This Homeless Woman Was Shamed For Wearing Lipstick And Taking Showers
A nonprofit organization called Invisible People (@invisiblepeopletv) recently conducted an interview posted to TikTok with an unhoused woman in New York City named Brenda.
The organization aims to educate the public on homelessness and to change the narrative surrounding unhoused individuals.
Brenda is 60-years-old, and in her interview, she spoke up about the backlash she receives for wearing lipstick and taking showers.
What she did not expect was that it would be mainly women who would judge her for wearing lipstick.
“I just was shocked at how petty women can be in New York. I was very surprised by that. I thought they were classier than that, but they’re not,” said Brenda.
Brenda’s lipstick costs under $3. But many people have a particular mindset that causes them to frown upon homeless individuals spending money on anything other than basic necessities, such as food and water.
However, unhoused people deserve to enjoy the small pleasures of life as well. A $3 tube of lipstick isn’t hurting anyone. It also is not the reason why Brenda can’t afford a home.
The cost of living in the United States is only increasing. The average price for rent is around $1,700. And in New York, a one-bedroom home costs nearly $4,000.
Brenda’s lipstick is not the only thing she has been scolded for. Apparently, the idea of her being able to access certain resources to keep herself clean doesn’t sit well with some folks.
olgaarkhipenko – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
Brenda discussed how she joined a gym to use the showers, maintain her hygiene, and take care of herself.
She paid a startup fee of $16 and a one-time fee of $40. To keep her membership, she pays $10 per month.
She stated that she wanted to take care of herself to avoid offending people. Yet people were somehow offended anyway, which just goes to show the double standards placed on unhoused individuals. If Brenda were visibly dirty or had body odor, she would still receive criticism.
Furthermore, Brenda explained that she has worked for 35 years, is a college graduate, and has no criminal record.
“I have never been arrested or accused of anything, and I sleep on the sidewalk. Yeah, I went to work every day.”
“You know what, I was where you were for 35 years. Maybe you’re one day going to be where I am. Never say never because you don’t know,” concluded Brenda.
@invisiblepeopletv People walking by this homeless woman judge her for wearing lipstick ?Why do you think that is? #homeless #invisiblepeople
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