Queer Beauty with Annie Lerwill

Annie grew up feeling different but desperately wanting to fit in... it is a sentiment a lot of us share. The professional beauty industry opened up a world full of people like her who were creative and brave... people who had endured the same things she had and found their voice. Pro Beauty allows her to live her life authentically.

Quarantine has given us time to evaluate what we truly love and care about as individuals and a brand. The further into the stay-home order we ventured, the realization that hair shows, education, festivals and all other events nationwide could potentially be canceled for the rest of the year.

As June, the month we typically celebrate Pride, approached... we saw more and more companies backing out of promotions and watched visibility for this community dwindle. We wanted to create something that showcased the faces, stories and journeys of the people that make up this community, within ProBeauty.

We aim to create visibility and a voice. We figured... what’s the point of a platform we have put blood, sweat and tears into for years... if we're not going to use it to speak for those who can’t.

This pride we are celebrating #queerbeauty. We are celebrating the people that make up the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. The POC community. The artist community and everyone that has stood together to say “We are here! We have always been here! We will forever be here!”

Every human deserves to live and be seen.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or struggling emotionally, go to NAMI.org for more information and immediate help.