Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack your hair follicles triggering the hairs to fall out. Cheltenham Ave discusses what it’s like learning self-love and how to live well with the stress of a changing appearance.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack your hair follicles triggering the hairs to fall out. Cheltenham Ave discusses what it’s like learning self-love and how to live well with the stress of a changing appearance.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack your hair follicles triggering the hairs to fall out. Cheltenham Ave discusses what it’s like learning self-love and how to live well with the stress of a changing appearance.

With alopecia, I felt as if I didn't fit the mold. I grew uncomfortable with my appearance. I began to believe that people would assess me based on looks and my prospects for a romantic relationship would diminish. Fighting against the notion that it was acceptable to judge someone by their looks, I strived to do the opposite.

On January 16th, The Root posted a video that moved me both as a man of color and a person living with alopecia. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was poised, articulate, and stunning as she spoke about her journey to find peace after losing all of her hair to Alopecia. 

Too many times I've stared in the mirror and thought negatively of myself compared to "hairy" people. Too many times I was ignorant thinking I was less than others because of my appearance. Too many times I lacked the courage to grow because I wasn't confident in my sense of self. For many of us, the conference was a celebration promoting the freedom to be authentic.