“Today I am taking back my own power and I have to tell you something…,” Nikkie de Jager exclaimed on her popular YouTube channel with 12.7 million subscribers. She recently came out as transgender after 11 years of being on YouTube.
The announcement resulted after threats and blackmail surfaced over the matter. De Jager courageously and gracefully addressed the matter on her terms by reintroducing herself unapologetically as 100 percent the same Nikkie she has always been.
“I am ME. I am still Nikkie. Nothing changes about that.”
Denouncing labels and accepting herself as the beautiful woman she is today, she ushered those living in a cage to free themselves and step into the light. NikkieTutorials is just one example of how the LGBTQ+ community shows their support, as she encourages those like herself to fully embrace who they are. At the end of the day, labels are a manmade construct that we apply to ourselves. We are still the same person no matter how we identify as.
Nikkie de Jager was mostly received by warm and welcoming responses from her audience, the beauty and LGBTQ+ communities. This is a great moment for the LGBTQ+ community as it signals acceptance from larger brands and public figures. Of course, not everyone had positive words to say.
Too Faced recently fired the co-founder Jerrod Blandino’s sister, Dani California, after she changed her Instagram bio in reaction to the announcement. It first read, “Transgender, huh? That’s not the only thing she’s been LYING about.” Many believed this is also in response to previous conflicts regarding Too Faced underpaying NikkiTutorials for a collaboration. Dani then changed her bio after the backlash to “Let’s be clear, I love trans people & dislike anyone who lies to hurt others! Period!” Regardless, the initial comment denounces trans people and their truth. The beauty community in response has also begun a Too Faced boycott.
I’ll never be able to put into words what these last few days have been like. thank you for accepting me and teaching me that on the other side of fear lies freedom. 🥺🌈💖 I love you so unconditionally, always.
— NikkieTutorials (@NikkieTutorials) January 15, 2020
Nikkie de Jager bravely shared her truth with the millions of us online. Hopefully, this inspires and encourages other trans people to share their truth with their communities and those they trust. De Jager’s story is beautiful and serves as a reminder that we as a community should continue to be more open and accepting of ourselves and those around us.