Stephanie Tiangco: The Unfiltered Voice of Birthmarked.com

WHO AM I?

"...as if I were some exhibit"

Having a birthmark today, I think, is a different experience than it was when I was a child. I feel that there is more awareness now (although it is still lacking). Today, there is a bit more space for people who look like me.

As a kid, I was practically glued to my mom’s side, using her as a shield from curious people who wanted answers or to give input on my appearance. Most people just didn’t know what to make of a face veiled in red and purple hues. She was constantly having to answer absurd questions from strangers who were just trying to be helpful or who were just curious: "No, I wasn't burned in a fire", "No, your miracle cream isn’t going to make my birthmark vanish", and "No, there is nothing wrong with my face".

This, like many of us, was my daily experience with public outings. People didn’t just stare at my birthmarked face, they felt they could ask my mom about me … as if I were some exhibit: like I wasn’t even there.

These were the common threads in most of my early memories growing up with a port wine stain.

But that said, it was experiences like these that formed the person I am today: not a shy, self-conscious little girl, but a confident, reflective, outspoken individual. And now, I want to connect with others like me who are on their own journey to find beauty in their lives.

Acceptance

I’ve read enough self-help books to know that “embracing” one’s appearance is the trendy thing to do. But let’s get real — I can't really say I embrace my birthmark. But I can say that I truly do accept my birthmark. It’s there, it’s not going anywhere, and I’m absolutely okay with that.

Thanks to a childhood that was more battleground than playground, I don’t do pity parties, and I certainly don’t need anyone’s sympathy votes. My birthmark may have contributed to me being self-reliant and, more importantly, resilient. I have spent my life figuring out how to thrive, fit in, make friends, feel accepted, feel not less than, and feel beautiful. I know how lucky I have been. But, I understand that not everyone is as forward and as extroverted as me. There are some who may need to be empowered and maybe, my experience will connect with someone out there.

Building a Tribe

So that brings us here.

I’m not just here to tell my story, I’m here to connect and to build a tribe. I want to give important and interesting information that pertains to us. I want to hear from you, swap war tales, and maybe share a laugh or two. This is about creating a space where we can be seen by peers who really gets this part of us. I also hope to learn from this community and maybe get a chance to see things from a different perspective, gain new skills, share, learn and connect.

Empowerment, Not Pity

This project isn’t about seeking validation or fishing for compliments. It’s about empowerment and knowledge. You can expect to find information about the latest research, treatment options, and lifestyle tips here. I’ll be talking about the kind of stuff that can make a real difference in our lives, like how to navigate the maze of health care or how to reduce inflammation through diet. I will give you all the skincare and beauty tips I practice, and products I use. It’s about making those small changes that add up.

Welcome

So welcome to Birthmarked.com. Stick around, share your story, and let’s take this journey together. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just walking each other home.

Stephanie Tiangco

Live a Life Marked.