There are two things 19-year-old trans model Ariel Moura (@mourariel) doesn’t leave home without: authenticity and self-love. “We learn something new every day, but a lesson that I take with me wherever I go is to be myself,” she says. Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Ariel believes that cultivating high self-esteem and maintaining the right friendships were two key factors during her earlier teen years. “I have always been very sure of myself, and the self-confidence that I exuded worked as a shield. I also always had friends, who are still my friends today, who made that awful high school period very enjoyable.” With a routine of castings, photo essays and catwalks, Ariel sets aside a few minutes each day to take photos of her looks and styles. “I would define my style as high-low. I love mixing vintage pieces that I pick out at thrift stores with modern finds from fast-fashion stores.”
It’s June, and in many countries that means it’s time to celebrate #Pride2017. All month long, we’ll be sharing stories from diverse LGBTQ community members from around the world, like Ariel.
Discover more stories from Brazil on @instagrambrasil.
Photo by @mourariel