A woman has revealed how people often call her a “monkey” and tell her to shave – but she isn’t listening to them.
Asyikin Abdul Rahman feels “naked” without her body hair.
The 27-year-old says it makes her feel connected to her dad.
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And despite the hurtful words she receives online, the content creator is learning to embrace her natural state; no matter what people think.
In a clip, which has racked up 66,000 views and over 900 likes, she reveals the names she’s often called.
“People have compared me to animals such as a ‘monkey’, ‘gorilla’ or ‘orangutan,’“ Asyikin told What’s The Jam.
“They’ve also said things like ‘manly’, ‘half man’, ‘ugly’ and ‘disgusting’.
“Or told me I should shave to look ‘more feminine’.
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“For a long time, I felt pressured to remove my arm hair.
“I even tried shaving because of beauty standards and social expectations.
“But I don’t keep my hairy arms for fame or for people’s approval.
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“I do it for myself.
“I’ve accepted that choosing to be unapologetically me can come with risks, including cyberbullying, and I’m willing to face that.
“Now I actually feel naked without my hair.”
Asyikin, from Malaysia, has spent the last three years learning to embrace her naturally hairy body.
She said: “Before, I often felt insecure and self-conscious.
“I was very aware of how I looked and worried about how others might judge me; especially online.
“It affected my confidence more than I realised at the time and I didn’t feel fully comfortable being myself.
“I was constantly trying to change myself just to be accepted.
“That moment of awareness made me question why something so natural had to be hidden.
“And I decided to stop fighting my own body and start accepting it instead.
“My arm hair also reminds me of my dad; it’s genetic and seeing it makes me feel connected to him.”
In the clip, Asyikin can be seen singing along to a song while flaunting her hairy arms.
A comment from a user is on the screen, which said: “Shave you monkey.”
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions.
Rastafari said: “Beautiful forevermore.”
Andrea added: “Very beautiful.”
Mckenzie said: “I think you’re gorgeous.”
Jane added: “Shut em up queen.”
Caelie said: “U GO QUEEN.”
Delvyna added: “You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
Sara said: “Never change, darling.”
Rachel added: “Jealousy manifests in ways you never expect.”
Asyikin credits her attitude toward the support from her family and friends.
She hopes to share her story to promote self-acceptance and to show that being authentic isn’t anything to be ashamed of.
She added: “My family and friends who know my background have always been my number one support.
“I’ve also received a lot of supportive messages from people who feel seen and understood through my content.
“Some have shared their own struggles with self-acceptance, which means so much to me.
“Of course, there have been negative comments as well, but they’ve only strengthened my belief that these conversations are necessary.
“For me, body positivity isn’t about being confident all the time – it’s about choosing acceptance, even on difficult days.
“Now, I focus on self-kindness, surrounding myself with supportive people, and consuming content that promotes body acceptance.
“Creating and sharing my own content has also helped me heal and stay grounded in my journey.
“Embracing my body hair is a small but powerful step toward loving myself as I am.
“If my journey can help even one person feel less alone or more comfortable in their own skin, then it’s absolutely worth it.”
