-  Photo: Bellacures

Photo: Bellacures

Nail salon brand Bellacures introduced a collection of three Pride manicures in collaboration with activist, actress, consultant, model, producer, speaker, and writer who helps break social stigmas surrounding transgender women, and the world’s first openly transgender prom queen, Corey Rae.

Throughout the month of June, three designs that were inspired by, and pay tribute to, some of the most influential trans women of our time will be available with a portion of proceeds going to the LA LGBT Center, an organization that has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond since 1969.

The Bellacures x Corey Rae designs include:

  • Magnificent Marsha (after Marsha P. Johnson): A subtle way to rock the rainbow Pride colors alternated on colored French tips. Marsha P. Johnson was an African-American trans woman who was a force behind the Stonewall Riots and surrounding activism that sparked a new phase of the LGBTQ+ movement in 1969. Johnson worked to provide food, clothing, emotional support and a sense of family for the young drag queens, trans women, gender nonconformists and other gay street kids.
  • Sparkling Sylvia (after Sylvia Rivera): For those that love to sparkle, this look alternates French tips with glitter dense polish representing the transgender colors of light blue, light pink, and a shimmering white inspired nail. Sylvia Rivera was a Puerto Rican-American gay liberation and transgender activist. Most commonly known as one of the inciters of the monumental Stonewall Riots in New York City. She was also one of the first political organizers for transgender rights in the world. Along with Marsha P. Johnson she helped found STAR, (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) a group committed to supporting transgender youth experiencing homelessness in New York City.
  • Charming Christine (after Christine Jorgensen): For a modern springtime take on the rainbow, feature a pastel rainbow on one to two nails atop a classic nude shade. Christine Jorgensen was an American trans woman who was the first person to become widely known in the United States for having sex affirmation surgery. Jorgensen was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and afterward transitioned, becoming the “first trans celebrity” and had a career as a successful and charming actress, singer, and recording artist.

“We are so excited to collaborate with one of our favorite clients this year for our annual Pride collection,” said Jennifer Bell, senior marketing manager of Bellacures. “We love watching the designs Corey gets and how she uses her nails as a style statement. Nails are truly an art form of expression for everyone. We look forward to seeing our designs all over the nails of Los Angeles this June, and bringing awareness and support to The LGBT Center and community.”

"I'm thrilled to be partnering with Bellacures on these Pride Manicures,” added Rae. “Each manicure pays tribute to three of the most influential trans women of our time. Although we have so much more to fight for, our community wouldn't be where we are today without these strong and courageous women. We carefully curated the three designs, wanting them to be universally appealing, and keeping our mission in mind of people leaving the salon showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. It was important for me to keep the cost of the manicures low, as trans people specifically have high expenses as it is, but I also wanted to pay it forward to the LA LGBT Center, an organization that has personally helped me tremendously. $3 from each manicure will be donated to The Center, as I know from experience how far even the smallest of donations can go with them."

The Pride manicure costs $33 (a gel upgrade is available for an additional fee) and is available at the Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westlake Village and South Bay at The Point locations. 

About Corey Rae

 -  Photo: Bellacures

Photo: Bellacures

Corey Rae is an activist, actress, consultant, model, producer, speaker and writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She became the World’s first openly transgender Prom Queen while transitioning in high school, and since has dedicated her life to representing transgender women in a positive light through various industries and platforms. She supports individuals that struggle with their gender identity, the transition process and coming out. Corey speaks to the cisgender community about transgender and help change their perceptions through different mediums.

She writes about her journey on her blog, I’m Corey Rae, and also shares her life experiences and stories of inspiring LGBTQIA+ members. Corey has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Vogue, People, Cosmopolitan, Variety, and many more. Follow her on Instagram at @imcoreyrae.

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