Trolls Tell Woman She’s ‘Too Ugly’ To Be Posting Pics Of Her Face, She Responds By Posting Selfies For A Year
Last year, Melissa Blake wrote an anti-Trump op-ed piece for CNN and became a subject of cruel online trolling. People called her names like “blobfish” and “whale,” and others went as far as saying that she should be banned from posting photos of herself because she’s too ugly.
The 39-old journalist from Illinois, who suffers from a rare disorder called Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, which is characterized by joint deformities and abnormalities of the head and face, responded in the most badass way possible. Melissa started sharing selfies on social media and has kept it up every single day for a year now.
“I suppose it’s become something of a ritual—one that has brought me comfort and happiness, not to mention taught me plenty of lessons,” she wrote in an essay for Refinery29. Throughout the 366 days sharing selfies, from serious to playful, but all very genuine, Melissa became the biggest inspiration and voice for the disabled community. Not only has she defied trolls, she has also proven that her selfies are her story.
More info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | MelissaBlakeBlog.com
Melissa is a 39-year-old writer and disability activist with the rare Freeman-Sheldon syndrome
Image credits: melissablake81
But back in 2019, she wrote an op-ed against Trump and received cruel backlash
Image credits: melissablake
Trolls wouldn’t stop mocking Melissa’s appearance and calling her names
Melissa responded by making an inspirational statement
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
In an essay Melissa wrote about her year spent posting selfies, she said that it became quite a ritual. Every night before falling asleep, she’d scroll through her selfie gallery and pick one pic to upload on her social media.
Every selfie was tracked with the hashtag #MyBestSelfie and was accompanied by a text where Melissa would talk about her disability, daily routine, ups and downs, and whatever came to her mind that day.
“With each selfie, I felt more comfortable in my own body and discovered a freedom I’d never really felt before as a disabled woman.”
And sharing a selfie every single day for a year that she dedicated to all the disabled peopleout there
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake
Melissa became one of the greatest inspirators on social media, proving nothing is impossible
Image credits: melissablake81
For a woman like Melissa who grew up feeling and looking different from people her age, each click of her iPhone felt like “I was able to have a conversation with my younger self, telling her all the things I wish I had known back when I was a teenager.”
Her #MyBestSelfie initiative became a 366-day journey into self-healing. “So much of our culture is shaped and dictated by beauty standards—what is considered beautiful, who is considered beautiful, even the fact that beauty is valued in the first place.”
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Because our society tells disabled people that they fall out of lines of beauty standards, it was extremely hard for Melissa. But she soon realized she wasn’t the only one.
“I may have started this year of selfies for myself, but I soon realized that these selfies weren’t just about me. Other disabled people told me they identified with my words, too, and they began posting selfies of their own,” she wrote.
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Melissa managed to gather the disabled community to take “our rightful place at society’s table.” The woman dedicated her selfies to every disabled person who continues to fight their way into our societies.
“We can do little things, like sharing our experiences through photos, and still have a huge impact on the world around us. My selfies are my story,” she concluded in a beautiful piece.
Image credits: melissablake81
Throughout the 366 days of self-discovery, Melissa has been actively posting on social media, wrote essays, and even modeled for New York Fashion Week
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
Image credits: melissablake81
And this is what people had to say
Wow, some people are so cruel and nasty. I am disgusted to see a couple of comments on here. What if this was your child, mother, sister, friend etc? Would you be so cruel or would you like seeing others being so heartless. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Good on Melissa Blake on doing this, she should be proud of standing up for herself. The haters are just sad, pathetic losers with nothing better to do.
Bored Panda, WHY is the troll Rokas still allowed to post here with his racial slurs and hate? I have seen comments taken down that were WAY less harmful than his....
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HI Melissa Blake. Firstly, you are not ugly. Secondly. YOU. ARE. NOT. UGLY. However, Trolls are; They’re pathetic individuals that struggle with their own inadequacies. I never respond to their spiteful comments because that’s what they want. The best thing is to just ignore them and let them wallow in their own defecation of putrid thoughts.
This made me cry. Because of anger and frustration for the haters, because of the hurtful, demeaning comments in the article and in the reactions here from shallow, empty people. Well, what else could we expect from the gang of the orange covidiot? I also cried because I'm moved by this beautiful woman, her courage, her soul and intelligence. There are many kinds of beauty and Melissa is beautiful in so many ways. Her smile and wit will win every time. You go, girl!
IKR?! the first thing I noticed about her was her pretty smile.
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Melissa Blake is fabulous and funny and well worth a Twitter follow. And author of this piece? Please don't use the word "suffer" about people's conditions, unless they do. This is ableism. Melissa doesn't look "suffering" to me and nowhere have I seen her describe herself that way. Please respect her as a person and use the language she uses about herself. Thank you :)
I read an article by this lady a long time ago and I looked her up and read her blog about her life and struggles with being bullied online. How sad to read that last year she's getting still getting bullied and worse? People are so awful. This lady is an inspiration. Good on her for putting herself out there proudly.
I just found her on Twitter and now I'm following her. Forever. This is one strong woman, folks!
she is! and @Fast Pony, @bungalowwil, and those other trolls on Twitter are complete idiots and jerks
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OMG I FREAKING LOVE HER HAIR AHHHHHHH. Honey, you get it girl. I don’t swear a lot, but you’re totally worth it. You are so damn gorgeous and you matter, and you have a heart, so you have more than they will ever have. Keep being you, you fantastic you!!!!
Where do these vermin come from, these people who judge so evilly on people's appearances? Like, when did looks trump standards completely? Bless Melissa Blake and all like her! What are perfect looks anyway, geez....
These vermin flock the to internet. It’s the only way they get to feed their narcissistic or sadistic needs without owning any of the consequences. Cowards, frankly.
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This woman is not ugly at all, she's an inspiration and the trolls need to shut up. To everyone who reads this:NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I hope that brightens someone's day.
You are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t listen to those horrible human beings. I can’t even call them that, they aren’t civilized enough to even be a homo sapien. Don’t even want to say animal. I love animals, and it would be cruel to the animals to be grouped up with those monsters.
She is so cute! I just want to hug her!! It made me tear up knowing people can be so horrible for no reason, but she dealt with it so well and is raising a very important point, that people like her need to be seen and accepted and not be shamed into the background. She is a very brave soul. <3
I do believe I have found a new heroine. I think a little dose of Melissa Blake will fit quite nicely on my internal bookshelf of people I admire most. I think I'll put her right next to RBG in the "Reference This When You Need A Reminder Of What's Important" section!
This woman's spirit, beauty and soul makes my heart ache. What a badass, amazing woman. Please come to Toronto and let me wine and dine you!!!
Good for you, Melissa Blake, standing up for yourself and other people with disabilities. You go, girl!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-online-secrets/201409/internet-trolls-are-narcissists-psychopaths-and-sadists
She’s amazing for doing this I remember being like this at school they said I was a nerd cuz I have glasses and braces every.single.day I allways shoves my face in them and when they said that I just promptly replied with I don’t care about your opinions it’s about the people that I care about opinions that I mind and THNAK YOU SO Much your so pretty and you should never feel ashamed of that
MELISSA! You are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I've ever come across! This post made me cry. Honey I don't UNDERSTAND why people are so dad-blame mean! I'm sorry you had to hear those ridiculous and INSECURE statements from those insecure people, I feel sorry for them. But you!! You my girl, I am astounded at your bravery, your ability to face those wretched mean words and fight back!! All I gotta say is GO YOU! Gosh I'm literally crying. I could never be that brave. And did I say you were astoundingly beautiful? I did, haha I know I did, but you ARE! I wanna be your friend. My name is Ellie Paynter on FB from Middlesboro Kentucky or Clinton Tennessee....I'm so computer illiterate I'm not sure what I put on there. pLLEASE FRIEND
love her eyes, her smile, her hair color. If somebody has a problem with her, surely has to deal with them selves, and their own demons must be a legion
honestly, she looks very different. but that doesn’t matter. i think she looks so cute, especially in the picture where you can see her on her vehicle. i also love her facial expression, so friendly and warm ☺️. i hope she‘ll post more photos in the future
she should do a freakin glamour-photoshoot, just to annoy those assholes. what the f**k is wrong with people?
I didn’t like people called and threatened to why is people thinks ugly is because of disabled or illness.
I love how happy she looks in all of these! no matter what people say about you: if you are happy, it shines through past all the hate. beauty comes when you are happy. happiness comes first.
GO GIRL, GO! I will probably never be asked to model; I despise Donald Trump for factual reasons; I support accessibility, compassion and empathy; and I wear a mask because I'm part of a community who care about each other. I STAND WITH MELISSA!
I know some absolutely stunning women that I wouldn't give the time of day. They have ugly soles and small minds. I would much rather hang with someone like Melissa who seems wicked funny. Now that's entertaining.
Awwwww this is great! im glad she didnt let those trolls get to her. Look at her lil' shoes!!!
Humanity is trash for the most part. Disabled people are some of the most resilient & kind. If only those with outer beauty would learn from them, this world might not suck so much. But "pretty" people get by on their looks and don't develop empathy or other positive traits and often become downright assholes, resulting in the hateful behavior we see here. Her spelling and grammar is also 100x better than those who insult her so there's something to be said for that.
Loved this! Morality start at home. Parents of the next generation need to focus on this and governments need to focus more on education. People need to flex their brains with knowledge (and I don’t mean Google). Maybe then they’ll have something of value to say.
Hi Mellissa, I recall your post last year, amazing how many morons, think they are better than others, it usually means they have low self esteem, you have a career, you are strong, a good person, who was dealt with a terrible disease, " But for the grace of God, go I " a thought for some ! Wishing you, a life that only gets better !!!
I am sorry that some people havr been so rude. You are a kind, smart lady, doing some very good work. Keep in mind not everyone is cruel. Ignorance abounds, but you are a sterlng example of those who can help spread understanding and kindness.
Good on you Melissa. Glad you aren't paying to the littledick trolls.
The only beauty that really counts is on the inside. Sadly there are relatively few humans who are beautiful on the inside and those that are get judged by what they look like.
She has an obvious handicap and thus a face that doesn't look 'normal'. She also is radiating brightness and warmth and strength. She looks a lot better than some of those heavily edited instagramm influencers, I've seen and very much like a person I'd love to meet.
I admire her confidence, what a strong and beautiful woman, you go girl!!!
Loved it! Since the names of those who trolled is available, time to shame and bullies?! Bullies should not be allowed to get away with it.
I like how you stand up for Melissa. But i don't think shaming bullies by doing the same proves any point.
Load More Replies... This Melissa woman is phenomenal!!! I truly admire her strength, beauty and confidence. Whoever is being bullied or made fun of out there, take Melissa's attitude as a perfect example and work on developing the same one for yourselves. Be you. Love you. And don't let ANYONE take yourself away from you. There are always going to be bullies and those who are straight up heartless but don't let them get to your spirit because that's want they want. They want to hurt people. So don't let them win! I cried when I read this story but then I smiled at how lovely this women is and wished more people had her kind of heart.
I don't understand how someone can be bothered by a woman posting pictures of herself. How does that affect you, really? She's not hurting anyone, she's not doing anything offensive. Let people live their lives.
Load More Replies... Wow, some people are so cruel and nasty. I am disgusted to see a couple of comments on here. What if this was your child, mother, sister, friend etc? Would you be so cruel or would you like seeing others being so heartless. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Good on Melissa Blake on doing this, she should be proud of standing up for herself. The haters are just sad, pathetic losers with nothing better to do.
Bored Panda, WHY is the troll Rokas still allowed to post here with his racial slurs and hate? I have seen comments taken down that were WAY less harmful than his....
Load More Replies... HI Melissa Blake. Firstly, you are not ugly. Secondly. YOU. ARE. NOT. UGLY. However, Trolls are; They’re pathetic individuals that struggle with their own inadequacies. I never respond to their spiteful comments because that’s what they want. The best thing is to just ignore them and let them wallow in their own defecation of putrid thoughts.
This made me cry. Because of anger and frustration for the haters, because of the hurtful, demeaning comments in the article and in the reactions here from shallow, empty people. Well, what else could we expect from the gang of the orange covidiot? I also cried because I'm moved by this beautiful woman, her courage, her soul and intelligence. There are many kinds of beauty and Melissa is beautiful in so many ways. Her smile and wit will win every time. You go, girl!
IKR?! the first thing I noticed about her was her pretty smile.
Load More Replies... Melissa Blake is fabulous and funny and well worth a Twitter follow. And author of this piece? Please don't use the word "suffer" about people's conditions, unless they do. This is ableism. Melissa doesn't look "suffering" to me and nowhere have I seen her describe herself that way. Please respect her as a person and use the language she uses about herself. Thank you :)
I read an article by this lady a long time ago and I looked her up and read her blog about her life and struggles with being bullied online. How sad to read that last year she's getting still getting bullied and worse? People are so awful. This lady is an inspiration. Good on her for putting herself out there proudly.
I just found her on Twitter and now I'm following her. Forever. This is one strong woman, folks!
she is! and @Fast Pony, @bungalowwil, and those other trolls on Twitter are complete idiots and jerks
Load More Replies... OMG I FREAKING LOVE HER HAIR AHHHHHHH. Honey, you get it girl. I don’t swear a lot, but you’re totally worth it. You are so damn gorgeous and you matter, and you have a heart, so you have more than they will ever have. Keep being you, you fantastic you!!!!
Where do these vermin come from, these people who judge so evilly on people's appearances? Like, when did looks trump standards completely? Bless Melissa Blake and all like her! What are perfect looks anyway, geez....
These vermin flock the to internet. It’s the only way they get to feed their narcissistic or sadistic needs without owning any of the consequences. Cowards, frankly.
Load More Replies... This woman is not ugly at all, she's an inspiration and the trolls need to shut up. To everyone who reads this:NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I hope that brightens someone's day.
You are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t listen to those horrible human beings. I can’t even call them that, they aren’t civilized enough to even be a homo sapien. Don’t even want to say animal. I love animals, and it would be cruel to the animals to be grouped up with those monsters.
She is so cute! I just want to hug her!! It made me tear up knowing people can be so horrible for no reason, but she dealt with it so well and is raising a very important point, that people like her need to be seen and accepted and not be shamed into the background. She is a very brave soul. <3
I do believe I have found a new heroine. I think a little dose of Melissa Blake will fit quite nicely on my internal bookshelf of people I admire most. I think I'll put her right next to RBG in the "Reference This When You Need A Reminder Of What's Important" section!
This woman's spirit, beauty and soul makes my heart ache. What a badass, amazing woman. Please come to Toronto and let me wine and dine you!!!
Good for you, Melissa Blake, standing up for yourself and other people with disabilities. You go, girl!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-online-secrets/201409/internet-trolls-are-narcissists-psychopaths-and-sadists
She’s amazing for doing this I remember being like this at school they said I was a nerd cuz I have glasses and braces every.single.day I allways shoves my face in them and when they said that I just promptly replied with I don’t care about your opinions it’s about the people that I care about opinions that I mind and THNAK YOU SO Much your so pretty and you should never feel ashamed of that
MELISSA! You are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I've ever come across! This post made me cry. Honey I don't UNDERSTAND why people are so dad-blame mean! I'm sorry you had to hear those ridiculous and INSECURE statements from those insecure people, I feel sorry for them. But you!! You my girl, I am astounded at your bravery, your ability to face those wretched mean words and fight back!! All I gotta say is GO YOU! Gosh I'm literally crying. I could never be that brave. And did I say you were astoundingly beautiful? I did, haha I know I did, but you ARE! I wanna be your friend. My name is Ellie Paynter on FB from Middlesboro Kentucky or Clinton Tennessee....I'm so computer illiterate I'm not sure what I put on there. pLLEASE FRIEND
love her eyes, her smile, her hair color. If somebody has a problem with her, surely has to deal with them selves, and their own demons must be a legion
honestly, she looks very different. but that doesn’t matter. i think she looks so cute, especially in the picture where you can see her on her vehicle. i also love her facial expression, so friendly and warm ☺️. i hope she‘ll post more photos in the future
she should do a freakin glamour-photoshoot, just to annoy those assholes. what the f**k is wrong with people?
I didn’t like people called and threatened to why is people thinks ugly is because of disabled or illness.
I love how happy she looks in all of these! no matter what people say about you: if you are happy, it shines through past all the hate. beauty comes when you are happy. happiness comes first.
GO GIRL, GO! I will probably never be asked to model; I despise Donald Trump for factual reasons; I support accessibility, compassion and empathy; and I wear a mask because I'm part of a community who care about each other. I STAND WITH MELISSA!
I know some absolutely stunning women that I wouldn't give the time of day. They have ugly soles and small minds. I would much rather hang with someone like Melissa who seems wicked funny. Now that's entertaining.
Awwwww this is great! im glad she didnt let those trolls get to her. Look at her lil' shoes!!!
Humanity is trash for the most part. Disabled people are some of the most resilient & kind. If only those with outer beauty would learn from them, this world might not suck so much. But "pretty" people get by on their looks and don't develop empathy or other positive traits and often become downright assholes, resulting in the hateful behavior we see here. Her spelling and grammar is also 100x better than those who insult her so there's something to be said for that.
Loved this! Morality start at home. Parents of the next generation need to focus on this and governments need to focus more on education. People need to flex their brains with knowledge (and I don’t mean Google). Maybe then they’ll have something of value to say.
Hi Mellissa, I recall your post last year, amazing how many morons, think they are better than others, it usually means they have low self esteem, you have a career, you are strong, a good person, who was dealt with a terrible disease, " But for the grace of God, go I " a thought for some ! Wishing you, a life that only gets better !!!
I am sorry that some people havr been so rude. You are a kind, smart lady, doing some very good work. Keep in mind not everyone is cruel. Ignorance abounds, but you are a sterlng example of those who can help spread understanding and kindness.
Good on you Melissa. Glad you aren't paying to the littledick trolls.
The only beauty that really counts is on the inside. Sadly there are relatively few humans who are beautiful on the inside and those that are get judged by what they look like.
She has an obvious handicap and thus a face that doesn't look 'normal'. She also is radiating brightness and warmth and strength. She looks a lot better than some of those heavily edited instagramm influencers, I've seen and very much like a person I'd love to meet.
I admire her confidence, what a strong and beautiful woman, you go girl!!!
Loved it! Since the names of those who trolled is available, time to shame and bullies?! Bullies should not be allowed to get away with it.
I like how you stand up for Melissa. But i don't think shaming bullies by doing the same proves any point.
Load More Replies... This Melissa woman is phenomenal!!! I truly admire her strength, beauty and confidence. Whoever is being bullied or made fun of out there, take Melissa's attitude as a perfect example and work on developing the same one for yourselves. Be you. Love you. And don't let ANYONE take yourself away from you. There are always going to be bullies and those who are straight up heartless but don't let them get to your spirit because that's want they want. They want to hurt people. So don't let them win! I cried when I read this story but then I smiled at how lovely this women is and wished more people had her kind of heart.
I don't understand how someone can be bothered by a woman posting pictures of herself. How does that affect you, really? She's not hurting anyone, she's not doing anything offensive. Let people live their lives.
Load More Replies...
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