What The Beauty And Wellness Industry Needs Right Now is Diversity, Inclusion, and Activism

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Article written by Cameron, Bridal Coordinator at Urban You

The month of June is exceptionally important to the LGBTQ+ Community, as well as to people of color. June is traditionally Pride Month, which was born out of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, led by Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans-woman. The riots were a response to police raids on LGBTQ+ bars, and came to a head at The Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, then continued for six consecutive days across New York City. It is important to have remembrance of the suffering that the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans-women of color, underwent before they had recognition and legal protections. Though many would say that quality of life has improved for our community now, we are still experiencing discrimination.

Also this month on the 19th, we recognize Juneteenth, which signifies the induction of the Emancipation Proclamation put in place by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. This was finally implemented in 1885. If you remember from your school history books, the Emancipation Proclamation demanded that all humans held as slaves be freed. Black Lives Matter, of course, is a modern response to police violence against black folks, and has begun to awaken swaths of people globally, leading to change in legislation. Many are calling for Juneteenth to become a nationally recognized holiday, and for the Black Lives Matter movement and Pride Month to be interconnected, as one movement cannot happen without the other.

During this time, many people are using June as a symbolic time to come out to their friends and families. This does not always go smoothly and can result in abuse of all forms, especially to young people. Being an advocate for those who have not yet found their voice is one of the best ways to help someone during their crisis; it is a resource that is invaluable. In the case of the beauty industry, we have a unique opportunity to reach vast and diverse groups of people, therefore becoming a safe space for our clients.

While not everyone has to be on the frontlines of protest, it is my view that being vocal in your dissent against racism and in your support of LGBTQ+ people is crucial. As a business, this has to go much deeper than simply displaying a rainbow flag outside of your business. Businesses have to make the decision to be radically inclusive and ensure that their staff upholds the same values so that it is engrained in workplace culture, and is known to clientele.

We have to have these conversations, uncomfortable though they may be. It is the duty of white folks to be actively anti-racist. If you are white, it is up to you to educate yourself on where you can be of service; it is not the responsibility of people of color to do the work for you. This is a month of solidarity and activism, so get on board, step up, and do what you can.

Being actively pro-LGBTQ+ and actively anti-racist as a beauty business is not only essential to be inclusive of all, but this can be life-saving. Stylists and medispa professionals can develop deep bonds with their clients that can change their negative self-perceptions into positive ones. Just showing that someone cares and is able to listen is sometimes sufficient enough. I would not be able to work in an environment that did not uphold these values and I consider myself fortunate to lead this discussion in my workplace. I am proud to be part of a company that believes in wellness for all, and that wants to be a part of this progressive and equitable future. It is true what our company mantra says: