Many others, in her place, have succumbed to ignorance and cruelty, ending a life of oppression. But not her. Natascia Curreli , known to all as Naty , a 30-year-old photographer from Sedile, proudly continues a battle that is not only personal, but on behalf of those who suffer or have suffered the same insults as her.
For years she has been touring schools on the island (two days ago at the middle schools of Fonni and Mamoiada, but her tour has also taken her to Silanus, Cagliari, Selargius, Quartu, Quartucciu, Sorgono, Belvì, Gonnosfanadiga) to tell the kids about her experience as a victim of bullying.
Her story, marked by insults and humiliations since childhood, has today become an example of resistance and awareness . Natascia is not afraid to say that physical appearance isn't everything, and she does so with a sincerity that resonates with kids. "Since elementary school, I've been bullied because of my weight: fat bomb, pig, sow, hot air balloon, and so on and so forth. Laughter during gym class, anonymous insulting notes, screams on the way home. It continued like this throughout elementary and middle school. Then high school: I hoped the situation would change, but instead it got worse . The usual insults were joined by gestures: balls of foil on the bus, chewing gum in my hair, seats occupied with bags so I couldn't sit down. And instead of responding, I just stood there, silent, and took it. That was my mistake: staying silent."
The silence, she says, became a cage. "I started suffering from panic attacks; every morning going to school was traumatic. I withdrew into myself and felt bad, but no one understood. But I found the strength to move forward, to face everyone and understand that I'm no different: I'm like everyone else, a person who, despite her extra pounds, is worth it and can do anything."
Her story gets even harsher when she talks about those who didn't make it : "Many boys and girls weren't as strong as me: they lost the battle and committed suicide. Every day, many young people think about suicide, and this should make you understand that words have weight. Words hurt like a knife. Teach your children, your students, your friends to weigh their words : we are all the same, male, female, fat, thin, gay, straight, black, or Chinese. We are people like everyone else."
From this experience , Diamoci del tu was born in 2018, a project that Natascia is pursuing together with lawyers Gino Emanuele Melis and Roberta Lisci . It's a journey designed to create authentic connections, break down emotional distances, and give a voice to those who often go unheard. "We tell true stories, like mine," she emphasizes, "without filters, connecting directly with people, especially young people. In schools, we address key issues like bullying and cyberbullying, creating moments of open and authentic dialogue. The goal is to raise awareness, but above all, to give kids a safe space where they can identify with themselves, express themselves, and feel heard."
The project uses simple, direct, and human language. "The aim," says Natascia, "is to create a space where people can identify with themselves, feel less alone, and find the courage to express themselves. Through images, words, and a real presence, we seek to transform dialogue into a concrete tool for change."