Patrick Starrr: The Beauty of Being Boldly Queer
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Photograph of Patrick Starrr/Image courtesy of CNN
Patrick Starrr is not just a makeup artist, he is truly a star. A Filipino-American, queer, plus-sized man who built his empire on YouTube and now runs his own brand, ONE/SIZE, Patrick stands as proof that queerness does not limit your power. He shows the whole world what it means to be authentic and confident.
Since he started experiencing hair loss as a young boy and also struggled with being a plus-size size makeup became his language of acceptance. In a world where everyone told him he didn’t fit, he found a way to belong in his own way. Over time, that personal act of self-definition became public. Patrick began uploading his makeup videos in the early 2010s, a time when men in beauty were not accepted at all. The industry back then rarely made space for people like him, queer, brown, plus-sized, and expressive. He didn’t step back. He said out loud, “I am a man in makeup.” Through his visibility, by existing so boldly online, he became a trend. He created a digital platform for youth who search for belonging. Viewers who had been shamed for being “too feminine” or “too loud” finally saw someone who embraced all those things and was proud in their own skin, they started following him and being influenced by his behavior.
MAC Cosmetics
Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
He challenged corporations with their marketing techniques, when he collaborated with MAC Cosmetics in 2017. A queer brown man standing at the forefront of an industry that has once rejected people like him. His brand ONE/SIZE embodies his message. “Makeup is one size fits all.” He redefined beauty through this line. When society refuses to make room for you, you go ahead and make your own safe space. You build your own stage. How beautiful that line is.
Photograph of Patrick Starrr/Courtesy of The Cut
Does being feminine make you weak?
Does being feminine make you weak? Are you denying your manhood by wearing makeup?. These are the questions he presents to the crowd. Masculinity is compassionate. We all must celebrate the right to exist authentically, without an apology.
Patrick has also used his platform for other queer creators as well. During Pride Month 2021, he partnered with Instagram to spotlight LGBTQ-owned brands, the posts that might otherwise remain unheard. The way he presents himself doesn’t really show that he competes with anyone, because he always speaks about building community. We have to make space for others to shine, too. Patrick’s queerness has done what art should do. It has changed the culture. It softened the word masculinity, telling that men can express their feelings through color.
Makeup is my Armor (O/S)
Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder/ Courtesy of O/S
Talking about his makeup brand products like “Go Off” makeup-dissolving mist, Turn Up the Base foundation, and Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, combine performance with artistry. They are made to enhance confidence. All these products mentioned have thousands of reviews and 4.5 stars or higher. Many of his best-selling products genuinely deliver.
He once said, “Makeup is my armor.” You don’t have to conceal being queer. Concealers are for dark spots. Each of his tutorials carries a subtle message. But it’s powerful. A makeup brand can do more than layering. It can show how powerful one can be. The care he puts into creating products reflects a deeper purpose, a purpose of celebrating authenticity.
In essence, Patrick Starr has turned makeup into a language. He teaches self-love, which is mandatory. Beauty has no boundaries. Everyone can enjoy color palettes. His work reminds us that when we are true to ourselves, we inspire others to do the same, spreading acceptance, pride, and positivity.
Imaya is a student of professional writing expected to graduate in 2026. Her writing is grounded in empathy, reminding readers that no one is genuinely alone in their challenges, everyone has their own moments that resonate with each other’s experiences. She works to ensure that even the most ignored voices are acknowledged and appreciated. Aiming to be a lecturer in English literature, she wishes her words to foster connection, equality, and understanding among diverse groups.