Model and activist Winnie Harlow is well-known for her strong influence in the fashion industry. Despite her struggles with vitiligo, a skin condition that results in white spots, she has emerged as a well-known voice for body positivity and acceptance of oneself.

When Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo as a teenager, her journey officially began. She decided to embrace her distinctive appearance and use her platform to encourage others who might be going through similar struggles, rather than allowing it to define her or limit her goals. She makes it very clear that she is not a spokesperson for vitiligo just because she has it. Anyone can talk about their experiences without being an official representative, in her opinion.

Imagine entering a garden where each flower has a distinct color and design. Every flower stands for a person with a variety of experiences, including those who struggle with vitiligo or other skin disorders. One flower in the garden does not necessarily speak for the others just because it is the most noticeable. In a similar vein, Harlow urges everyone to embrace their uniqueness without feeling compelled to speak for a whole community, even as she shares her own experience and promotes acceptance.

Through her art, Harlow emphasizes that advocacy and self-expression are not necessarily associated with a specific experience or condition, but can instead be a personal decision. Many people who want to dismantle obstacles and question conventional standards of acceptance and beauty find resonance in her message.