I grew up in Southern Indiana as the oldest of my siblings. My childhood memories are hazy, but I clearly remember being the kid everyone teased for being overweight. Bullied throughout my school years, I found a small reprieve when I transferred to online school during my senior year. At twelve, after a major fight between my parents, my mom packed up me and my sisters, and we moved to Chicago to stay with a friend. For a while, we were even homeless.
During this chaotic period, I was in and out of psychiatric wards. It was then they tested me for autism, and at thirteen, I was diagnosed. Around fourteen or fifteen, my mom remarried, and we moved to Oregon to be near her husband. But my behavior was challenging, and I spent much of my adolescence moving between foster care and group homes. Those experiences left me insecure and more aware of the way people judged me.
During that time, I also began grappling with my sexuality. I realized I was attracted to girls, which initially felt wrong to me. High school introduced me to supportive friends who helped me understand that it was normal. For a while, my body dysmorphia made me question my gender identity too. By senior year, I transitioned to online school full-time, which suited my needs far better than traditional classrooms.
After graduation, life was still unstable. I moved between my mom’s house and a friend’s apartment, the latter turning out to be unsafe. Around that time, I began receiving support from state caregivers, one of whom remains a key supporter and photographer in my life. My mom has always been my anchor, encouraging me to pursue my passions. My speech teacher from high school also became a mentor, guiding me to make positive changes for myself and the world.
Being autistic, I experience emotions deeply. I feel happiness and sadness intensely, and physical pain affects me profoundly. Growing up, others tried to control me forcing diet pills or shaming me about my weight but over time, I’ve learned that my body, my identity, and my experiences make me unique and strong. Accepting this has helped me grow confident in myself and others.
Even now, I face bullying and criticism for simply being myself. Social media can be cruel, and sometimes the harassment feels unbearable. But I’ve learned to rise above it and focus on who I want to be. At eighteen, I transformed I started modeling independently, wanting to show people like me that we can break barriers. I express myself through clothing, personality, and hair color, proving that beauty and creativity are not limited to neurotypical or conventional standards.
Self-love has been a journey. My weight, sexually and autism don’t define me and I define me. Shows like the bold type inspire me to be confident, embrace who I am and purse my dreams. I continue learning about myself every day, surrounded by supportive friends and family. My message is simple: be unapologetically yourself. Share your story, express your identity, and show others how to love themselves, even when it’s hard. The world needs authenticity, and you have the power to offer it.
