Unapologetic About My Existence: Q&A with Jason Watler
Intersections of Beauty is a platform to celebrate the unique perspectives, aesthetics, and life experiences within the industry and our communities. We believe that beauty isn’t just one-size-fits-all. It‘s FOR all. And this Pride Month, we’re inviting members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories.
This week we spoke with content creator and sexual health advocate Jason Watler (@jei_sun) about representation, self-expression, and their plans for Pride Month.
Keep reading for the full conversation.
Q: What does safety and freedom of self expression mean to you?
A: Safety and freedom means everything to me. I’ve always been very BlaQueer and learned to be unapologetic about my existence over the past few years. It’s important to embrace Queer and Trans youth as they are. Listen to the youth.
Q: What do you want society to know about the importance of safety and freedom of self expression?
A: Society needs to embrace Queer and Trans people for who they are and stop trying to push the “Cisgender Hetero-Agenda” onto us as a default way of life when we’re colorful, vibrant and come in many shades of hues.
Q: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself this year?
A: The biggest thing I’ve learned about myself in 2021 is that manifesting works. Putting out my wants and needs out into the universe and taking action towards my goals will bring me what I need, an abundance of what I called for or something that’s more in line with my vision and goals that I might not have thought about.
Q: How does the beauty industry/community support you in your self expression; in what ways does it fall short?
A: Well, I love products like oVertone for my hair. It’s healthier for the hair than other products I’ve used in the past. I like that oVertone products are highly saturated with color. The Beauty industry needs to recognize that their Queer Trans and Non-Binary customers exist and needs to be more reflected in their brands.
Q: In what ways do you want to see the beauty industry grow?
A: I want to see better representation of inclusion and authenticity, especially when it comes to the stories of Black and Brown Queer and Trans People.
Q: How do you intend on celebrating and promoting self expression and freedom and safety to be during Pride Month?
A: Coloring my hair all pride season and most likely for the rest of the year to highlight my many different personas, looks and energies. I plan on being very gay this summer while being safe because we’re still in a pandemic.
More Intersections of Beauty: Meet Our June Poster Artist, Winnie Hefner
Learning about different viewpoints and experiences within the world of beauty helps the entire industry change for the better. Stay tuned to our IG and blog for more perspectives from people of color in the beauty industry.
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Photos courtesy of Jason Watler.