YouTuber NikkieTutorials comes out as trans to her 12 million followers: ‘It’s time to let go and be truly free’
SAVE FOR LATER
NikkieTutorials has come out as trans in a tear-jerking video. (Getty Images)
YouTuber NikkieTutorials had one message to her 12 million subscribers: “I am transgender.”
The makeup guru, known off-screen as Nikkie de Jager, shared the touching note to her fans on Monday.
In an emotional 13 minute clip, the 25-year-old beauty blogger explained how she transitioned in her teens and decided to share her story after she was allegedly blackmailed.
‘I am NikkieTutorials, and I am Nikkie. I am me.’
“Today I am here to share something with you that I’ve always wanted to share with you one day, but under my own circumstances, and it looks like that chance has been taken away from me,” she said in the video.
I’m coming out. https://t.co/chLHURZKk4
— NikkieTutorials (@NikkieTutorials) January 13, 2020
“So today, I am taking back my own power and I have to tell you something.”
Jager explained that she has always strived to be her own person on her own terms. “It’s time to let go and be truly free,” she said.
“When I was younger I was born in the wrong body, which means that I am transgender.”
#IamMe ??
— NikkieTutorials (@NikkieTutorials) January 13, 2020
“I am NikkieTutorials, and I am Nikkie. I am me.
“We don’t need labels. But if we are going to put a label on it, yes, I am transgender.
“But at the end of the day, I am me,” she said.
In 13 minutes, Jager, who has given makeovers to a star-studded selection of celebrities including Lady Gaga, inspired countless fans with her journey.
She was inspired by an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race to show the world “the power of makeup”, but now it seems she’s showing the world what being herself can do.
But she said in the video that her decision to come out was not entirely her own.
“I have been blackmailed by people that wanted to leak my story to the press,” noting that as much as she always wanted to come out, she wanted her channel to be about her craft.
“The last thing I want in my life is for you to not trust me any more or to look at me with different eyes.” she said.
“At the end of the day I am still Nikkie.”
From RuPaul queens to Kim Petras, countless fans congratulate NikkieTutorials.
Tallying 13.5 million views in less than a day, Jager’s video drew countless applause from fans, praising her for owning her narrative amid the alleged blackmail:
FUCK ALL OF Y’ALL NIKKI REMAINS A QUEEN. pic.twitter.com/0WoJvhnszf
— ⛈ jaye ⛈ (@jayesimpson94) January 13, 2020
nikkietutorials just told the world she’s transgender fvck this fake jeffree star breakup let’s give nikkie our love pic.twitter.com/XSCgRyBbYV
— captain f*g (@captainfaq) January 13, 2020
Jk Rowling has unfollowed Nikki Tutorials
— DEADDILF (@deaddilf69) January 13, 2020
Nikkietutorials: *Posts a video about her coming out*
Me : Oh she’s bisexuel ?
*Video starts playing*
Nikkie : I’m a trans woman. pic.twitter.com/iFAPfmlGS3
— ????????? (@OMEGAGRACE_) January 13, 2020
While trans singer Kim Petras explained how Jager is now “free” and it’s “beautiful”:
i’m so happy n proud for @NikkieTutorials ? ur freee fkn beautiful n a fkn legend . that shit had me emotional ???
— KIM PETRAS (@kimpetras) January 14, 2020
RuPaul queen Jinkx Monsoon congratulated Jager for “reclaiming” her story and denounced whomever attempted to blackmail her:
When you out someone, you are risking that person’s safety and well-being. There is no justification. Done.
— Jinkx Monsoon (@JinkxMonsoon) January 14, 2020
Moreover, the Human Rights Campaign commented on how much the YouTube star’s “visibility” will no doubt inspire trans youth:
“I can’t believe I’m saying this today… I am transgender.” @NikkieTutorials, a popular YouTuber known for her makeup videos, has shared that she is transgender.
Nikkie, we support you and we know that your visibility help trans youth and adults alike feel a little less alone. https://t.co/hbRpedHQsP
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 13, 2020
Trans singer and makeup artist Nikita Dragun said “to see [you] out and living [you] truth has brought me to tears”:
TRANS IS BEAUTIFUL ? @NikkieTutorials i am so proud of u! i know how hard it is. to see u out and living ur truth has brought me to tears! u don’t know how many people ur inspiring and helping by sharing ur story. i am one of them! she said WOMAN. https://t.co/SoUOndNw7U
— Nikita Dragun (@NikitaDragun) January 13, 2020
More: NikkieTutorials, Trans, YouTube
