“I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman or man be used as a convenient marketing tool…”
Rihanna’s new Fenty Beauty line has received endless praise for its inclusive shade range and diverse ads. But, one fan thought that it could be even more inclusive and took his suggestions straight to Riri herself.
The user wrote on Twitter: “Fenty Beauty campaign is awesome, next time you record something should invite a trans girl to the group.”
To the fan’s surprise, Rihanna responded to the message with a lengthy reply, explaining how she would never use a transgender model as a marketing tool and denounced the idea of holding a casting just to fill a quota.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women throughout the years, but I don’t go around doing trans castings,” Rihanna wrote. “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.”
She also said that she understands that not all trans women feel comfortable disclosing their identity.
“I respect all women, and whether they’re trans or not is none of my business! t’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!”
She added: ‘I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be used 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!’
When I thought she couldn't teach me more… @rihanna ❤ pic.twitter.com/iAX3kJBAr1
— savage (@lbertootero) November 29, 2017
Rihanna hasn’t commented on the private conversation, but she has a long history of responding to direct messages from fans around the world.
POST A COMMENT