Giving Back

Growing up gay on the East Coast of Canada, I struggled to figure out who I was, not because I didn’t know in my heart, but because I couldn’t see an example of what it was I was trying to express and because without ever being explicitly told, I knew that hometown wasn’t ready for my truth. When I finally came out in my 20s I was met with nothing but love from my family, something I have never once taken for granted, but still felt the tension in my community. Never at that age would I have had the confidence to walk up the street holding my girlfriend’s hand.

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It wasn’t until I relocated to Toronto where I could float anonymously in a diverse dreamland that I really found the confidence to find myself and love out loud. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been “loud” in any aspect of my personality, it was more that I could just be. Just exist without having to think twice about who would see, what they would think, and if we were at risk. Twenty years later, my hometown has come a long way and so have I. My family is still fearlessly by my side. I’ve since relocated and started my beauty business in another small community that I hear once had the same, quiet culture of shame and fear but now shines pride and feels like home for my wife and me. Even though we live a beautiful life, raising our son with values and holding hands without thinking twice, I know this isn’t a reality for everyone, and many people just like me are suffering locally and around the world.

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In countries around the world, LGBTQI+ people face violence and oppression simply because of who they love or who they are. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever before, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm. These people often experience police harassment, family violence, employment discrimination, or forced conversion therapy. In some cases, they endure life-threatening attacks perpetrated by members of their own families and communities. I know how hard it was for me to come out even with the best support in my life, I can’t imagine the fear of being beaten, jailed, or killed just for existing. I can’t imagine the struggle to constantly have your life and livelihood threatened, just for loving my beautiful wife. I can’t just accept that it’s 2022 and this shit is still happening. But there is hope.

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 Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps LGTBQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.  They’ve helped over 3,100 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance. In honour of Pride Season and my gratitude for the life I live, I am launching a fundraising campaign in support of Rainbow Railroad.

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From June 1st to July 31st Beauty Box will be donating 5% of all sales to this amazing charity to help Rainbow Railroad continue its lifesaving work. I want to help and I am challenging my friends, family, and clients to join me. Please consider a donation to this cause so close to my heart. In addition to funds raised through sales, I hope to inspire $1000 in gifts from caring people like you. Any amount is appreciated, if you can’t give at this time you can help by sharing this fundraiser with others, learning what you can about the work of Rainbow Railroad, and practicing kindness and acceptance in your everyday life.