I grew up in Canada. I'm very much a ginger. Fiery red hair, freckles, pale White skin. Growing up, I was never hit on by anyone. Nobody ever asked me out. I rarely received any messages on dating apps. I was usually rejected. I was often on the receiving end of tasteless ginger jokes. I grew to believe that I was just very ugly, even if I liked how I looked in the mirror. Then, I went on exchange to Brazil when I was 21. For the first time in my life, I felt desired. I was being asked out by guys who I actually liked in return. I had a very active sex life all of a sudden. Almost no one commented on my hair, unless they were complimenting it. Tasteless ginger jokes were not a thing when I was there. It was very healing to realize that beauty standards vary drastically around the world, and that you can be considered hideous in one country, and gorgeous in another. I'm aware that Brazil has issues with racist Eurocentric beauty standards. I felt bad realizing that I was benefitting from that. However, those standards exist in Canada too (for blonds and brunettes), and all over the world unfortunately. A few smartasses have told me that "those Brazilians just wanted a green card." However, they genuinely didn't. None of them tried to do anything like that. The guys all said they didn't want something long distance, and wanted to remain friends or friends with benefits. The guys I had flings with still live happily in Brazil and show no intention of leaving. I still talk to them occasionally, and the intentions are pure. Just friends (or former lovers) having a nice conversation.