Doing beauty differently is what Avon has been advocating for 135 years
The number one direct-selling beauty brand strengthens its Doing Beauty Differently movement in support of the LGBTQIA+ community by recognizing and shedding light to their stories, experiences, and struggles.
Avon Philippines, together with cartoonist Hulyen, produced a three-part comic series that illustrates Beauty for All, Avon’s advocacy that puts the spotlight on democratic beauty, that topics on beauty isn’t just for women, but for everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression.
“I think everyone deserves to celebrate their own version of beauty especially if it makes them feel good about themselves,” shares Hulyen. “It’s really great that a major beauty brand like Avon is rallying behind this advocacy because it encourages you to be yourself and celebrate what makes you you.”
The Comic
Each strip depicts issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community which include: SOGIE Education and LGBTIA+ Support. The comics were distributed to thousands Avon representatives in more than 190 branches across the Philippines, encouraging them to learn more and understand the LGBTQIA+ community better.
It also provides context that Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) goes beyond just the girl, boy, gay, and lesbian that most Filipinos are more familiar with.
The comic also deals with common experiences from LGBTQIA+ individuals such as coming out as well as transitioning. According to a Stonewall study, more than 50% of queer-identifying individuals are not comfortable or confident in sharing their SOGIE—even with family. The comic calls on for allies to create safe spaces where queer individuals can be proud of who they are.
In Support of the LGBTQIA+ Community
The comic also visualizes Avon’s commitment in promoting Beauty for All. It shows how Avon is committed to provide beauty and self-care products to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—allowing LGBTQIA+ feel beautiful no matter what color spectrum they are in the rainbow.
“I have learned so much about Pride and how times are changing. It’s something new to me, but we have family and friends who are LGBTQIA+. Understanding them is a great way to show how much we respect them, and through these, I understand them even more,” Avon Representative Jennifer Limyu shares after reading the comics about the community.
Avon Philippines’ Business Development Manager, Max Closa, welcomed the company’s efforts in rallying behind its employees in causes that involve them. “I’m so proud and thankful to be a part of a company who supports the LGBTQIA+ community. The changes might be gradual but it’s already a huge step for us,” Closa shares.
An Avon Initiative
In line with the advocacy, Avon Philippines also recently held a SOGIE Sensitivity Seminar for Associates at their main office. Miss Trans World 2020 Mela Habijan spoke at the event where she discussed SOGIE, the different issues the community is facing, and how one can be a better ally. The trans beauty queen, host, and actress also made a SOGIE explainer video.
To further extend its efforts in inclusivity, Avon Philippines also supported members of Manila’s Drag community with various products like the Limitless collection, the first gender-free intimate apparel in the country. The company also reached out to the Home for the Golden Gays, which provides support and care facilities for elderly LGBTQIA+ people.
“Avon continues with its commitment to create a better world for everyone. With Avon, everyone can be brave, brazen, and beautiful all at the same time because Beauty is for All—and that is how it should be in the years to come,” Avon PR and Communications Lead Marion Limlengco says.
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