Earlier this week, popular YouTuber and makeup artist, NikkieTutorials revealed her true self to the world. In a 17-minute-long video titled “I’m Coming Out,” the beauty guru shared that she is transgender with her 12.8 million subscribers. Although she transitioned while on YouTube, she kept the secret to herself. Until now.
The YouTube star, who is known for her colorful makeup tutorials, fully transitioned by 19. While sharing this part of her journey “is so liberating and freeing,” the reveal did not come when Nikkie was hoping. “There always was going to be the day that I would tell you. I did not expect that day to be today,” she shares.
Unfortunately, this coming out was not on Nikkie’s own terms. In the emotional reveal, she shares that she was blackmailed into admitting her identity by someone who threatened to go to the press with the truth. According to Nikkie, the blackmailer wanted to leak the information because they felt that she was too scared to share who she is. But Nikkie wasn’t afraid.
One sentiment that the makeup artist continually states throughout the video is that she is still the same person we’ve been watching on YouTube for years. “I am me. I am still Nikkie. Nothing changes about that,” the star says.
And with one final message to the people blackmailing her, Nikkie flips off the camera, and moves on. “Today is the day I get to be free, and I get to be me. Finally.”
Nikkie ends the video encouraging those going through something similar: “If you feel like you’re trapped, and there’s no way out, know that it gets better. Trust me, it gets better.”