Born with a rare genetic condition that prevents her body from gaining weight, Lizzie Velasquez has been voted the world’s ugliest woman. She didn’t have it easy in life because she had experienced bullying by her peers and random people, and she got this “title” after she appeared on a TV show a couple of years ago. Mean and cruel people mocked her appearance by publishing her pictures online.
But Lizzie is an incredibly brave young woman who will never let her look define her as a person. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she stood against the world and fought back with incredible optimism.
She is now a motivational speaker and a YouTuber who is known worldwide. The words of wisdom she shares with people who experience any kind of bullying or are facing tough times have the power to make them stand on their feet and move on.
Luckily, she was born in a home where she was given all the love. Her caring parents taught her to love herself fiercely because the real beauty is what’s inside. Her mom and dad have been very supportive and she is grateful for having them in her life.
Speaking to Today of her childhood, she recalled: “To my family, I was just Lizzie. It was a big slap of reality for a 5-year-old. The other kids were scared of me, pointing at me, not wanting to sit with me. I couldn’t process it. I wasn’t doing anything to them, so why was it happening to me? And I didn’t dare tell anyone.
“Finally, I told my parents and they said, ‘There is nothing wrong with you, you are just smaller than the other kids. You are beautiful and smart and can accomplish anything.’”
She is now known as an anti-bullying hero who makes impact in people’s life. Lizzie, you are one-of-a-kind!
Below is one of her most powerful motivational speeches. You can follow her work by subscribing to her YouTube channel.
