Here’s to the Barack Obamas, William Jefferson Clintons, Leonardo Da Vincis and Paul McCartneys of the world who, despite not feeling comfortable at their right-handed desks, have been able to etch their names in the pages of history.

Being left-handed can be both an affliction and a blessing. While many lefties are said to be geniuses, the act of transferring the brilliance they possess from pen to paper is often met with smeared ink. Lefties have faced much hardship in their lives, from sitting next to a righty at the dinner table to engaging in a proper handshake with someone of the opposite-handed persuasion, and lest we forget, looking ever so awkward with a pair scissors. The lefty must persevere through a childhood of bitter strife in which the other 90% of the population tells them they’re not patriotic unless they put their right hand over their heart during the pledge of allegiance.

For all of the discrimination and difficulty they are forced to endure, they emerge a stronger, savvier southpaw, and for that they deserve their own day of honor. So here’s to all of the Sandy Koufaxes, Barack Obamas, William Jefferson Clintons, Leonardo Da Vincis, (Evan Kesslers) and Paul McCartneys of the world who, despite not feeling comfortable at their right-handed desks, have been able to etch their names as more than just a footnote in the pages of history.

Today, August 13th, is your day - International Left-Hander’s day. Grasp it in the hand everyone says you shouldn’t use and don’t let go.