October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and that distinction is very important to Lizzie Velasquez. Velasquez, a YouTube vlogger and motivational speaker, has a rare congenital disease that prevents her from accumulating body fat and dramatically impacts her physical appearance. As a result, she has become a regular target for cyberbullies, who have in the past dubbed her the “world’s ugliest woman.”
Velasquez has dedicated her life to standing up to her bullies and speaking out against bullying in all its forms. Now, she’s getting some help. In a new video posted by the Women Rising organization, celebrities recognize National Bullying Prevention Month and say “I’m with Lizzie.”
Many of the stars who stand with Velasquez, such as iJustine, Michelle Phan, and Felicia Day, are her peers on YouTube. Others, such as Kristen Bell, Chris Hemsworth, and Katie Couric, and known for their work in TV and film. The message, however, is consistent: Bullying is an extremely damaging act, and it’s time for us to recognize that fact on a federal level.
More information on the “I’m With Lizzie” campaign can be found on its website. There, you can also obtain information about A Brave Heart, a documentary about Velasquez that arrived in theaters on September 25th.
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