After an unauthorized picture of her was posted in Reddit’s “Funny” section, a Sikh woman who sports noticeable facial hair because her faith prohibits body alteration of any kind responded with a detailed explanation of the beliefs behind her unconventional appearance:
Yes, I realize that my gender is often confused and I look different than most women. However, baptized Sikhs believe in the sacredness of this body - it is a gift that has been given to us by the Divine Being and, must keep it intact as a submission to the divine will. Just as a child doesn’t reject the gift of his/her parents, Sikhs do not reject the body that has been given to us.
And then, restoring everyone’s faith in humanity, the Redditor who posted the picture actually apologized to the woman. With a genuine apology and everything.
Two things:
- Seriously, guys. An actual apology. On the internet.
- If this woman can not only walk around in a beard all the time but behave graciously and receptively to people who mock her, what does that say about the robustness and veracity of my own faith?