Over the past decades, the LGBTQ community has achieved significant accomplishments in ensuring the acceptance and inclusivity of its members in all spheres of life. However, some biases remain against LGBTQ+ Black indigenous (and) people of color (BIPOC) in the beauty and healthcare settings. Often, black queer individuals are the victims of harassment due to many stigmas and stereotypes implied by society, an experience that is often detrimental to their mental health. To empower LGBTQ+ young adults of color, encourage positivity, and preach inclusivity of queer individuals in the beauty and healthcare industry, spirited entrepreneur and activist Kenny Screven established the Haus of Shadez LGBTQ+ support group.
Kenny Screven is a beauty influencer and LGBTQ+ activist who uses his makeup skills and large social media platform to advocate for the rights and representation of the LGBTQ+ BIPOC in the beauty industry. Through his influence in the beauty industry, Kenny advocates for inclusivity and helps connect trans women to beauty supplies suitable for them. “Many of our queer feminine-spirited folks, especially our trans women, enjoy self-care activities and indulge in different beauty regiments. To provide makeup for trans women who may not have the means or access to makeup supplies. I used my relationships with top makeup brands in the world to create makeup starter kits for trans women,” he explained.
Growing up as a queer black boy when it was not accepted to be openly so, Kenny felt at odds with everything. “I never felt like I belonged anywhere. I always felt like an outcast. I never felt like I had anyone to relate to or identify with. This made it very difficult for me to find myself,” he shared. So to ensure that queer individuals have a safe space to express their artistry, Kenny took his advocacy a step further and started his LGBTQ+ support group, Haus of Shadez. Through the support group, Kenny and his team connect members to beauty supplies and sexual health resources necessary to continue living a healthy life.
Additionally, this inspiring individual kicked off the “No Shame, No Shade” to bring awareness to and minimize the bias against LGBTQ+ BIPOC in healthcare spaces and come closer to ending stigmas in general. “Typically, we get judged based on the color of our skin. I found this campaign essential because queer BIPOC people should not feel frightened or nervous to see a health care professional,” he stated.
When asked about the future goal of his support group, Kenny said, “Ultimately, we want to continue to connect our peers to the affirming resources that validate our existence as people. In addition, we ultimately hope to educate healthcare professionals on how to make their practices more welcoming to our community.”
In the coming years, Kenny hopes his passion project Haus of Shadez and the “No Shame, No Shade” campaign evolve into something bigger and attain recognition internationally. Also, he aims to turn Haus of Shadez into a talk show in the future where topics around queer BIPOC folks can be discussed without bias. “A place where BIPOC LGBTQ+ people can come hang out and learn, have fun and experience new things,” he envisioned.
To learn more about Kenny Screven and his passion project, Haus of Shadez LGBTQ+ support group, visit his Instagram page.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Kenny Screven
Email: Send Email
Phone: 2673881652
Country: United States
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kscreven/?hl=en
