Viva Glam VII lipstick

item details

NameViva Glam VII lipstick

ProductionMAC Cosmetics; manufacturer; 2010; Canada

Classificationcosmetics, lipsticks

Materialsplastic, metal

DimensionsOverall: 18mm (width), 75mm (height), 18mm (depth), 18mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH026037

Credit lineGift of Bella Simpson, 2021

Overview

This lipstick belonged to Bella Simpson (born 1996), a young trans woman who came out socially as a transgender girl when she was 11 years old, and began a public life as a trans advocate when she was 12.

The lipstick was part of MAC Cosmetic's 'Viva Glam' campaign in 2010 featuring singers and songwriters Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. Proceeds from sales went to the MAC AIDS Fund, which has a particular focus on women at risk of HIV and AIDS.

Bella kept this lipstick because it was one of the first ones she bought for herself when she was 'finding my own style' (personal communication, 2021). She also kept it because it raised money and awareness of HIV / AIDS, and because Lady Gaga's artistry and commitment to LGBTQI+ rights are hugely inspirational to Bella.