In a deeply personal and inspiring moment, renowned makeup artist mario dedivanovic has publicly embraced his identity as a gay man. this significant revelation came as he accepted the artist achievement award at the american influencer awards held in los angeles.
the emotional speech, delivered after receiving the accolade from long-time friend and client kim kardashian west, marked a pivotal point in dedivanovic's life, signaling a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity.
dedivanovic, widely recognized for his transformative makeup artistry and his massive following on social media as "makeup by mario," shared the profound impact of this moment.
he described feeling a sense of liberation, stating, "i can now live the life that i deserve and right now i feel true happiness because for once i can finally breathe i'm finally happy to be me." he further elaborated on the years of internal struggle, recounting how he had spent his entire life and childhood suppressing his thoughts, dreams, feelings, and creativity, all in an effort to remain invisible and conceal his true self.
"i stand here for the first time in my life a proud 28-year-old gay man," dedivanovic declared, his voice resonating with conviction and relief.
"i finally feel that bright light that i've been dreaming of my whole life is pouring from my soul around my body and it's mine." this powerful declaration underscored the immense courage it took to finally step into his truth after years of living in fear and silence.
the weight of expectation and the journey toward acceptance
dedivanovic's candid confession also shed light on the societal and personal pressures that can lead individuals to conceal their true identities.
he spoke of how, after revealing his feelings to his mother, she encouraged him to shed the burden of shame and fear. his experience resonated with the many young boys and girls who, he believes, may be living in similar circumstances, experiencing fear and pain due to cultural, familial, or social judgment.
the makeup artist admitted to having considered ending his life at one point, a stark reminder of the severe mental health toll that suppressing one's identity can take.
he articulated that people like him often feel afraid to be their authentic selves because of the potential judgment from their cultures, families, and social circles. this sentiment highlights the critical need for greater understanding, acceptance, and support within communities to foster environments where everyone feels safe to be who they are.
a powerful endorsement from kim kardashian west
following dedivanovic's heartfelt speech, kim kardashian west took to the stage to express her immense pride and admiration for her long-time friend and collaborator.
she described dedivanovic as one of her closest friends and credited him with creating some of her most magical memories. their professional relationship, spanning over eleven years, has been a cornerstone of her public image and a testament to their shared creative vision.
"we've worked together for 11 years, so 11 years of fights," kardashian west humorously acknowledged, underscoring the deep, brother-and-sister bond they share.
"we fight like you don't even understand. we fight like brother and sister. but he's created some of my most magical memories and really i believe made me who i am today." her words not only celebrated dedivanovic's talent but also his significant personal impact on her life.
dedivanovic himself shared a video of his speech on instagram, captioning it with the poignant phrase, "finally free." the accompanying video clip offered a moving glimpse into the raw emotion of the moment, prompting many viewers to feel a sense of empathy and perhaps even tears themselves, reflecting the universal human experience of overcoming adversity and embracing one's true self.
a new beauty collaboration celebrates a decade of partnership
in tandem with this deeply personal announcement, kardashian west and dedivanovic are set to launch a new beauty product collection this november.
this collaboration is a direct celebration of their remarkable eleven-year professional journey together. the impending collection promises to offer a range of covetable makeup items, including an eyeshadow palette, a gloss formulated for ultra-high shine, a velvet matte finish lipstick, a lip liner, and a sheer matte peach blush.
this joint venture signifies not only a significant milestone in their careers but also a public testament to their enduring creative partnership.
the collection is expected to embody the sophisticated and glamorous aesthetic that both kardashian west and dedivanovic are known for, offering fans a chance to experience their shared vision firsthand. the launch serves as a powerful symbol of their mutual respect, shared success, and the exciting future that lies ahead for both.
dedivanovic's brave act of self-disclosure has resonated widely, inspiring many within and beyond the beauty industry.
his story is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and the transformative power of living one's truth. as he continues his journey, his commitment to his art and his newfound freedom promise to inspire countless others to embrace their own paths toward self-acceptance and happiness.
the impact of dedivanovic's announcement extends beyond his personal narrative.
it contributes to a broader cultural conversation about visibility and acceptance for the l.g.b.t.q.+ community. by sharing his experiences so openly, he provides a beacon of hope and encouragement for individuals who may still be navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
his willingness to be vulnerable has undoubtedly made a significant positive impression.
further highlights from the world of entertainment and culture
in other notable news, the world of entertainment continues to bring diverse stories and personalities to the forefront.
recent headlines have included the announcement of Jakub Jankto, an openly gay soccer player, retiring from the sport, a move that has garnered significant attention. the discussion surrounding artist lil nas x also highlights the complexities and challenges faced by artists who push boundaries and express their identities openly in the public eye.
the competitive landscape of "rupaul's drag race uk" season 7 promises to bring a fresh wave of talent and creativity, while events like splash house offer unique pride festival experiences for the gay community to celebrate and connect.
the ongoing conversations surrounding theatre productions and their controversies, such as "oh, mary!", continue to engage audiences and critics alike.
celebrity news also featured david beckham's son, cruz, going viral for his photos, and adult star rebecca more reflecting on her extensive career.
jillian michaels' potential legal action regarding "biggest loser" also captured public interest. meanwhile, addison rae's reaction to ben platt's cover of "diet pepsi" and diego montoya's acclaimed drag designs, recognized by a major museum, showcase the diverse artistic expressions within popular culture.
the intersection of fashion and identity is also a recurring theme, with discussions on how to wear a suit in august and the impact of brands like katseye, featuring sydney sweeney, on contemporary fashion trends.
even educational platforms like duolingo have found themselves in the spotlight, issuing an apology following a lesson that referenced j.k. rowling. the digital landscape continues to evolve, with content creators like beau and matt sharing their experiences and engaging with their audience on topics ranging from personal relationships to internet culture.
the beauty industry, in particular, is increasingly embracing inclusivity and diversity.
stories like the "queer" lab coat in the context of hiv awareness and the evolving styles in makeup artistry reflect a growing acceptance and celebration of different identities. mario dedivanovic's personal journey and professional achievements are a significant part of this ongoing narrative, highlighting the power of embracing one's true self.