Inclusivity in Beauty: LGBTQIA+

Why Inclusivity Matters So Much in Makeup

One thing I’ve noticed in the industry is that a lot of people assume they are inclusive… but they don’t say it. They don’t make it clear. They expect clients to just walk in and magically know that they’re safe, welcomed, and respected.

This is where I step in — and scream loudly and proudly:
I am an inclusive makeup artist.
And my studio is committed to welcoming every person, exactly as they are.

My need to create safe spaces actually came from my own life experiences. I’ve been in situations where I wanted to ask questions — simple ones — but I stopped myself because I wasn’t sure if the person on the other side would accept someone like me. I didn’t want to worry about being judged for who I am.

No one should have to second-guess whether they’re allowed to exist comfortably.

Growing Up Without Representation

This first part of my inclusivity series focuses on LGBTQ+, and I’ll be honest — I didn’t grow up understanding any of this. Back home in Indonesia, it wasn’t something we learned. It wasn’t talked about. If anything, it was frowned upon.

It took me nearly 30 years of living, meeting new people, and educating myself to understand gender, sexuality, identity, and the incredible spectrum they all exist on.

And even though I’m still learning, I can confidently say this:
My studio is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ clients.
Not because it’s trendy — but because every human deserves to feel seen.

Makeup for Every Identity, Expression, and Story

One thing I love about makeup is how limitless it is.

I’ve worked with:

• A trans man who wanted to feel more womanly — so we covered facial hair, softened features, and built something beautiful together.

• Lesbian couples where one partner prefers a more masculine look — so we did structured contour, minimal blush, and a style that felt like them.

Makeup can make someone look more feminine, more masculine, more androgynous — or none of the above. That’s the magic of it.

It’s not about “girly makeup” or “boy makeup.”
It’s about your makeup.

Avoiding Gendered Assumptions

Working with queer clients taught me something important:
Never assume.

I don’t assume pronouns, so I ask.
I don’t assume style preference, so I ask.
I don’t assume someone wants lashes, or blush, or a bold eye — I ask.

Most of my queer clients introduce themselves clearly, but if they don’t, I will always check gently. Respectful language is the foundation of a safe environment.

Because makeup is wild, fun, expressive — but it only feels that way when the person applying it actually listens.

“Do You Accept Same-Sex Wedding Clients?”

Yes. Yes. And yes.**

It breaks my heart that people still feel afraid to ask this.
And yes, I still get this question.

Some clients worry they won’t be welcomed. Some worry they’ll be judged. Some worry they’ll be treated differently.

Here is my promise:
I see you as a person, not a category.
I don’t put you in a box.
I don’t treat you any differently from my straight clients.

And honestly, LGBTQ+ couples have often gone through more to get to the point of marriage — so if anything, I want your experience to be even smoother, safer, and more affirming.

My Studio Will Always Be a Safe & Affirming Space

Whatever your gender identity or expression, you can ask me anything.
You can tell me what you need.
You can let me know your comforts and discomforts.
I will adjust, adapt, and support you.

Because the world is already hard enough for the LGBTQ+ community.
If my tiny beauty studio can make your world even slightly better, then I’m doing my job right.

And to anyone reading this who feels like their life is full of judgment:
Here I am — a makeup artist from a third world country, who grew up knowing almost nothing about LGBTQ+ issues. I’m not perfect. I’m still learning. But what I can do is create a space where judgment does not exist.

You deserve to feel welcome.
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve to feel beautiful — in whatever way that means to you.