As many of you may not know, in my early 20s I faced a pretty rough diagnosis that has changed my life forever. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This was a low blow for a second, but like every hill you fall down, the only option is to walk back up. Walking back up for me meant changing my entire health routine. Physically, my life was altered. But mentally, my life felt crushed. It's hard to feel different from medical conditions. It was hard to go in public and be the only person taking an insulin shot at dinner, or wearing a short sleeve shirt and being the only one with a medical device on my arm. I understand that a lot of people aren't educated in Type 1 diabetes, but I think it's very important to spread awareness and understand the condition because feeling out of place is a very hard feeling, especially when you first get diagnosed. It took me a very long time to fearlessly show my dexcom on my arm and even invest in getting an insulin pump (another medical device I wear to regulate my insulin better). But people shouldn't feel abnormal for a medical condition they can't reverse.
Type 1 diabetes should be something that we get applause for because it's something you can't even begin to understand until you go through it yourself. I grew up being educated in type 1 diabetes my whole life because my dad is diabetic, and despite my full understanding of it, it takes being in those shoes to see how strange and difficult the journey is. I want everyone to remember that their struggles and imperfections are what make them human and it's what makes them beautiful.
Recently when I was at the mall with my younger sister, who was very recently diagnosed as well. We noticed an Aerie model had a dexcom on her arm. This was one of the best ways I could feel represented. I loved that it was simple and blended in with everyone else. Their representation was not making us stand out from everyone, it was blending us in. "You may have type 1 diabetes, but I promise you can do what everyone else can" is what I understood from their marketing. When I was home, I searched the campaign and Aerie recently dropped a campaign called 'Represent the Real You". I adore this, it doesn't just apply to diabetes, it's all imperfections and struggles that make us feel less human. Having unique features or medical devices is what makes you more human. And I love that Aerie, a giant corporate brand with a ton of popularity with the younger generation can help me feel like everyone else.
Representation for type 1 diabetes is very important, the majority of type 1 diabetics I've met have tried to hide their medical condition. It's totally okay to hide your dexcom but it's not okay to keep it a secret. It's not okay to feel ashamed, I want everyone with type 1 diabetes to know that you are like everyone else. There are models, Olympic athletes, singers, politicians, and so many more kinds of people who have diabetes. Don't feel doomed that you can never be as healthy, strong, or beautiful as everyone else. That is what happens when you let type 1 diabetes define who you are. But Diabetes is just one part of who you are, and it's the part of us that makes us so strong.
I would love it if other businesses followed in Aerie's footsteps. Some little girl at the mall is smiling from ear to ear because the same Dexcom she wears is big and bold on the wall of Aerie. The world would be a better place if we celebrated everyone. Aerie's marketing addressed an audience that no one has ever thought of before.
Little girls in malls shouldn't just look at the advertising that makes them feel out of place or less beautiful, but society should make little girls feel empowered and they should feel like they are equals to everyone else. Because the most peaceful thing for the mind to feel is a confidence and satisfaction in who they are, and that can start by representing every kind of beauty.
I am so so thankful for this campaign and it touched my heart. I hope that we see more advertising and marketing that thinks outside the box and is inclusive for everyone. Go Aerie!!
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