Sephora is making the world a little more beautiful, one beat face at a time. The beauty retailer is going to start offering in-store makeup classes aimed at transgender and non-binary people starting this summer at 150 of their locations. The complementary tutorials and demonstrations are part of their “Classes for Confidence,” meant “to help inspire fearlessness in those facing major life transitions.”
Starting in June, makeup fanatics who don’t fit the gender binary mold can join trans and non-binary Sephora employees, who will demo different products and make-up application techniques, including everything from how to find your correct shade of foundation, to the more advanced stuff like contouring (we’re looking at you Kim K).
These make-up courses are important to members of the trans and non-binary gender communities, especially those who are in the beginning phase of their transitions. For many newly transgender people, it can be hard to find a friend, or a group of friends, that are understanding, supportive, and share common interests.
“I’m #transgender. I haven’t messed around much with #makeup, even though it would very likely help me pass better, because it’s so expensive & time-consuming. I can’t afford to learn a whole art form. Very excited about this. Sincerely, thank you, @Sephora.,” wrote Danielle Muscato, a civil rights activist.
For those who can’t make it to one of Sephora’s 150 locations offering the in-store classes, they will be creating a YouTube channel filled with make-up tutorials and beauty content that will help trans and non-binary people to get the look at home. Given the fact that trans murders are currently at an all-time high, these videos are an outlet for expression for those who identify with “otherness.”
Sephora’s social impact director, Corrie Conrad, weighed in on the new in-store classes as well.
“We stand with all members of the LGBTQA community and are committed to providing these individuals with the tools they want to feel confident and beautiful every single day,” said Conrad in a statement. “And that should be celebrated.”
