June has change into a particular month, all for World Vitiligo Day. I remembered 2 years in the past, I found that there was a big day for us, Vitiligans. I felt like a bubble was bursting round me. By now I used to be used to realizing that my grandmother and uncle had vitiligo along with me. It was additionally regular for me to not really discuss it, however when somebody random I adopted on Instagram shared one thing about World Vitiligo Day. It was a revolution of emotions inside me.
It was thrilling to know that there was such a lovely neighborhood. The hashtags led me to all these completely different profiles and pages that confirmed me how many individuals are pleased with their pores and skin. On the identical time, it was additionally unhappy. I spotted that if there was a necessity for a World Vitiligo Day and consciousness month, there was clearly nonetheless a variety of misinformation, in addition to lots of people nonetheless struggling on this path of self-acceptance and self-love.
In order that day I spotted that I did not wish to undergo my vitiligo journey with out speaking about it. I knew then, as I do know now, that I used to be fortunate to have so many supportive folks round me. It made the trail to self-acceptance a bit of simpler. However the fact is, there are nonetheless a variety of taboos about vitiligo and a variety of misinformation. These misinterpretations may trigger concern, not solely to individuals who have vitiligo, but additionally to individuals who will misjudge them or make them really feel undesirable, as a result of they nonetheless imagine that it may very well be contagious, for instance.
I keep in mind that day I wrote one thing about how grateful I used to be for the folks round me. How vitiligo is a elementary a part of who I’m and the way I couldn’t think about myself in another way. The way in which I spoke about it made me understand that if I may share these ideas with the world, possibly I may make a distinction to somebody and allow them to know that it wasn’t all dangerous. That there have been additionally many individuals who will actually see you for the superb particular person you’re and never on your look.
So, with the assistance of considered one of my greatest associates, I got here up with the concept of “My Vitiligo and I“ On Instagram. A spot the place I may share my ideas on vitiligo, my experiences and emotions in the direction of it. But additionally, inform folks concerning the situation and break taboos and myths about it.
Once I began the challenge, I remembered how nervous I used to be. I used to be afraid that individuals wouldn’t see any purpose for it, or possibly they thought that it was not so essential to make a web page about it. However then after I began getting messages from individuals who would relate to my tales, who had questions on it, or simply wanted somebody to grasp and discuss them; I spotted that it was value it.
This challenge now led me to satisfy superb folks! Be a part of a neighborhood that creates consciousness in essentially the most particular method. But additionally, it has made me develop as an individual. I opened up in a method that I even bought to know myself higher. Being true to my emotions and feelings has been essentially the most rewarding present I’ve ever given myself, and even higher, it has led me to assist others on their journey of accepting their vitiligo or discovering consolation that every little thing might be okay.
For me, World Vitiligo Day is greater than a day of consciousness, it was the start of one thing particular and superb. It was the second after I grew to become a part of a neighborhood and a household all over the world. It was a watch opening to actuality exterior of my Vitiligan bubble. It was a possibility to do one thing and assist in any method I may, even when it was simply by sharing my story.
I’d like to examine what having a World Vitiligo Day has taught you or the way it feels to have a day celebrating one thing that’s a part of you. Share your ideas within the feedback under!
Andrea Islas
Instagram: @MiVitiligoyYo
