Vitiligo sufferers want to break the stereotype of beauty, proof that they can become models
Suffering from vitilgo is not an obstacle for Siti Nuur Hidayu to enter the field of modeling and further break the stereotypes of the field.
KUALA LUMPUR: Suffering from vitiligo or sopak, which makes the skin appear patchy, is not an obstacle for Siti Nuur Hidayu Muhammad, 33, to enter the world of modeling and further break the stereotypes of the field.
Starting to suffer from the disease that causes the skin to lose color or pigment thus revealing the facial skin with white spots since the age of 19, this woman rose up by making it a uniqueness rather than a lack of self.
She, who is also an assistant manager at a digital economy center, also does not have a personal mission, but instead wants to make the glamorous field a platform to give exposure to the public about the ‘rare’ disease.
Often sharing his journey as a vitiligo patient through blog writing and social media, this holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia also wants to inspire individuals and groups experiencing the same fate to not feel left out and lacking.
“It is not easy to face society’s negative perspective, in fact I have been rejected by a few people because of my condition, but that kind of black memory is what strengthens the spirit,” she said.
Siti Nuur Hidayu said that due to the lack of exposure, there are also people who are afraid to approach her because they think the disease is dangerous and can be contagious, and there are also some who mock and look down on her because of the physical difference.
“In terms of vitiligo, it is not a hereditary disease because no member of my family has the disease, but it is related to an autoimmune disorder. At first I also did not know about it and realized that a white spot appeared on my hand after being injured by a machete.
“I thought it was normal but over time the spots started to spread to other parts of the body,” she said.
Recalling her early involvement in modeling career in 2018, this mother of two also never expected to venture into the glamorous field since she is a shy person and does not like to stand out.
Admitting that she was a little awkward acting in front of the camera at the beginning of her involvement, Siti Nuur Hidayu said that she managed to overcome that through the training given by the agency.
“At first I saw an ad looking for models for those with special physical characteristics, so I tried my luck by filling out the form, and didn’t expect to be called for an audition. I didn’t expect to be accepted, while even taking selfies I felt less interested and confident, but now I can make this career as a source of side income,” she said.
Siti Nuur Hidayu can also now be proud of being selected as a ‘stock photos’ model such as iStock and Canva for the international market, and even being the face of choice for the campaigns of several local cosmetic brands.
She hopes that his involvement in the field will be able to open the eyes and minds of the community about vitiligo and will give a better future to future generations who have the same fate as her.
“We need to celebrate differences both in terms of physicality, interests and so on, instead of setting aside those who are seen as different,” she said.
