TEDxAustinWomen 2013

How do you define yourself?

Born with a rare disorder that prevents her from gaining weight, Lizzie Velasquez has faced more negativity and bullying than most. Over time, she's developed a simple but effective coping mechanism. "Tell me those negative things," she says. "I'm gonna turn them around and use them as a ladder to climb up to my goals." In this funny, personal talk, Lizzie shares her story - and the tools to help people reject hateful perspectives while embracing self-definition.