Children have incredible capacities for love and understanding, but they’re not infallible. Bullying is a huge issue among grade school kids when they see something they don’t understand. It’s an issue that’s followed Harnaam Kaur into adulthood, but she’s managed to do something extraordinary in response.
Kaur, now in her mid-20s, suffers from a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, aka PCOS. PCOS can result in high levels of androgens, a hormone that results in, among other things, excessive hair growth. According to Women’s Health, “Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS.” They add that as many as 5 million American women may be affected to varying degrees. For Kaur, her PCOS has resulted in an excess of facial hair around her jawline.
Kaur has been growing her beard since she was 16 years old. At first, she went to extreme measures to try and hide it. She adds that she also tried waxing it, something that she discloses was very painful. She was bullied and ridiculed with names like "beardo" and "she-man." She's even received death threats. But today, Kaur wears her beard proudly and says it makes her feel more feminine. “It’s the way God made me,” she says, “and I’m happy with it.”
We were inspired by Kaur’s bravery in shunning societal pressures and embracing her beauty. SHARE her incredible story if you were, too!
