Lizzie Velasquez: A Brave Heart
The Lizzie Velasquez Story is a documentary following the inspiring journey of 26-year-old, 58-pound Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist. Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Velasquez was first bullied as a child in school for looking different and, later online, as a teenager.
When she discovered a YouTube video labeling her “The World’s Ugliest Woman.” The film chronicles unheard stories and details of Lizzie’s physical and emotional journey up to her multi-million-viewed TEDx talk (#1 TEDWomen event of 2013), and follows her pursuit from a motivational speaker to Capitol Hill as she lobbies for the first federal anti-bullying bill: The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA).
The film features private moments with Lizzie’s family including her parents, Rita and Lupe, and siblings Marina and Chris Velasquez. Also appearing in the documentary are anti-bullying advocate and founder of the Megan Meier Foundation, Tina Meier, anti-bullying expert Dr. Bob Faris, and Congresswomen Linda Sanchez, author of SSIA.
The highly acclaimed documentary, which won the Audience Award at SXSW this year, has gone on to win awards at all eight film festivals it has been a part of. Directed and produced by first-time filmmaker, Sara Hirsh Bordo, A BRAVE HEART showcases original music from multi Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. YouTube celebrity Justine Ezarik (“iJustine”) and Alexis Jones, founder of I AM THAT GIRL, serve as executive producers alongside Velasquez.
OMTimes had the pleasure to sit down with Lizzie and interview her about her inspirational story, her Brave Heart movie Project, her career as a writer, and as an inspirational speaker
Exclusive Interview with Lizzie Velasquez
OMTimes: What happened to you as a teenager, with the video of you as The World’s Ugliest Woman and its subsequent comments, is one of the cruelest things I have ever heard of, and yet it did not break you: it made you stronger. Where did you find the strength to transform your life from victim to inspiration?
Lizzie Velasquez: The word “victim” has never been one of my favorite words. It was a mixture of things that helped me transition from feeling like I was at rock bottom to then figuring out a way to create my own truth. I’ve always had a passion for helping others. Figuring out how I was going to use my own voice for good ended up becoming me using my voice to be the voice for other people to speak up against bullying.
OMTimes: What role did your personal faith play?
Lizzie Velasquez: I was born and raised in the Catholic faith. My parents built such a strong path for me to continue on such a beautiful faith journey.
OMTimes: You have forgiven the person who posted the video and those that made the comments. Have you met or been contacted by any of them since? Do you wish to and, if so, what do you expect from them? Lizzie Velasquez: After the initial message I got from the person that posted the bad video I haven’t been contacted by him/her or anyone who left a bad comment. If I were to ever speak to any of them I would let them know I have forgiven them and I hope they found a way to channel their anger instead of using it to hurt other people.
OMTimes: We are defined, sometimes, by forces beyond our control, but more often by our responses to them. In light of your successes, what would you have changed if you could?
Lizzie Velasquez: I wouldn’t change anything that happened in my life. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
OMTimes: You have become an author and a motivational speaker. What is your advice to those who are the victim of bullying? What do you say to someone whose pain has gone past their ability to cope?
Lizzie Velasquez: I would say first and foremost that things will get better. We are often told it will get better but nobody actually explains or shows exactly how it does. I’m hoping my story will be able to shine a light on the superpowers each of us have to fight to get to the other side.
OMTimes: With the rise of the internet and instant communication, you hear stories of people, especially children, being bullied almost every day. What do you believe is the best way to instill tolerance and compassion for others in our children?
Lizzie Velasquez: I believe it’s important for parents to have an open dialogue with their child when it comes to social media. Talking about what is good and what is bad online. Reminding kids that sometimes words can hurt more than actions is also very crucial.
OMTimes: You are lobbying on Capitol Hill for the first Federal Anti-Bullying Bill. Can you tell us about the Bill and where in the process of becoming law is the Bill?
Lizzie Velasquez: The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) t would ensure that schools prohibit bullying and harassment in their codes of conduct, and states to record instances of bullying and harassment in their annual school safety reports.
OMTimes: How can we help you get this law passed?
Lizzie Velasquez: There is a feature on our website www.imwithlizzie.com. There you will be able to support the bill by doing one of four things. First, you will find your specific representative. If there is a green overlay on their photo, that means they support the bill. If there is a red overlay, that means they don’t support the bill. You can then immediately tweet, email, call, or reach out to them on Facebook.
OMTimes: You keep meeting the goals you set for yourself. What future goals do you plan to accomplish?
Lizzie Velasquez: My life is always filled with surprises. If you asked me a year ago if I thought, I would be where I am today I would say not a chance! For that reason, I’m enjoying taking things day by day and seeing where I end up.
Connect with Lizzie Velasquez
Social Media: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
#ImWithLizzie #TheHighRoad
