Rihanna has criticised brands that exploit trans people and use inclusivity as a “marketing tool”.
The singer was recently asked by a fan to include more trans people in the campaigns for her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line.
Rihanna replied: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women over 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. Whether they’re trans or not is none of my business.”
“I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool,” she added. “Too often 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’s Fenty Beauty range has been praised for its diversity. It includes 40 different shades of foundation to reflect various skin tones.
At her Fenty Beauty launch event back in September, Rihanna emphasised the need for greater diversity in the cosmetics world, saying: “There’s so many different shades… you want people to appreciate the product and not feel like ‘Oh that’s cute but it only looks good on her.’”