Pride + Beauty: Honoring LGBTQIA+ Pioneers Who Transformed the Industry
Written by; Aryn

At Fresh Rayne Salon, we believe that beauty is for everyone. During Pride Month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community who have helped shape the beauty world into a more vibrant, inclusive, and expressive space. These artists, creators, and leaders broke barriers and brought so much brilliance and heart to the industry.

Here are just a few of the inspiring people who’ve made a lasting impact:

1. Kevyn Aucoin (He/Him) – Makeup Artist, Visionary, Trailblazer

Kevyn Aucoin was a world-renowned makeup artist in the ’80s and ’90s, known for working with stars like Cher, Whitney Houston, and Madonna. As an openly gay man, Kevyn used his platform to challenge beauty standards and promote acceptance. His contouring techniques and inclusive approach to beauty still inspire artists today.

2. Miss Fame (They/Them/She/Her) – Drag Artist, Model, and Beauty Creator

Miss Fame is known for blending the worlds of high fashion and drag. After gaining visibility on RuPaul’s Drag Race, they walked major runways, modeled internationally, and launched a luxury beauty brand. Their artistry and self-expression remind us that beauty doesn’t have to follow rules.

3. Patrick Starrr (He/They) – Makeup Artist, Content Creator, and Entrepreneur

Patrick Starrr built a beauty empire based on the message that makeup is for everyone. As a Filipino-American in the LGBTQIA+ community, he created the brand ONE/SIZE to honor individuality and inclusivity. Patrick is known for his uplifting spirit and bold glam.

4. Jules Arrieta (She/Her) – Hairstylist and Advocate

Jules is a proud trans Latina hairstylist who uses her platform to advocate for safer and more welcoming salon spaces for everyone. She inspires salon professionals around the world to offer gender-affirming services and create spaces that feel like home to all clients.

5. David Horne (He/Him) – Educator and Beauty Innovator

David Horne is a makeup educator and former creative lead at Illamasqua. As a non-binary voice in beauty, he’s been a strong advocate for makeup as a form of identity and artistry—encouraging students to explore self-expression without limits.

6. RuPaul Charles (He/Him/She/Her) – Drag Icon and Beauty Trailblazer

RuPaul brought drag into the mainstream and inspired a global movement of self-love, creativity, and fierce individuality. With RuPaul’s Drag Race, she helped elevate hundreds of performers and artists, while celebrating beauty in every form.

Why It Matters

These pioneers didn’t just influence styles—they helped open doors. They created safer, more expressive spaces in an industry that hasn’t always made room for everyone. At Fresh Rayne Salon, we honor that legacy by making our space welcoming to all, no matter how you identify or express yourself.

Pride Month is a time to reflect, support, and uplift. We’re proud to celebrate these changemakers who made the beauty world a little brighter—and a lot more inclusive.