LGBTQ+ Icons of the Beauty Industry

The beauty industry has had significant contributions made by LGBTQ+ people over the years. Whether that be drag queens, queer makeup artists or anyone impactful, the community is at the centre of the beauty industry and has a long-running history. More recently, beauty influencers have used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, visibility and inclusion, the people in this list have demonstrated authenticity and an unwavering commitment to self-expression and have empowered and inspired many people to be authentically themselves also. 

Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials)

Nikkie is a Dutch makeup artist and beauty influencer who gained widespread recognition for makeup tutorials and recommendations on YouTube, mainly known for her ‘Power of Makeup’ series, in which she only applied makeup to one side of her or a guest’s face, to showcase how much makeup can really do. Nikkie came out as a transgender woman in 2020 to her millions of followers, sharing her journey after not mentioning it in the years before. Nikkie showed that despite having formed an online identity without coming out, this part of her identity was still important to her. Ever since, Nikkie has been advocating for transgender rights and visibility in the beauty world, using her platform to empower others to embrace their true selves. 

Johnathan Van Ness

Johnathan Van Ness found instant fame as the truly inspiring and dedicated hairstylist on Queer Eye. They unapologetically embrace their LGBTQ+ identity and their vibrant personality during their challenging of beauty norms on the programme and beyond. Van Ness has become a beacon of self-love, advocating for inclusivity and breaking gender stereotypes in the beauty industry. Courageously, Van Ness has shared their journey living with HIV. As a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, they aim to dismantle stigma and promote understanding and empathy. Through their social media and interviews, Van Ness sheds light on the realities of living with HIV, and in particular, emphasising the importance of self-care. Their activism had inspired many to prioritise their health and challenge the societal misconceptions surrounding it.

Way Bandy

An influential makeup artist of the 1970s and 1980s, Bandy left an enduring legacy within the beauty industry and LGBTQ+ activism. As an openly gay man, during a time  of significant stigma, he fearlessly challenged societal conventions through his work. He introduced innovative makeup techniques that aimed to promote natural beauty, transforming the industry's attitudes towards cosmetics. Bandy’s visions graced the pages of top fashion magazines, and were worn by iconic celebrities, showing just how much of a trailblazer he truly was. Bandy remained authentically himself throughout his career, and unapologetically embraced his LGBTQ+ identity, paving the way for LGBTQ+ visibility in the beauty world, inspiring countless up and coming individuals to pursue their passions, without compromise. Sadly, Bandy passed away after a struggle with AIDS, but his contributions to the industry, and to LGBTQ+ visibility continue to resonate, serving as a testament to a man who expressed himself through the thing he loved, and did not let prejudices stand in his way. 

The beauty industry would not be where it is today without these icons, and many more like them. This is a showcase of how important it is to be able to express one’s own identity without compromise, and to continue fighting for the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ people around the world and in every industry. I sincerely hope everyone has had time to reflect and celebrate this LGBTQ+ history month, and will continue to do so throughout the year, reflecting on the progress made, and the progress we still need to achieve. 

Edited by Faith Suronku-Lindsay