Beloved makeup guru and YouTuber NikkieTutorials, whose real name is Nikkie de Jager, came out as a transgender woman in a recent video. The Dutch beauty queen has been making YouTube videos for 11 years (for her 12 million + followers!), but the reason she’s sharing now is that some transphobic jerks blackmailed her. Nikkie wanted to take back control of her own narrative—not that she owes literally anyone an explanation for her identity!
She said, “I want to start the year off by finally revealing a part of my life that has made me who I am.”
Nikkie then asked her viewers to understand her story: “I was born in the wrong body…which means I am transgender. Filming this video is scary, but it is so liberating and freeing…At the end of the day, I am still Nikkie.”
Here’s her inspiring, beautiful story of transitioning, acceptance, and love:
Nikkie said she has always wanted to share the fact that she’s a transgender woman, but the “chance was taken away from me.” She said she was blackmailed by some very evil people who wanted to leak her story to the press—apparently, as a way to destroy her life?— but Nikkie took back control of her story. She owned it and was proud of it.
Of course, the Internet was largely supportive and full of love for Nikkie. Because how could they not be?
Her fans mostly reassured her that they still love her, because of course, they would, and that her message would help others feel less alone, which is important because so many trans kids, teens, and adults struggle with being open about their identity.
Other fans said that the fact that the video (and its comments) exist shows just how accepting and loving the world is becoming. Honestly, if this doesn’t make Nikkie’s blackmailers feel stupid, we’re not sure what would.
There were a lot of tears in the comments (and probably a lot of smudged makeup).
Just because someone has transitioned or is transitioning doesn’t mean they’ve changed entirely or that they’re no longer a good person — and her fans made sure she understand that they STAN her regardless.
Her trans and nonbinary fans also chimed in — saying that they appreciated her honesty and self-acceptance. Representation makes the world a better place!
Her Twitter fans also shared their love and support:
No one should be forced to come out.
You being out will be a force for good in the world… but will make it harder for you to navigate. That should be your choice to make, no one elses.
But, now you’re out, there is a wide community out there for you. We got you. x
— Christina Grimwade (@Chr1stinaG) January 13, 2020
Nikkie was in a rough situation. But she was not forced to come out.
SHE TOOK THE POWER AWAY FROM THE ASSHOLE; AND EMPOWERED HERSELF.
♥️♥️♥️
— sobasan (@sobasan) January 14, 2020
We are always so incredibly proud of you and especially now for having the courage to share your story with the world!! We love you unconditionally Nikkie????
— OFRA Cosmetics (@OFRACosmetics) January 13, 2020
— eonni chan (@chanderellaaaaa) January 14, 2020
Nikkie left her listeners with an incredible message: “I want to inspire little Nikkies around the world who feel insecure, who feel out of place, who feel misunderstand…I hope by me standing up and being free, that it inspires others to do the same. This world needs us. We need to accept each other. We need to respect each other…You get to write your own story. You can be you. You are in charge of how you want to live your life.”
Another finger for the people blackmailing pic.twitter.com/hdI8UkzgSK
— Yamzi (@Yamziwow) January 13, 2020