parks
People considered me ugly as a child. Now, I know they were wrong
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 17, 2026
· 7 min read
By Stephanie Fairyington, CNN
I was 10 years old the first time I was basically told I was ugly.
After a swim in my family’s pool, I was racing up and down the street with the neighborhood kids in the cul-de-sac where I grew up when a woman bunched up her nose and lobbed a barbed question: “W...
Key takeaway I only remember retreating from the scene of pool-drenched kids shrieking this way and that on Cord Avenue in Downey, California.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The story of a child being told they are ugly is a stark reminder of the impact that words can have on a person's self-perception. In El Paso , where community and family ties are strong, the pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards can be particularly intense. For young people growing up in this city, the struggle to find self-acceptance and self-love can be a significant challenge. The fact that the author found their community and felt attractive for the first time after coming out in their late teens highlights the importance of inclusive and supportive environments. As El Paso continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that community leaders and organizations prioritize creating spaces where people of all backgrounds and identities can feel valued and accepted. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, El Paso can help its young people develop a positive self-image and thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Stephanie Fairyington, CNN
I was 10 years old the first time I was basically told I was ugly.
After a swim in my family’s pool, I was racing up and down the street with the neighborhood kids in the cul-de-sac where I grew up when a woman bunched up her nose and lobbed a barbed question: “W...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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