For changemaker Tulsi Vagjiani, her scars are not what define her. Rather, they have shaped her into who she is today. While on holiday in India in 1990, Vagjiani was the only member of her family to survive an aeroplane crash. She was severely burnt in the accident, but the scars that affected her most were not outwardly visible – they were inflicted through bullying. Now Vagjiani is speaking up, supporting and motivating others with visible differences.
“My appearance subjected me to uncountable hate crimes. At the time, I didn’t know they were hate crimes,” Vagjiani says. These incidents left her feeling isolated, and her self-esteem suffered. But Vagjiani understood that the bullying she faced was not a reflection of her. The day she accepted herself, her life transformed for the better. Vagjiani’s perseverance and compassion led her to become an advocate for people facing similar circumstances.
In the UK, one quarter of people with physical differences have been victims of hate crimes. Vagjiani joined the charity Changing Faces as an ambassador to fight against discrimination and foster a more understanding and compassionate society. “I advocate for change in how we deal with people with a visible difference,” she says.
The Londoner has learnt to appreciate her appearance and her scars as a testament to her strength. “I am beautiful,” she says. “It’s our mindset that determines whether we choose to be a victim or a survivor.” Every person is worthy of acceptance, not in spite of the way they look, but because of it.
Footage and photos by Tulsi Vagjiani were used in the creation of this film.
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