While the call for diversity in beauty is slowly being met, Rihanna wants to make sure that the representation of women of colour and trans models by major brands is being done for the right reasons.
Brands like Make Up For Ever, Toni & Guy and Gucci have recently appointed transgender models to front campaigns, which may have prompted one fan to question why Rihanna’s all-inclusive makeup range, Fenty Beauty, hadn’t hired a transgender model.
Questioning the singer on Instagram, the fan wrote, “Fenty Beauty campaign is awesome, next time you record something should invite a trans girl to the group”.
Rihanna's response: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women throughout the years, but I don’t go around doing trans castings! Just like I don’t do straight non trans women castings!
“I respect all women, and whether they’re trans or not is none of my business! It’s personal and some trans women are more comfortable being open about it than others so I have to respect that as a woman myself!
“I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be uses as a convenient marketing tool! Too often do I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike! There’s always just that one spot in the campaign for the token ‘we look mad diverse’ girl/guy! It’s sad!”
