Rihanna Has Some Words for Brands That Tokenize Transgender Models to Look Cool

Rihanna is no stranger to speaking her mind, and this time she has some words for marketing campaigns who tokenize black and transgender people for cool points and social capital.

A fan private messaged the outspoken LGBT ally asking if she'd include a transgender woman in her next Fenty Beauty make-up campaign. To the twitter user's surprise, Rihanna thoughtfully responded to his DM.

"I've had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women throughout the years, but I don't go around doing trans castings," replied the princess of pop. "I respect all women, and whether or not is none of my business! It's personal and some trans women are more comfortable being open about it than others so I have to respect that as a woman myself!

Rihanna went on to criticize campaigns that hire minorities to fill a diversity quota, "I don't think it's fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool! Too often do I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike! There's always just that one spot in the campaign for the token 'we look mad diverse' girl/guy! It's sad!"

Fans were split on the pop star's stance. "As a trans woman I have so much admiration and respect for Rihanna," one Twitter user wrote. "She worded all of that so perfectly and respectful and kind. She's a true angel." Another added, "Good on Rihanna to not want to exploit trans women just for the sake of marketing."

Not everyone thought this was the best route for Rihanna to take. "Effort still can be made for inclusion. Especially when there’s so little representation," wrote a commenter. "The same way open castings still systemically block black women in media, open casting still systemically blocks trans women. An effort should be made to support and recruit trans folks, but not put a quota on it." She added, "This sounds more like a hindsight excuse to keep cisnormative casting."

What do you think of Rihanna's stance?