“I shared my story and embraced my identity”
Model Faizy Legend, 27, was born with Waardenburg Syndrome – a group of genetic conditions that, for Faizy, included vitiligo and has also resulted in him living with hearing loss.
FAiZY’s unique approach of positivity and self-empowerment have gained him 70,000 fans on Instagram and 85,000 followers on TikTok
His vitiligo did not appear on his skin until his teenage years, when patches of depigmentation began to appear on various parts of his face. Like many people from our community, FAiZY struggled with his self-image, and the visible difference that vitiligo caused him, but looking back he believes that the difficulty he faced during this time actually made him stronger.
Now a model, FAiZY uses his social media to share his story with vitiligo, and help raise awareness of the condition. The following words are shared from his Instagram posts:
“Vitiligo presented a new set of challenges, as I struggled with self-image and societal standards of beauty. The emotional toll of vitiligo was profound. I often questioned my self-worth and felt the weight of societal expectations.
However, with the unwavering support of my family and close friends, I began to reframe my perspective. I learned that true beauty lies in our uniqueness, and that our differences are what make us special.”Over time, I started to appreciate my vitiligo as an essential part of my identity, a visible reminder of my strength and resilience. My journey with vitiligo has transformed me into a model of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Rather than concealing my unique skin, I have embraced it as a symbol of beauty and individuality. Through modelling, I aim to inspire others to embrace their differences and recognize that true beauty lies in our authenticity.
I often felt like an outsider, struggling to find friends who truly understood me. My parents, well-intentioned as they were, had inadvertently overlooked the importance of socialisation in my overall development.”
“But life had another chapter in store for me. I found my voice and my community on a social media platform that became my haven. Through TikTok and Instagram, I shared my story and embraced my identity.
My journey from isolation to connection was a testament to the transformative power of social media which gave me a voice and the ability to share my story with others who had faced similar challenges. It was a bridge that connected me to a global community of deaf individuals who, like me, were on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Through determination, a support system of loved ones, and a commitment to self-acceptance, I have not only overcome adversity but have thrived. My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the capacity of the human spirit to embrace uniqueness and find strength within.
By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others facing similar challenges to embrace their differences, find their inner strength, and recognise that they are not that they are not defined by their condition but by their ability to overcome it.”
You can follow FAiZY and read more of his story @faizylegend on Instagram.
Do you want to share your vitiligo story? We are looking for individuals to share their experience of vitiligo with us. Whether you want to talk about the social impact, impact on your career or your treatment journey – please get in touch to find our more.
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