Everyone is born with their unique striking beauty. 25-year-old Chelsea Werner from Danville, California was born with Down syndrome , the most common chromosomal defect (1 in 700 babies) that delays physiological and intellectual development. Chelsea was introduced to gymnastics at the age of four to help her develop strong muscles because most people with Down syndrome suffer from low muscle strength. Chelsea showed remarkable gymnastic talent and later went on to win four Olympic championships in gymnastics. Chelsea has now been recruited as a model by We Speak , an international fashion agency aimed at encouraging people to love their bodies and never be shamed by the way they are. Werner hopes to be a voice for people born with Down syndrome. The HeartySoul - Read more
Childhood / Junior High Growing up, there was a narrative that I heard time and time again. It began with the damsel in distress story. Then it continued as my older cousins married opposite-sex partners. As I started adolescence, my mom constantly reminded me she expected me to go to college, find the right man, and have her grandchildren. As a child, all of this made sense because of heteronormativity . I was attracted to boys, yet a certain part of me wanted to object to these notions placed upon me by my family and society . The idea of going to prom with or getting married to some man made me uncomfortable. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it was what the world expected of me. I don’t remember the exact moment when I realized that I liked girls, but I believe I was born the way I am. I do remember having some feelings toward the opposite sex as early as 6th grade, but I repressed them. They were just girl crushes, I told myself, and everyone has girl crushes. In the sm
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