Intersectionality in Beauty: Embracing All Identities

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This Pride Month, as I walked through the vibrant streets decorated with rainbow streamers and the joyful energy of celebration, I was reminded of the incredible diversity within our community. Although I couldn't stay in town long to celebrate or catch up with friends, I sent everyone love and good vibes during the festivities.

This brings me to a concept that's incredibly important to me: intersectionality in beauty. Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describing how different aspects of a person's social and political identities (such as gender, race, sexuality, class, etc.) combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege. In the context of beauty, intersectionality means recognizing that beauty standards and experiences are not one-size-fits-all. They are influenced by a multitude of factors, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and more.

Understanding Intersectionality in Beauty

Intersectionality in beauty acknowledges that beauty standards have historically been exclusionary, often centered around Eurocentric ideals that leave out many people. It means recognizing that a black woman’s experience with beauty will be different from that of a white woman, or that a transgender person's relationship with makeup and fashion might be deeply tied to their journey of affirming their gender identity. It’s about understanding that our identities intersect in complex ways that shape our experiences with beauty.

For example, as a black woman, I have faced unique challenges in the beauty industry, from finding foundation shades that match my skin tone to dealing with hair discrimination. The rise of inclusive beauty brands has been a breath of fresh air, but there is still a long way to go. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those who are transgender or non-binary, often face challenges in finding products and communities that understand and support their needs.

Embracing and Supporting All Identities

As a community, it’s crucial that we embrace and support all identities. This means being mindful of the diversity within our community and actively working to create inclusive spaces. Here are some actionable tips on how we can do this:

1. Educate Ourselves and Others Understanding intersectionality starts with education. Take the time to learn about the different experiences and challenges faced by various groups within our community. Listen to their stories, read books, follow social media accounts that focus on intersectional issues, and engage in conversations. Education is the first step toward empathy and meaningful support.

2. Support Inclusive Brands When shopping for beauty products, support brands that prioritize inclusivity. Look for companies that offer a wide range of shades, cater to different skin types and textures, and actively promote diversity in their marketing. By supporting these brands, we can help drive the demand for more inclusive products in the industry.

3. Create Safe Spaces Whether online or offline, strive to create safe spaces where everyone feels welcome and respected. This can be as simple as moderating your social media comments to ensure respectful dialogue or organizing community events that celebrate diversity. Safe spaces allow individuals to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.

4. Amplify Marginalized Voices Use your platform to amplify the voices of those who are often underrepresented. Share their content, support their projects, and collaborate with them. By lifting up marginalized voices, we can help ensure that their experiences and perspectives are heard and valued.

5. Practice Allyship Being an ally means more than just being supportive; it means taking action. Stand up against discrimination and prejudice when you see it, even if it’s uncomfortable. Use your privilege to advocate for those who may not have the same opportunities. True allyship is about being proactive in creating positive change.

My Pride Experience and Personal Journey

This Pride Month, even though I wasn't able to attend the festival in town, I still felt connected to the community through my own celebrations. I did some Pride-inspired makeup for our shopping trip and wore my Marcevolution crop top, which always makes me feel empowered. Seeing the vibrant colors on my face and clothes reminded me of the strength and beauty of our community.

As a black, cis female creator, it’s been wonderful to explore different channels before and during Pride Month. Somehow, I ended up on FarmTok (Farmer TikTok, if you're not sure what that might mean), and I have seen a trend of farm hands trying out makeup. It has been so fun and cool to watch these men experience the freedom that makeup can bring to people. Chatting with people about my makeup tutorials has been such a joy, and seeing it inspire others to try something new has been amazing. Honestly, seeing a comment saying that my look "lived rent-free" in their head was so moving for me. We're a pretty small TikTok channel by a lot of standards, but it's so nice seeing that our content touches people's hearts.

Creating Content with Heart

As a creator, my goal is to create content that resonates with people and makes them feel seen and valued. Our TikTok channel may be small, but it’s filled with heart. Every comment, every message, every "like" fuels my passion to keep creating and sharing. Intersectionality in beauty is not just about recognizing diversity; it’s about celebrating it. It’s about showing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and identities.

Actionable Tips for Embracing Intersectionality in Beauty

1. Diversify Your Feed Follow a diverse range of beauty influencers and creators on social media. This not only exposes you to different perspectives and experiences but also supports creators from marginalized communities. Engage with their content, leave supportive comments, and share their posts to help amplify their voices.

2. Inclusive Language Be mindful of the language you use when discussing beauty. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender, race, or background. Use inclusive terms and be respectful of people’s preferred pronouns. Language is powerful, and using it thoughtfully can help create a more inclusive environment.

3. Experiment and Explore Encourage yourself and others to experiment with beauty in ways that feel authentic. Whether it’s trying out a new makeup look, embracing your natural hair, or exploring different fashion styles, beauty is about self-expression. Celebrate the diversity of beauty by stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new possibilities.

4. Support Local and Independent Brands Many local and independent beauty brands prioritize inclusivity and cater to a diverse range of customers. By supporting these brands, you not only get unique and often handcrafted products but also contribute to the growth of businesses that value diversity.

5. Engage in Community Building Participate in or organize events that celebrate diversity in beauty. This could be a makeup workshop, a fashion show, or a discussion panel. Community events foster connections and provide a platform for sharing experiences and learning from each other.

6. Share Your Journey Don’t be afraid to share your own journey with beauty and self-expression. Your story can inspire others and create a sense of solidarity. Whether through social media, a blog, or face-to-face conversations, sharing your experiences can make a meaningful impact.

Reflecting on the Power of Intersectionality

Intersectionality in beauty is about more than just recognizing diversity; it’s about celebrating it and creating a world where everyone feels seen and valued. As we move forward, let’s commit to embracing all identities and supporting each other in our unique journeys. Whether it’s through educating ourselves, supporting inclusive brands, creating safe spaces, amplifying marginalized voices, or practicing true allyship, each action we take brings us closer to a more inclusive and beautiful world.

Pride Month is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together. As we continue to navigate our individual and collective journeys, let’s remember the power of intersectionality and the importance of embracing all identities. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels empowered to express their true selves and celebrate their unique beauty.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support, your stories, and your presence make our community stronger and more vibrant. Let’s continue to lift each other up, celebrate our diversity, and embrace the transformative power of beauty.