Doing beauty differently is what Avon has been advocating for 135 years.
This year, the #1 direct-selling beauty brand strengthens
this movement during this year’s Pride Month, which annually celebrates the
LGBTQIA+ community, alongside their stories and experiences.
Avon Philippines, in partnership with comic artist Hulyen
(@hulyen), produced a three-part comic series that illustrates Beauty for
All, Avon’s advocacy that puts the spotlight on democratic beauty not 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.”
Each strip depicts issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The comics were distributed to hundreds of thousands of Avon representatives in
more than 190 branches across the Philippines, encouraging them to learn more
and understand better the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this scene, an individual struggles to remember the various labels in the queer spectrum. A friend reassures her that it’s important to be open about learning new things.
It also provides context that Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (or SOGIE, for short) goes beyond just the girl, boy, bakla, and tomboy that most Filipinos are more familiar with.
Another comic depicts a queer person who “magically”
transforms into her true self when she’s with her friends. This has become a
common experience with LGBTQIA+ individuals all over the world. According to
Stonewall, only 46 to 47% of queer-identifying individuals feel open and
confident to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with their
families. Likewise, allies of the community should help create safe spaces
where queer individuals can open up and express their true selves.
The last comic visualizes Avon’s commitment when it comes to
promoting Beauty for All. It depicts an Avon representative who managed to
provide quality beauty and self-care products for her customers, allowing them
to truly enjoy their version of beauty no matter what their SOGIE.
“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 LGBTQIA+ community.
Max Closa, Avon Philippines’ Business Development Manager,
welcomes Avon’s efforts to rally 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.
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.
Visit www.avon.ph or like and check out Avon Philippines on
Facebook and Instagram.
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About Avon
Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon
is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives
for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world
sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own
beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe
in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter and
creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated
over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer.
Avon is part of the Natura & Co Group.
Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
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