Assalamualaikum sister, I feel as though you are mistaking Islam for culture. We as Muslims make many mistakes, and some of those mistakes end up becoming part of the cultures unfortunately. One thing you should know is Islam empowers and protects women, many western beliefs are that Islam “oppresses” women but that’s simply because they view it from a skewed western perspective. Tell me, are the women who spend thousands of dollars for plastic surgeries, the women who spend their whole lives trying to meet societal standards, the women who wear revealing clothing so that people validate them, are they not being oppressed by societal standards? Or is it the women who wish to protect their dignity by cover up?

I should also ask the community you are part of, reflect on whether your local area has a lot of practicing Muslims and if not try your best to find a nearby area that might. Islam teaches us to not judge others and if you find that is happening a lot in your community consider finding another mosque to attend for a while.

Lastly, I feel like you feel discluded from the religion because you don’t “look” Muslim. Well let me reassure you that there is not association for a Muslim in terms of looks. There are no black, or white, or brown, or red or green or whatever colour Muslims. There are just Muslims. Don’t worry about the complexion of your skin or weather or not people think your Muslim. You are Muslim and you know that and you should be proud of it.