Fun fact: this week is Trans Awareness Week. And while every week is one that trans voices should be heard, listened to, and celebrated, this week will still serve as a chance to highlight them.
Speaking of highlighting, trans voices flourish in the YouTube beauty community. It's where many transgender people go to share not just their makeup routines, but their unique experiences as well.
So if you want to learn something from trans women (and slay the beauty game along the way), here are eight YouTubers you should be watching:
1. Gigi Gorgeous
Whether it was Gigi's incredible makeup skills and taste in fashion or her very public transition that catapulted Gigi into super-stardom is unclear, but the world sure is glad it did.
Following her very public transition on YouTube, she sparked international outrage when she vlogged her experience of being detained in Dubai due to her gender identity, and she launched a much-needed conversation about gender and sexuality when she came out as a lesbian in 2016.
2. Nikita Dragun
In between teaching everyone how to REALLY perfect a smokey eye and showing us the wonders of lace-front wigs, Nikita shares her honest experiences with many of the incredibly grueling parts of transitioning — hormone therapy and cosmetic surgery, just to name a few.
3. Trinity Anne
Trinity has no shame and no secrets when it comes to anything, but especially when it comes to the intricacies of sex and dating while trans. She's vlogged extensively about going on dates with men who didn't know that she's trans, how hormone therapy can affect sex, and finding trans-friendly sex toys.
She could also teach you a thing or two about contouring.
4. Angela Vanity
When Angela's not schooling everyone in the art of full glam, she's discussing her transition — even the incredibly dark parts like her mental struggle and suicide attempt — or going OFF on anti-trans bathroom policies.
5. Julie Vu
It's not enough for Julie to make both beauty and trans-education videos — she does both at once, like the time she roasted a man who called her "tranny" in public with a hilarious makeup tutorial.
6. Stef Sanjati
Stef's pastel-grunge style and makeup skills make her a prime source for beauty AND fashion inspo, but she's also a treasure trove of advice for young trans women. Facial feminization surgery, choosing names, dating, voice training, hormone therapy, and transitioning before adulthood are just a handful of the topics she's bridged.
7. Elena Genevinne
Two words: That HAIR. Watching Elena's video are a must if you're toying with idea of hair extensions, and while you're there you can discover her journey with hormones and realize how much dedication it takes to transition.
8. Maya, a.k.a. transmermaid
Maya has such sleek style when it comes to both fashion and beauty, but how she'll really get you hooked is with her stories. She shares the funny and embarrassing side of transitioning with charm, and encourages you to laugh (or cringe) along.
