Transgender Influencer Born Without Limbs Says Her Hate Comments Are ‘Paying My Bills’ (Exclusive)

**Inspiring Journey of Briel Adams-Wheatley: From Viral Makeup Videos to a Confident Life Online**

Briel Adams-Wheatley, a 26-year-old social media creator from Salt Lake City, Utah, has captured the hearts of many with her makeup videos that gained traction during the pandemic. Born without arms or legs, Adams-Wheatley has transformed her challenges into a platform for empowerment and self-expression.

It all began on a seemingly ordinary day in 2020 when Adams-Wheatley found herself at a crossroads after her planned motivational speaking tour was abruptly cancelled. In search of something to occupy her time, she decided to create a make-up video, a venture she hadn’t initially intended to pursue. The video, filmed from the chest up, garnered unexpected attention, but the initial flood of comments questioning why she wasn’t using her hands soon followed.

Initially hesitant to address the nature of her disability, Adams-Wheatley chose to disclose her conditions as the inquiries multiplied. Sharing her story of being born with limb differences marked a significant turning point in her online presence. Indeed, the confidence to be vulnerable while sharing her life was something that had been nurtured over many years.

Growing up, Adams-Wheatley recalls her adoptive mother’s insistence on fostering her independence, even when she resisted. “My family had this thing we called the ‘walk-walk’,” she explained, referring to a supportive device that she found uncomfortable. Over time, she discovered that her independence flourished more without the use of prosthetics.

As she matured, a desire arose within her to challenge perceptions and showcase her capabilities beyond her physical appearance. A pivotal moment occurred in seventh grade when she auditioned for her school’s talent show without her mother’s prior knowledge. “When I told my mum, she was shocked, but we worked together to refine my routine,” she remarked. This experience opened doors for her socially, allowing her to transcend the label of “the kid in the wheelchair.”

By high school, Adams-Wheatley’s creativity blossomed as she joined the dance company and began choreographing her own routines. Alongside this artistic journey, she also found a passion for makeup. Originally convincing her parents that she needed cosmetics for performances, she gradually honed her application techniques while adapting her environment to suit her needs.

Adams-Wheatley’s story took another positive turn when she met her husband, Adam, through a dating app in 2020. He has played an instrumental role in her life, even constructing a custom desk to facilitate her daily tasks. “He understood me from day one,” she said of their supportive relationship, especially during her transition, which she openly shared with the world in 2023.

Creating content for social media has not always been straightforward. Adams-Wheatley admitted that she initially found it difficult to cope with negativity online, leading to emotional distress. However, she has developed a resilient mindset over time. “I’ve learned to safeguard my mental health,” she stated, adding that she no longer allows negativity to affect her sense of self-worth. Instead, she embraces it with humour, realising that every interaction contributes to her livelihood.

A driving motivation for Adams-Wheatley is challenging societal assumptions regarding disability. “People often view me through a lens of perceived limitations,” she remarked. By sharing her experiences, she seeks to dismantle stereotypes and educate others about the realities of living with a disability.

In addition to raising awareness, social media has offered Adams-Wheatley a community she lacked during her formative years. Reflecting on her past, she recounted feeling isolated until a breakthrough moment at New York Fashion Week, where she encountered other individuals with disabilities. “That was when I realised I wasn’t alone,” she said.

Adams-Wheatley’s outlook remains optimistic as she looks ahead. She focuses on her aspirations rather than limitations, with plans to become the face of a makeup brand, publish a book by her 30th birthday, and continue thriving in her social media career. “We’re on a roll right now,” she shared cheerfully, excited about her future endeavors.

Through her journey, Briel Adams-Wheatley embodies resilience, creativity, and authenticity, proving that one’s circumstances do not define their potential. As she continues to inspire others with her story, she reminds us all that the journey to self-acceptance is never truly over—it is a continuous path of growth and empowerment.