Marina Alonzo

July is Disability Pride Month, and I have been wanting to write about this for a few weeks. I am visually impaired and I have tried not to let it affect me in life. I’ve always been anxious about wearing makeup because I might not be able to tell if it’s blended all the way or if my makeup actually looks good.

When I was in high school, the makeup trends were very different than they are now. Everything was full coverage, intense, glam makeup tutorials I used to watch on YouTube that I had no idea how to do and no intention of doing them. It always made me feel insecure.Now, there’s clean makeup and there are a lot more makeup tutorials on how to glow and look natural. There are a lot more sheer products now, including the Glow Recipe Dew Drops that are so popular right now.

I’ve always been plus size as well, and growing up in the south was not the best place for that. Everyone was “just being honest” when they would tell me what I could and could not wear and there were no shops with inclusive clothing. I am so grateful now that body positivity is the trend and there is so many stores with inclusive clothing. Yes, there are still clothes that won’t look good on me, but at least I have the option to try them on and find out.

I have traveled all over the world and I’m not done. There’s so much more I want to see and do. Teens and young adults with disabilities shouldn’t limit themselves based on what’s trending and think outside the box. I might not have been on trend with outfits and makeup growing up but I sure did see the world. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced good and bad.