A ginger man who used to be called “fox p*ss” by cruel bullies has now got his own back – revealing that women can’t get enough of his fiery locks.
Casey Shaw, 32, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, spent most of his childhood taking verbal abuse from schoolmates and strangers alike, who would call him names because of his red hair.
Even adults would call him “ugly” or give him nicknames such as “twiglets” and “fox p*ss”.
But revenge is sweet as Casey reveals having ginger hair has helped him land countless dates – and shags – over the years.
“Random strangers would have no reservations about declaring that I was ugly and how disgusting being ginger was,” he told Jam Press.
“At first it was very confusing and very alienating.
“I was very young and could not understand why I was being targeted by such a wide range of people.
“I would rush home to my room and cry by myself.
“I didn’t confide in my parents because I was too embarrassed and I really didn’t know how to handle my emotions.”
Casey credits his older brother and celebs like Ed Sheeran and Prince Harry for helping him accept his locks.
And he’s got his revenge too – working as a model and getting plenty of female attention.
He said: “About 10 years ago something happened – the vibe changed almost overnight.
“I don’t know if it was the popularity of Ron Weasley, the rise of Ed Sheeran or the coming of age of Prince Harry but all of a sudden, it seemed that gingers became a hot commodity.
“The abuse changed to compliments and my hair would be a conversation-starter instead of a finisher.
“In my mid to late 20s, I had a very active dating life and was very much spoiled for choice, especially when I moved to London.
“I have even hooked up with people because they said they had ‘never been with a ginger before’.
“Many women in bars or pubs often ask ‘does the carpet match the drapes’ and if I’m feeling in a particularly cheeky mood I will turn the awkwardness back on the questioner.
“I’ve never taken offence [to women liking me for my hair] and have always been more than happy to oblige.
“It was about time being ginger paid off to be honest.”
However, the 32-year-old actually has a girlfriend and she too first fancied her beau thanks to his ginger locks.
Casey said: “My partner absolutely loves my ginger curls and credits them with attracting her attention in the first place.
“Standing out from the crowd definitely helped get me that coveted right swipe!
“My partner is sporting a big beautiful black afro with ginger tips, complimenting my orange glow and giving us ‘main character’ energy wherever we go.”
Casey comes from a family of gingers – all but his father – and is now proud of his unique appearance.
He added: “My mother is ginger and I have two siblings, both of whom are redheads.
“My brown-haired father would always mention how the household had such a ‘fiery’ temper and atmosphere!
“My brother is seven years my senior and he helped me a lot when it came to how I dealt with what I now see as abuse.
“At the time it was just a normal everyday inevitability, especially in my town.
“[Now], I love who I am.
“I enjoy my individuality and embrace my uniqueness.
“My red hair makes me feel special, like being kissed by fire makes me one of the chosen people.
“Being ginger is a true blessing.”
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