It’s 2023 –  And “this is just as much our space as anybody else’s. We’re here, we’re queer, we’re gender fluid, we’re whatever you identify with, and we’re not going anywhere,” says Vancouver-born Courtnei Lee. “We deserve this space just as much as any straight, white, six foot one gorgeous model does.”

With the words of authenticity, transparency, and inclusivity radiating from her aura, the founder and CEO of her new trans-owned all-inclusive make-up and skincare line, OYT Cosmetics (OYTC), is here to help redefine the concept of beauty once and for all.

Today we are in a generation where more and more people are discovering and embracing their inner rainbow. And thanks to the rise of the Internet, our world has transformed the beauty industry from being an exclusive domain of models and magazines to a broad, accessible world where new faces are welcomed with open arms.

Much of this transformation is thanks to trailblazing beauty influencers, including millennials and Gen Z activists who have little time for an industry that lacks inclusivity. Over the past decade, beauty brands have begun to pick up on this shift, creating beauty campaigns showcasing people and products that connect with a broader audience. 

But not everyone is being seen at the same level just yet. 

While there are several big-box beauty brands worldwide, today's make-up and skincare empire is still trying to catch up to the needs of diverse populations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning members, and others. Known worldwide proudly as the LGBTQ+ communities.

Knowing first-hand how transformative self-expression can be, beauty-disrupter and leader of change Courtnei Lee found herself falling head over heels in love with the beauty world. Because, after all, being “loud, proud and beautiful” is what life should be about.

“I’d spent 25 years living in the wrong body, but I was too terrified to do anything about it because of the weight of society that I felt came with transitioning,” she reflects. “It couldn’t be put off anymore.” But it wasn’t until she fell in love with the beauty products on display at Sephora that the young Lee ignited a curiosity and passion for cosmetics.

However, Lee found herself transitioning at a time when an adequate representation of transgender communities was almost non-existent. 

“I had no language to try and understand myself for the feelings I was having,” she says. “So I’m grateful to where things came to because there was representation created by the time I decided to transition.”

And so, to continue helping and guiding others to find their confidence, she decided to become a voice for change. 

Today, Lee’s new trans-owned all-inclusive make-up line is here to aid the LGBTQ+ community in the ongoing fight for acceptance and equal rights. Like Pride, OYT Cosmetics represents the loud, proud, celebratory, and inclusive beauty products we can all get behind –  a space where all LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities feel safe, supported, and comfortable in their own unique skin.

“To be an advocate, you must put yourself out there and armor up as best as possible. You're doing this for the impact you’re making for the community standing behind you,” Lee explains. “You’re being a barrier for them to be able to walk through this and not have to go through it to the extent that you are.”

But this is not just a “Queer company who rainbow-washes their brand during June.” They serve great products to people in need and give back to communities that they believe are important. 

“We stand for what beauty is. We find beauty in anything we can because some of the most beautiful moments for LGBTQ + people come in some of the most devastating moments of their life,” explains Lee. “If you can't find the beauty or inspiration in that, then you're missing out on what beauty truly is.”

Not only is Lee on a mission to create a space for inclusive beauty and deliver high-end beauty products, but with her fun product names like Tint & Touchup Tinted Moisturizer, Cover Your Sins Foundation, and Totally Trans-fabulous Toner, OYTC is committed to delivering cruelty-free, impactful, ethical beauty products that are vegan majority, and offer environmentally friendly ingredients.

And get excited because coming soon is an extension to the platform. Keep an eye out for the website's new blog, which stands to give a voice to a wide range of LGBTQ people and foster a supportive online community. This will become a place where resources, tools, tips, and tricks for anyone interested in diving into the beauty world can access with a click of a button.

“I want to create representation for our youth to be able to see on TV or walking down the street or on a billboard, so they know that their experience is valid and they have a family and a team, even if maybe their family isn’t supporting them,” she says

For more information, head to OYTC’s website, Oytc.ca, check them out on Instagram, and follow Lee’s journey on her socials.