It’s time for another We are the World Blogfest. Sometimes all the bad news in the media can get us down, but the WATWB aims to raise our spirits by introducing us to positive, heartwarming news stories from all over the world. Luckily there are still plenty of good things going on in the world to restore our faith in humanity.
“We Are the World Blogfest” seeks to promote positive news. There are many an oasis of love and light out there, stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Sharing these stories increases our awareness of hope in our increasingly dark world.
The co-hosts are: Belinda Witzenhausen, Emerald Barnes, Eric Lahti, Inderpreet Uppal, Lynn Hallbrooks, Mary Giese, Michelle Wallace, Peter Nena, Roshan Radhakrishnan, Simon Falk, Susan Scott, Sylvia McGrath, Sylvia Stein.
If you’d like to take part, you can sign up and read the guidelines here.
The news stories I’m linking to today weren’t actually published this month, but they both have a message about challenging our perception of beauty and celebrating diversity, which I think is a message worth sharing!
‘Different is Amazing’…
Earlier this week, I saw a video on Facebook about a 19-year-old girl called Kate Grant who has Downs syndrome. Kate has always wanted to a model, but until recently the modelling industry hasn’t been open to people with disabilities. Back in October, Kate became the first model with Down’s syndrome to work at Belfast Fashion Week, where she received a standing ovation.
She is now working with the charity Fixers to inspire other young people with disabilities to follow their dreams and to challenge perceptions on disability. You can read the full story and watch the video from ITV news here, or catch up with the documentary about her career Role Model on BBC One.
…and ‘Beauty Belongs to Everyone’
Kate Grant’s story reminds me of an American model called Katie Meade whom I heard about a couple of years ago. Katie was the first model with Down’s syndrome to become the face of a beauty campaign, representing Beauty & Pin-Ups “Fearless” hair products. She has battled heart surgery and competed in the Special Olympics. She’s now living her dream and inspiring others with disabilities to never give up through her job as international spokeswoman for Best Buddies. You can read more about Katie’s story here.
“I haven’t seen anybody with Down’s syndrome be models and now is the time to see more people with disabilities can have a chance, too. […] I was given a chance to shine. I want the world to see people with disabilities have abilities and beauty belongs to everyone.” ~Katie Meade
I find both these women truly inspiring. As well as being gorgeous on the outside, their inner beauty shines through in their determination to help others. I’ve seen quite a few similar stories recently about other people with Downs syndrome who are breaking into industries that have previously been blocked to them.
I know that bullying and discrimination still occurs, but I’m so happy that there are so many people now challenging stereotypes and trying to make all industries more inclusive.
Before you go…
What does ‘beauty’ mean to you? Do you have any positive news you would like to share?
What a neat post idea Tizzy! I’m not sure if I have any good news to share but I will certainly be more on the lookout for it! How wonderful that these two women were given a chance to shine despite their challenges. I love hearing about when the world isn’t as nasty a place as we know it can be. ❤️
It can be hard to find the good news amongst all the horrible things going on right now, but it is there when you look hard enough. This blog hop is a good way of restoring my faith in humanity.
Different is amazing and beauty belongs to everyone – yes, yes, yes! I love celebrating stories of inclusivity. Kudos to both these women for following their dreams, and for paving the way for others.
Yes, their stories really made me smile and motivate me to go for my own goals.