Harnaam Kaur posed in a bridal dress for Urban Bridesmaid site as part of her efforts to show that beauty has no standard definition, and the results are pretty amazing.
“I love my beard, it has become a part of my body and I do not want to remove it. Love yourself, YOU are the only YOU that YOU have.”
A British woman of Indian origin, Kaur has been growing a beard since the age of 16 after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition which causes excess hair growth. She tried to get rid of her hair through various treatments which started to damage her skin, forcing her to stop trying.
“We are all imperfectly perfect. I wanted to show society that beauty isn’t just about looking a certain way, we are all so different and we should all celebrate our individuality.”
While she used to shave her beard, she decided to embrace her unusual feature after she found herself depressed and contemplating suicide at age 16.
She explains :
“At the age of 16 I hit my biggest low. I had been suicidal all year due to immense bullying from school and people in society. I hid away and did not want to venture out into the public. My bedroom was my only safe haven. I was hugely depressed. I remember sitting on my bed and thinking about taking my own life. But instead, as I sat there, I started to counsel myself. I told myself ‘The energy you are putting into ending your life, put all that energy into turning your life around and doing something better.’
“At that point I decided I wanted to be me. I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look like. Today I am not suicidal and I do not self-harm. Today I am happy living as a young beautiful bearded woman. I have realized that this body is mine, I own it, I do not have any other body to live in so I may as well love it unconditionally.”
“These elements make me who I am, they make me whole, they make me complete. My beard has 100% become a part of my body. It is the source of my strength and confidence. People just see the beard as hair, but my beard for me is much more than that.”
She got mocked, threatened and suffered from depression too, but managed to overcome all odds and live a positive life. Instead, she decided to embrace her condition and live a full life. And now, she has become not just an internet sensation but also sent across an important message, that we must embrace the way we are, that we are all beautiful in our own way.
“Forever Remember The Jewels That Are Glistening Within Your Heart. Remember The beauty That You Hold Within Your Soul. Forever Cherish The Strength, Love and Power That Resides Within You. Always And Forever Go Forward In Life With Confidence And High Self Esteem”
Images By: Urban Bridesmaid
