HER Story: How record holder Harnaam Kaur became an icon for body positivity

By Kristen Stephenson
Published
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Women’s History Month is an annual celebration in March that highlights the contributions of women to events in history, as well as the outstanding landmark achievements they’ve made.

At Guinness World Records we have seen our female record holders reach remarkable milestones, so to mark Women's History Month we're running a series called “HER Story”. 

In "HER Story"we've spoken to some of these women about their records and also about their lives to help celebrate their achievements and inspire others.

To start the series we're talking to a 27-year-old who claimed her Guinness World Records title back in 2015.

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Who is Harnaam Kaur?

Harnaam Kaur from Slough (UK) starred in our 2017 edition. She is recognised as an inspiring record holder, especially for the powerful story behind her record: Youngest female with a full beard.

Born on 29 November 1990, Harnaam first started to notice that she was growing facial hair at the age of 11.

She was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that means she has much more testosterone than most women which is what causes hair to grow on her face.

While she admits it took years to overcome bullying and finally take ownership of her appearance, the 24-year-old amazed many with her perseverance, self-love, and body image activism.

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On becoming a female record holder

"I was absolutely thrilled to now be celebrated and world renowned for something that I was previously bullied and body shamed for. My record is evident that you can achieve anything and everything once you are authentic and living life truthfully for yourself."

"I feel my record shows that regardless of who you are, where you come from or how you look, we can and all deserve to be celebrated. Don’t hide your true self away from people; flaunt who you are unashamedly. To date, my favourite achievement is being a motivational speaker, especially doing a TEDx Warwick talk. It’s been an incredible experience being able to take my words and message worldwide and become a superhero for young children."

"It’s amazing helping people to reform their lives.

"I have had to put my personal life on hold to achieve my dreams and goals, and to this day I am still faced with discrimination, ostracisation in society.

"I am still cyberbullied and I have to deal with death threats, but I believe my purpose and life is far more superior than their abuse and torment.

"These comments have not deterred my plans for the future, I will continue to change people’s lives and become a reputable motivational speaker."

"To any women in the world who have faced criticism, or have dreams to become a Guinness World Records title holder, be persistent and don’t give up. If you fail, keep on going."

"I never really understood what role I had to play in this world as a bearded lady. As the years have gone on I have realised that I was born to stand up proud as a woman who promotes body confidence with in both genders, I was born to show the world something else apart from the ‘societies norm,’ and I was born to help people become confident and comfortable with in themselves."