there was no one like me on TV. There were no role models or people I could relate to, and I really wanted to change that. I was nervous at first, as I didn’t know if I was going to be accepted or what response I would get. I was the first deaf contestant, so this was something new for the show, too. But once I told the other Islanders about my deafness and cochlear implant, they were all so lovely and supportive and the reaction at home was incredible. I had so many lovely messages from people saying they finally felt seen.

You have received some negativity online throughout your time in the public eye, particularly people mocking your voice when you first appeared on Love Island. How do you deal with this negativity and why is it important to you to continue making videos using your ‘deaf accent’? When I was on Love Island, there was a lot of ableism about my voice and how it sounds. People were even making TikToks taking the mick out of it; it was so upsetting and hurtful. But I refuse to let people get me down, so I decided to do a video where I took out my implant and shared my ‘deaf accent’. Sharing this with the world was something deeply personal to me; it wasn’t something I had been ready to share publicly before, but it felt like the right time to knock down those walls. The reaction I got was amazing and better than I could have imagined.

Throughout your time on Strictly Come Dancing, you have been decorating your cochlear implant with bright colours and glitter. One viewer has commented: “I look forward to watching you dance every weekend. I also have hearing aids, and seeing you glam up your implant has meant that I’m now more comfortable to wear my hair in styles where my hearing aids are visible.” How does it make you feel to wear your implant so proudly and receive such positive feedback? My implant is part of who I am and has been since I had it fitted when I was five years old. I’ve had messages from people before, particularly young girls and women who have spent years covering theirs with their hair, and it just breaks my heart. Our implants are a reminder that we have a superpower and that we are strong. Of course, it’s been fun to jazz it up with crystals during my time on Strictly - I love that it sparkles!

You have previously shared that you were unable to speak until age five and communicated in British Sign Language until that point. Do you feel that BSL should be taught more widely to all pupils to improve accessibility and understanding?

Absolutely. Last year, I worked with the Department for Education to get British Sign Language put on the National Curriculum as a GCSE option. So, from next September, BSL will be taught as a GCSE in the UK. I felt so strongly that deaf children should have a voice and a way to communicate without feeling unheard or neglected. The difference this will make to the next generation of deaf children is immense and will give teachers and able children the chance to learn a new, vital skill.

You have also shared in interviews that your deafness causes migraines and exhaustion. What impact has this had throughout your life and how have you learnt to manage it?

I can get a sensory overload because my brain is concentrating so hard on lip reading. It can cause migraines and it is really exhausting, so there are some weeks where I just need a few days to rest. I don’t beat myself up about it though - it’s just something I need to do. My implant needs to be charged, and my body does too!

Your continued advocacy and outspokenness about your deafness is a huge inspiration to so many. What impact would it have had on you as a young person to have had outspoken deaf role models like yourself?

It would have been amazing for me to have role models and representation in TV and film when I was growing up, or even to see BSL and subtitles being used. If anything, not having these things has made me push for this even more. That’s why it is so important for me to use my platform and be a voice for our community and to hopefully be that role model for someone. They are just small steps, but we are moving in the right direction and into a future where girls like me can feel fully accepted in a world of able people. www.instagram.com/tashaghouri

You have a book, Your Superpower, due to be released in 2025. Could you tell us more about what inspired you to write this book and the impact you hope it has?

The book is for anyone who doesn’t feel seen or heard. It isn’t just for the deaf community; this book is about embracing all kinds of differences and celebrating them. I really hope it will help people discover their own superpower and learn how to embrace them too.

Is there anything you wish people had understood about deafness that would’ve helped you when you were younger? We currently live in an able world and I think sometimes people forget the challenges others may face. Teachers used to turn their back when talking and, as I rely on lip reading, I wouldn’t know what they were saying, so this affected my learning. Just speaking face-to-face is such a help for me. There are instances where I can’t hear well, like in a busy restaurant or train station; on planes, I can never hear the pilot over the tannoy - we need BSL and subtitles on planes, that would be a huge step forward.

If you could give one message or piece of advice to young deaf people what would it be?

To believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let your deafness hold you back; it’s your superpower and you should be proud of yourself and celebrate it.

We would like to thank Tasha Ghouri for giving up her time to speak to us.

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