Bernstein in 2019

Matthew Bernstein (born October 16, 1998) is an American make-up artist and internet celebrity known for creating infographics and photographing make-up looks that comment on social and political issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.[1] He hosts the podcast A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein.[2]

Biography

Bernstein was born on October 16, 1998, in New Jersey.[1] He[lower-alpha 1] grew up in a suburb of New Jersey with a traditional Jewish family.[1][3] He attended Westfield High School (New Jersey) and New York University Tisch School of the Arts.[4] Bernstein identifies as gay, something he realized at the age of ten.[1] He didn’t come out until age fifteen due to fears relating to his family’s opinions and religion.[1] However, Bernstein’s parents were ultimately accepting, and he has expressed that he has a good relationship with them.[1][5]

Bernstein began experimenting with makeup soon after coming out, first only using Wite-Out to paint his nails before eventually exploring eye shadow and eyeliner.[4][5] Prompted by the 2016 United States presidential election of Donald Trump, Bernstein began to photograph himself wearing makeup that highlighted issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.[4] He posted these photos on Instagram under the handle @mattxiv, a platform he had used since 2012 to promote freelance photography.[3][6][7] Bernstein has since amassed over a million followers on the platform, where he continues to post makeup looks and political infographics relating to LGBTQ+ issues.[1][8]

Career

  • Matt Bernstein is most widely known for his pictures of his body art and makeup looks that he posts on Instagram. Featured on his face, arms, or chest, Bernstein’s art often includes bright and rainbow colors combined with bold-lettered text that highlights LGBTQ+ issues.[3][8] Bernstein also creates collage-style infographics discussing current events and issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community that he posts on his Instagram.[1][8]
  • In August 2020, Bernstein began a YouTube channel. On his channel, Bernstein discussed his coming out journey and also posted several reaction videos.[5]
  • In 2022, Bernstein won PinkNews’ Influencer of the Year award.[9] Jessica Alves presented the award, and his acceptance speech addressed issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community.[9]

Notes

  1. ↑ Bernstein uses both he/him and they/them pronouns, as indicated on his Instagram page. This article uses he/him for consistency.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Frick, Evelyn (2022-10-28). "18 Things to Know About Queer Jewish Activist Matt Bernstein AKA @mattxiv". Hey Alma. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  2. ↑ Perry, Sophie (2023-12-28). "21 LGBTQ activists we looked up to in 2023". PinkNews. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  3. 1 2 3 "The 21-Year-Old Instagrammer Blending Politics And Perfect Contours". MTV. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  4. 1 2 3 Campbell, Claire. "Matt Bernstein: WHS graduate turned social media sensation". Hi's Eye. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  5. 1 2 3 "matt bernstein - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  6. ↑ Katz, Evan Ross (2021-12-03). "The Queer Jew Fairy in Stiletto Nails Is More Than Meets the Eye". Paper Magazine. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  7. ↑ Team, BRICKS (2020-05-29). "Matt Bernstein on Queer Politics and Beauty - BRICKS Magazine". bricksmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  8. 1 2 3 "matt bernstein (@mattxiv) • Instagram photos and videos". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  9. 1 2 Billson, Chantelle (2022-10-20). "Influencer Matt Bernstein says it's queer kids who are being silenced, not JK Rowling". PinkNews. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
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