Comparison can be the killer of joy, none more so in the beauty industry, but this week has brought out all the beautiful people to support one person, one cause. And that is beauty YouTuber Nikkie De Jager, a.k.a. NikkieTutorials. Nikkie came out as transgender in an eloquent and compelling video this past Monday. The love and support of the LGBTQIA and ally community at large has been incredible.
However, with that beauty comes the ugliness. As brands, fellow YouTubers, makeup artists, and fans lit up the internet in their display of solidarity, there was one notable person who did not revel in de Jager’s truth.
In her coming out video, Nikkie reveals the disturbing truth that her hand was forced due to blackmailers. Refusing to let anyone have her power, Nikkie launched her now infamous video which has over 27 million hits.
With inspiration as her goal, she says during the 17 minute video, “I hope that me standing up and being free, it inspires you to do the same…to truly live your life like you want it and the way you deserve it.”
Yet, for all the tolerance she has received, notable industry professional Lisa Blandino, known on social media as Dani California, sister to Too Faced Cosmetics, tried to bring her entire character into question.
Known by her IG handle of @makupprincess, California updated her bio for the unnecessarily shady statement: “Transgender, huh? That’s not the only thing she’s been LYING about.”
Here’s the issue with that, beyond the stomach turning hypocrisy of it all. By questioning the status of an individual who is transgender, you are question their identity, and that kind of invalidation is disgusting and will never be okay.
The bio was later updated to say, “Well God bless your sweet hearts.” While that might seem innocent enough, in the American South, telling someone to bless their hearts is the most scathing retort we can deliver. While bios can be deleted, screenshots last forever.
It’s interesting her account has become private since the backlash. The biggest splash being made isn’t the derogatory and transphobic comments made by California; it’s the response of her brother. Here’s his official response to the situation:
And just like that, she was fired by her own brother.
He flat out refuses to entertain her comments or accept excuses for them. Blandino’s sister even tried to edited her bio (again) to say: “Lets be clear, I love trans people & dislike anyone who lies to hurt others! Period!”
To be honest, I find her comments shocking. I find her rose-colored glasses woefully out of style. Her brother and brother-in-law are members of the LGBTQIA community and for many individuals, that creates an ally in their family and friends. Clearly not the case here.
Whether she was trying to create some drama by insinuating there was another huge and presumably “shocking” secret or not, it was unacceptable behavior. And I’m glad she was punished for it immediately.
Lisa Blandino can put on all the cosmetics in the world, but it won’t hide an ugly heart. Clutch your pearls honey; the world is changing and no one likes a Too Faced friend.
Feature Image via Pexels
