‘It helps me bring the inside out’: LGBTQ+ people share what makeup means to them
lipstick effect’, and be a key component in how people choose to present themselves in the world.In the LGBTQ+ community, this experience can be heightened, helping to amplify features, explore a multi-faceted identity, or even be part of ‘finding’ oneself.Metro.co.uk spoke to a mix of people from the community to hear their makeup stories.There’s famed drag queen, Cherry Valentine, who has understood the confidence-boosting powers of makeup since childhood.Ben Pechey, who is out and proud as a non-binary person, and believes makeup has played a role in conversations around their gender identity.Then Alicia Connolly, a young lesbian exploring her sexuality while overcoming limiting ‘lipstick lesbian’ stereotypes, along with others.Read it and reach for your makeup bag, for it is a many-layered thing.Cherry Valentine, or George Ward out of drag, identifies as gender fluid.
George’s pronouns are he/they, though when presenting in drag, she/her.Known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, makeup is an important part of presenting as Cherry.‘I remember when I was about four years old and saw my mother wear lipstick and mascara.
It helped me see that regardless of what’s going on, a bit of makeup can change your mood.‘Since the first time I’d seen it, I knew innately that it was something I wanted to have a go at. ‘Makeup really has helped me embrace my LGBTQ+ identity.
It’s not something that people usually think about, but for me, it’s something I’ve always thought about.‘Wearing makeup makes me feel confident, and like I’m really bringing what’s on the inside out.
