Yara Shahidi Opens Up About the Reason She's Not Dating Right Now

Yara Shahidi looks fresh and fabulous on the cover of Seventeen‘s November/December 2017 issue, out on newsstands on Tuesday (October 31).

Here’s what the 17-year-old Black-ish actress, model and activist had to say:

On her self-image: “I feel like my curls have always been a part of who I am. They are a very real representation of the mix of my two cultures. When you’re a part of a minority of any kind, you’re told not to take up much space, but my hair does that, so there’s nothing I can do except take up the space with it. It gives me confidence�I love the fact that my hair can be intimidating at times.”

On activism: “I love history, and activism is so engraved in history. So much had to have happened for me�and everybody�to come into this world. The women’s movement, the immigration movement�whatever it may be. As you learn about these, it’s hard not to be inspired. Our generation is a representation of all the great movements that have come before us. It’s all about paying it forward� What I’m seeing is basically a movement to be your true self. There are no criteria as to what it takes to be involved, protected and cared for.”

On her love life: “I haven’t dated anybody. My general outlook is if I don’t have time to take a bath on a regular basis, then I don’t have time for another human. I love being busy, and I enjoy where I am at right now.”

For more from Yara, head to Seventeen.com.