As a communications director of a national LGBTQ nonprofit, I do a lot of talking and thinking about diversity, equality, and justice. And that’s the problem. It’s a lot of talking, and, sometimes, it feels like it’s not enough just doing.
No community exemplifies the utopian version of the world we wish to see, one free of discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, and shame. But, the makeup and beauty blogger community, albeit a loosely coalesced group, comes closer than any community I’ve seen. Some might find this ironic given the theme of beauty, and the impossible, white, thin, ableist standards pushed upon us through a corporately backed media.
Few places on earth will you find black activists tapping little hearts onto Coachella festival groupies, muslim women and gay twinks exchanging lip gloss tips, and proud fat women showcasing fierce fashion. The beauty bloggers, youtubers, and instagrammers are old, young, trans and gender nonbinary, large, small, and imperfectly perfect just the way they are.
None of this is to say that the community isn’t infected with unrealistic standards or white supremacy, as most facets of our society are, it’s to say that within it, you can easily find hope, inspiration, and people living out the change they want to see in the world, through creative expression and friendly exchanges.
It’s fucking beautiful.
PS If you want to experience the joy in real life, head to Rihanna Fenty Beauty display (She has launched 40 shades of foundation for every skin tone!) at your local Sephora and strike up a conversation.
See some of our favorite beauty bloggers, instagrammers, youtubers, and gurus below!
