Beauty Taboos

Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. These beauty taboos define themselves and what beauty truly means to them.

Transgender, elderly, and prostitute are not typical words a person would associate with beauty, but who are we to say what is beautiful. Each of these people defines their beauty in their own way. Although society may not see these groups as beautiful, the groups themselves would disagree.

Four essential questions were asked to an individual of each taboo. First question, what makes you beautiful? Second, who in your mind epitomizes beauty? Third, what about your taboo is beautiful? Lastly, what does beauty mean to you, and what makes someone beautiful?

According to People Magazine Gigi Lazzarato, or better known as Gigi Gorgeous by her YouTube following; is one transgender woman who broke the taboo.

Lazzarato began her transition at age of fifteen. She always knew something was different inside, but her grueling diving practices forced her to keep it hidden. Once she quit diving she felt free to be herself and started wearing a full face of makeup to school.

After Lazzarato’s mom died she decided to not let her inner woman be ignored any longer.

“Her death made me realize, ‘Life is too short to not do what you want to do. Let’s be the most authentic you that you can be,” said Lazzarato.

Yetta Steiner a local transgender woman agreed that the taboos were there, but they did not matter.

“My femininity makes me beautiful not because of the social construct of female beauty but because it’s my own. The fact that I have the right to define my own beauty and make it whatever I want it to be despite society’s expectations of what it defines as female or male,” said Steiner.

Steiner is someone that would never let another person tell her whom she is and how she should act. She believes that a person has a choice of who they want to be and how they want society to view them.

“I do not believe that one specific individual defines beauty. Beauty is defined through the eye of the beholder. everyone’s perspectives on beauty are so different in regards to culture, race, and/or Identity,” said Steiner.

When asked question three Steiner responded.

“I believe that because gender is a social construct that was built off a specific outline of expectations, stereotypes, and generalizations it has outlined a specific factors that society deems as beautiful, acceptable, and a part of the status quo. because my gender identity is so fluid people don’t understand it and difference functions to exclude in our elite society,” said Steiner.

Steiner’s outside appearance is up for interpretation, but the persona she displays is of the utmost beauty. She answered each question dignifiedly and did not hesitate to speak her mind.

“My definition of beauty is fluid I find beauty in a multitude of aspects. I find beauty in kindness, equality, and fairness. I think what makes someone beautiful is not what is presented on the outside that’s only an addition, but what on the inside and the essence of their character and how they treat others. as a trans women I find myself on the receiving end of discrimination and scrutiny under a law that was created to press people like me. it’s time we saw change.” Said Steiner.

Elderly women are not typically looked upon as beautiful. Beauty is usually associated with being young. However, Angela M. Shanabarger a spunky, young soul would say old is the new young. She will not let her age define her beauty.

“I am beautiful because I know where I’ve been and I know where I’m going. I am beautiful because I care about my family and friends. I don’t need to be told that I am beautiful because I already know who I am and I don’t need to be told. I treat others like they are beautiful and I expect others to do the same,” said Shanabarger.

Perched on the hot seat, Shanabarger took each question as if she was prepared to do this her whole life. She treated each question as if she had rehearsed it a hundred times.

“My daughter defines beauty. She is strong and has never let a man take it away from her,” said Shanabarger.

Beauty comes in many different forms including the love one shares for another.

Shanabarger never deterred from the interview and continued to be an outstanding interviewee. When asked, what about your taboo is beautiful, she answered with ease.

“I think the taboos associated with older women is that youth is what makes a person beautiful. The youth of their personality and their looks. Older women have been through enough to know they are beautiful without having to be reminded like younger women,” said Shanabarger.

Her aura and her overwhelming confidence was quite beautiful in its own way. Although, this woman is put into a taboo category she didn’t look at herself as a taboo, but rather a beautiful woman.

“My definition of beauty is feeling love from others. If you are surrounded by loved ones, they make you beautiful, and that is what truly matters, the love from family,” said Shanabarger.

What word comes to mind when you think of a prostitute? Whore, harlot, trashy, and sleazy, but would you think of the word beautiful? Xcstacsy Rataway would say, why not. Rataway a local prostitute says that because she is a prostitute doesn’t mean that she cannot be looked at as beautiful.

Rataway was hesitant in the interview at first but, quickly warmed up to the idea. Rataway answered each question thoroughly and honestly.

“I’m beautiful because I have finally accepted myself for what I am. In a world with high beauty expectations, it is easy to constantly compare myself to the beauty standards made in everyday life. Every day I wake up and see my insecurities and struggles as a driving force to what makes me a strong and beautiful individual,” Rataway said.

Rataway seemed confident in what she did. She believes that because of her lifestyle, it shouldn’t affect the way beauty is reflected upon her. When asked, who in your mind epitomizes beauty she was quick to respond.

“My mom defines beauty. She is such a strong individual who is accepting of me and is always supportive of me. No matter what I face she always is there to listen to me,” Rataway said.

Prostitution is not how Rataway wants to be defined.

“I think beauty taboos associated with prostitutes are that they are cheap looking. They always dress in revealing clothing is another beauty taboo and just because someone dresses or does their makeup a certain way does not mean that they are cheap or a prostitute,” said Rataway.

Rataway’s life was quite astonishing. She was brought up in a wealthy home, but when she became pregnant at fifteen her family disowned her. She was forced to go into prostitution. Although, her circumstances may seem bad, Rataway doesn’t mind being a prostitute. It pays well.

Rataway was clearly an interesting subject to interview and when asked the last question she answered with a great amount of confidence.

“I don’t think there is a definition for beauty. Each individual has their own interpretation of beauty which I think makes everyone unique. It’s important to embrace your individuality because everyone goes through their own hardships, own insecurities but it’s what you make out if that makes you beautiful,” said Rataway.

When it comes to beauty there should not be a specific idea of what beauty is. Although transgender, elderly, and prostitutes may be taboos in society. Beauty is in all people even the beauty taboos.