Ashley Huesca Lagunes

When I was 6 years old, I refused to wear earrings. And I was called ugly.

When I was 13 years old, I stopped shaving my legs and my armpits. And I was called dirty.

When I was 15 years old, I cut my hair extremely short. And I was called a boy.

Now I understand that all of these extremely harmful beliefs are based on beauty standards. I remember very clearly being in my first year of secondary school. I wanted to be like the girls in my class: skinny, tall, pretty. Their shaved legs and fair complexion made me feel like I wasn’t enough. I hated my legs, being hairy and too big. I felt ashamed.

There was a period of time (approximately a year or so) where I just stopped wearing shorts outside my house simply because I couldn’t bear to look at myself. Also, I had a huge fight with my mom because I wanted to stop shaving my armpits. But she thought that looked dirty on a girl and it was unacceptable (don’t blame my mom, society has made her believe in these standards and she’s going through the same process).

Then, after a long process of self-reflection and healing I understood that it was completely fine! I was completely fine! Even if I wasn't exactly like the model in the magazine or like my classmates. I am me and that’s more than enough.

“I was completely fine! Even if I wasn't exactly like the model in the magazine or like my classmates. I am me and that’s more than enough.”

Of course, this process is still not over. Sometimes I still look at myself and feel uncomfortable. But these past few months I have taken small steps which I am incredibly proud of. I wore a crop top for the first time last week! And I didn't feel guilty about my weight or thought I looked weird. I shaved my head (again) and showed it proudly to my family.

Even this photoshoot represents such a big step to me. For some people it may be just silly pictures with random clothes. But for me it represents that I am finally accepting myself, a little bit more everyday.

"Even this photoshoot represents such a big step to me. For some people it may be just silly pictures with random clothes. But for me it represents that I am finally accepting myself, a little bit more everyday."