Welcome to 'Five minutes with...', our new blog series. Here, RARE Revolution Magazine's Joe interviews Dylan Lombard about his love of photography and dancing. With growing followers, he also discusses overcoming negative comments.
Hey, Dylan! Firstly, how are you feeling today?
I am feeling tired but ready to tackle the day and do more of what I enjoy doing.
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I would say I am a kind, thoughtful and friendly young man. I have a bubbly personality and love to make others smile and laugh. I'd also tell them about my interest in photography and dancing and explain why I am so passionate about them.
Briefly tell us about your rare disease or condition.
I have an extremely rare medical condition called MDP syndrome, which stands for mandibular dysplasia with deafness and progeroid features. It is only known to affect 15 people worldwide.
What is your driving force in life and why?
I always try to find things that make me happy and try to shine a light on others and make others smile and laugh. I want to be able to share my story all over the world and help more people understand that disabilities don’t define who we are. There is a powerful story that must be heard.
How did you first discover your love for photography?
My grandpa loved taking photographs in New York. He always took his camera everywhere. I was also inspired by the photographs in newspapers and magazines. The photographs were taken on the street and I was inspired to create my own photographs and document my own view of the world.
Of all the photographs you've taken, which is your favourite?
You have nearly one million followers on TikTok. What has your overall experience been like?
My experience with TikTok has been varied as there have been lots of positives but also lots of negatives. Lots of people love seeing my videos of me dancing being happy and smiling. Others will comment horrible things about my appearance and make jokes about how I move.
How do you respond to any negative comments you receive on social media?
I used to cry and feel sad about negative comments on social media but now I feel they don’t affect me as much because I now know why people hate and how they just want a reaction out of you.
How did you discover your love of dancing, and why is it such a big part of your personality?
I always danced at parties and always used to win the dancing competitions everywhere I went. My mum found a dance group for people with disabilities and that’s helped me to grow as a dancer and to believe that I am a beautiful person when I am dancing. Dancing plays a huge part in my personality because it helps me to show my movement and because when I am dancing, I never stop and am always smiling.
What is your favourite song to dance to?
Love My Life by Robbie Williams.
Who or what is your RARE inspiration?
Many other people with disabilities inspire me to keep moving forward and many charities too like Changing Faces, Face Equality and RARE Revolution Magazine.
What would your advice be to someone recently diagnosed with a rare disease?
I would say that sometimes it can be hard because people will stare, and some will laugh but I feel the best thing to do is smile at people and they may smile back. I would also say to find people who love you for who you are and talk to them about how you are feeling.
What projects do you have coming up?
I am currently doing a dance apprenticeship. It’s the National Youth Company of Scotland and they will be touring the UK next year.
What are you looking to achieve next in your life?
I am looking forward to being able to achieve more in dance as well as photography because I never want to give up on them.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
In a world where you can be anything, be kind and be yourself.
Lastly, what question do you have for the next person on Five Minutes with...?
What would you say to your younger self?
Socials
Instagram: @be_yourself_dylan
TikTok: @be_yourself_dylan
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