Trans Joy is a weekly blog series celebrating the positive side of trans experiences, in an attempt to bring some balance to contemporary trans discourses. This week I’m talking about lipstick.
Lipstick is perhaps my favourite form of makeup. It can be quick and easy to do, yet still make a big difference in how I feel. By drawing focus to the bold colours on my lips, I shift it away from parts of my face I feel less comfortable with on that day and exert a degree of power over how I look. In this picture I don’t see my stubble, I see a powerful pout.
The choice of colour can denote the intention and emotion I want to embody on that day. Red for seductive sensuality, pale blue for ethereal beauty and vulnerability. Most commonly I wear purple, for when I want the ferocious courage that characterises Pride. (In theory I’m aware that subtle flesh tones are also an option, but I’m a dramatic bitch and I don’t know how subtlety would make me feel.)
Symbolically it also feels empowering to draw attention to my mouth. Words are where I draw my strength from, the medium through which I shape my thoughts and impact the world around me. While I’m sure that’s not the association most people make when they see me in lipstick, it feels powerful to highlight my organ of oration.
For me lipstick evokes emotion, I feel powerful and beautiful when I wear it and applying it is a way to claim control over how I present to the world. And that is a joyous feeling.
I hope you all find some joy this week too ❤ If you want to contribute to this project then please get in touch 🙂
