Shauna Rae, the star of TLC’s hit series I Am Shauna Rae, has captivated audiences with her candid revelations about the unique struggles she faces every day.
At 28 years old, Shauna stands at just 3 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 50 pounds, a result of pituitary dwarfism caused by childhood brain cancer treatments.
Her life has been anything but ordinary, as she confronts societal misconceptions and battles stereotypes in her quest to live life on her own terms.
Rae’s journey to independence is the centerpiece of her reality show, where she shares deeply personal stories of navigating adulthood.
From learning to drive using hand controls to considering higher education in veterinary science or business, Rae is determined to build a fulfilling future.
However, people frequently mistake her for a child due to her petite stature and childlike appearance.
In one shocking incident, medical staff at a lab refused to let Rae leave alone, believing she was an unaccompanied minor.
Rae remembers having to sneak out when staff weren’t looking, despite presenting identification, tattoos, and piercings as proof.
“It’s painful when society doesn’t accept you for who you are,” Rae admitted, describing the ordeal.
Her annoyance extends to other commonplace situations, like receiving children’s menus and crayons at restaurants.
The attention she attracts from men with dubious intentions exacerbates Rae’s dating challenges.
She openly describes some of her suitors as “creeps” who fixate on her physicality rather than her personality.
“Their questions are very targeted towards my physicality… They’re learning about me like I’m a specimen in a lab,” she shared.
Despite these unsettling experiences, Rae continues to pursue meaningful connections with people who understand her unique circumstances.
In a memorable episode, Rae went on a date with Thomas, a firefighter with pituitary dwarfism who stands at 4 feet 8 inches tall.
The date provided a rare opportunity for Rae to connect with someone who shares her medical history, sparing her from the usual awkward explanations.
“It was nice I didn’t have to walk him through that,” she said, reflecting on their shared understanding.
While the two bonded over their similarities, they also discussed their different paths and goals for the future.
For Rae, one of those goals is financial independence, as she works toward moving out of her parents’ home.
She’s also exploring fertility preservation despite the high costs associated with freezing her eggs, which her insurance does not cover.
Rae launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund her medical journey, including egg freezing and much-needed dental implants.
Fans, many of whom support her journey, have resonated with her determination to keep her options open for motherhood.
In addition to her personal battles, Rae has expressed a desire to be seen for who she truly is—a mature adult with dreams and ambitions.
“If you take the time to actually talk to me, you really understand that I’m an adult,” Rae emphasized in an interview.
However, the challenges she faces haven’t stopped her from pursuing happiness in her personal life.
In a surprising revelation, Rae recently confirmed she is in a relationship, but she has chosen to keep her partner’s identity private.
“All you really need to know is they make me happy,” Rae shared in an Instagram post, urging fans to be supportive and respectful.
This new chapter marks a significant step forward for Rae, who continues to inspire others with her resilience and determination.
Through her openness and courage, Rae reminds the world to look beyond appearances and celebrate individuality and strength.
Featured Image Credit: (@thereal_shaunarae99/Instagram)
