This Bearded Bride is Delivering a Powerful Message About Body Positivity

After being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition that causes women to produce high levels of male hormones, Harnaam Kaur began to grow a beard at age 11. For many years, she faced constant bullying, suffered through twice-weekly waxing to remove her facial hair, and even resorted to self-harm.

But at age 16, something changed.“I had been suicidal all year due to immense bullying from school and people in society. I hid away and did not want to venture out into the public. My bedroom was my only safe haven. I was hugely depressed. I remember sitting on my bed and thinking about taking my own life," Kaur told Rock N Roll Bride, who just featured her in a breathtaking bridal shoot. "But instead, as I sat there, I started to counsel myself. I told myself ‘The energy you are putting into ending your life, put all that energy into turning your life around and doing something better’.”

She adds, "At that point I decided I wanted to be me. I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look like. Today I am not suicidal and I do not self harm. Today I am happy living as a young beautiful bearded woman. I have realised that this body is mine, I own it, I do not have any other body to live in so I may as well love it unconditionally."

Rock N Roll Bride's beautiful post features Kaur's moving story, along with a photo shoot organized by Louisa Coulthurst, of London's Urban Bridesmaid Photography, who first saw Kaur’s portrait in the "Beard" exhibition at Somerset House this past March. Intrigued by the flower beard trend that's swept the wedding industry, she reached out to Kaur to see if she would be interested in participating in the inspirational shoot, and Kaur was thrilled.

We are beyond moved by Kaur's story and these powerful images. What a strong reminder to—as she so perfectly puts it—"Love yourself, YOU are the only YOU that YOU have.” Make sure to take a look at the entire shoot over on Rock N Roll Bride!