Tasha Ghouri, known for her appearance on Love Island and now a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, recently opened up about her experiences with bullying during her school years.
This journey has not only shaped her resilience but also fueled her determination to succeed and prove her detractors wrong.
Overcoming Challenges
Born deaf, Tasha received her cochlear implant at the age of five, paving the way for her to break barriers as the first deaf contestant on Love Island in 2022.
Reflecting on her past, she shared that being bullied for her hearing impairment was tough, but it became a source of motivation for her.
“When I was being bullied, I always thought, ‘One day I’ll prove you all wrong,’” she told The Daily Star.
Today, as she shines on Strictly, Tasha is delighted to have turned that motivation into reality, saying, “I’m so pleased that I never let the bullies stop me.”
A Rising Star on Strictly
Tasha’s talent has not gone unnoticed; she received a standing ovation in her first week and nearly topped the leaderboard with a vibrant Cha Cha Cha performance.
Judge Shirley Ballas praised her exceptional leg movements, awarding her a perfect score of 30.
Motsi Mabuse echoed that sentiment, declaring Tasha started her journey “so high” that there’s no going back.
Even Craig, known for his critical eye, simply exclaimed, “Slay, slay, slay!”
Tasha’s partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, acknowledged her potential, saying he was struggling to keep up with her talent.
Addressing Online Bullying
Back in February, Tasha bravely tackled the subject of online trolling regarding her voice.
During a heartfelt discussion on Lorraine, she revealed the difficulties she faced when people criticized her speech, especially when she removed her implant.
“When I have my implant in, I can hear my voice, but when I take it out, I only feel vibrations,” she explained.
This difference led to misunderstandings about her accent, and Tasha faced a wave of ableism online, with people mocking her voice.
Advocacy and Awareness
Despite the challenges, Tasha is committed to raising awareness for the deaf community and normalizing the conversation around deaf accents.
Her journey has not only highlighted her strength but also made her a role model for many.
Tasha’s experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding, as she continues to shine brightly in the spotlight.
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