‘I hope that by me standing up and being free that it inspires others to do the same, to truly live your life like you want to and the way you deserve it’
There was an outpouring of love and support from the beauty community last night for Nikkie de Jager who came out as transgender. In an emotional 17-minute video the beauty guru, who also goes by her handle Nikkietutorials, explained that she had been born into the wrong body and that ever since she was born she thought she was a girl.
“I am here to share that I am openly transgender and with this message I want to inspire little Nikkies around the world who feel insecure, who feel out of place, who feel misunderstood,” she says in the video. “I hope that by me standing up and being free that it inspires others to do the same, to truly live your life like you want to and the way you deserve it.”
Nikkie, who is now 25, explains in the video that at the age of six she started growing her hair out and by seven was wearing only girls clothes. By the time she was 14 she was on hormones and by 19 she says she had fully transitioned.
In response to the news, the beauty community, as well as the wider YouTube and celebrity communities, have come out in strong support of Nikkie. Ariana Grande, Aquaria, Alyssa Edwards, James Charles, Shane Dawson, Lisa Eldridge, Norvina, Trixie Mattel and Maddie Ziegler were among just a few of the names who celebrated the news. Many brands have also expressed their support. Marc Jacobs Beauty commented on Nikkie’s Instagram post saying “You are so inspiring and brave! Congratulations on being true to you.” Benefit Cosmetics wrote “You are so, SO loved, Nikkie! Here’s to freedom.”
Watch the full video here and view some of the support for Nikkie below.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this today… I am transgender.” @NikkieTutorials, a popular YouTuber known for her makeup videos, has shared that she is transgender.
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 13, 2020
Nikkie, we support you and we know that your visibility help trans youth and adults alike feel a little less alone. https://t.co/hbRpedHQsP
.@NikkieTutorials You are such a motherfuckin strong amazing inspiring gorgeous woman❤️you are a queen 👑 this video made me cry and also so so happy for you. YOU are seen, accepted, loved and admired. By myself and many many others. Keep glowing, ur a fuckin rainbow 🌈 https://t.co/INwBXBykSF
— kesha (@KeshaRose) January 14, 2020
I’m so happy for nikkie I cant stop smiling today :’)
— James Charles (@jamescharles) January 13, 2020
YOU are such an inspiration and so fucking brave! Love you and I’m so proud to call you a friend 💯 https://t.co/RUBhMxNpZF
— Jeffree Star (@JeffreeStar) January 13, 2020
TRANS IS BEAUTIFUL 🌈 @NikkieTutorials i am so proud of u! i know how hard it is. to see u out and living ur truth has brought me to tears! u don’t know how many people ur inspiring and helping by sharing ur story. i am one of them! she said WOMAN. https://t.co/SoUOndNw7U
— Nikita Dragun (@NikitaDragun) January 13, 2020
So incredibly proud. You’re such an amazing role model for the LGBT community. Congratulations, Nikkie. 💖 https://t.co/EchBkTraVw
— Joey Graceffa (@JoeyGraceffa) January 13, 2020
LOVE U SO MUCH NIKKIE 😭❤️👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/S1qCKlqTgY
— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) January 13, 2020
SO PROUD OF YOU NIKKIE❤️
— Gigi Gorgeous Getty (@TheGigiGorgeous) January 13, 2020
SO PROUD OF YOU @NikkieTutorials 😍 CONGRATS MY LOVE!!!!!!!!! You’re amazing ❤️ a gorgeous brave woman!
— Manny MUA (@MannyMua733) January 13, 2020
i’m so happy n proud for @NikkieTutorials 💕 ur freee fkn beautiful n a fkn legend . that shit had me emotional 💕💕💕
— KIM PETRAS (@kimpetras) January 14, 2020