Influencer with quirky Kilkenny link needs your vote in National Diversity Awards

James Mac, a London/Irish makeup artist with links to Kilkenny, has been nominated for being a 'positive role model' within the LGBTQIA+ community at the National Diversity Awards 2025, and would greatly appreciate your vote.

Best known for being a finalist on BBC/Netflix’s Glow Up Season 2, he is originally from just over the county border in Abbeyleix, but spent some of the most formative years of his life in a boarding school in Kilkenny (where he was mesmerised by make-up worn by girls in his class).

"I have been actively supporting my community years before pursuing my professional career, always supporting the creative, diverse and queer community," he said.

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"As a queer person, working in makeup and living with Tourette’s Syndrome, I’ve found it important to raise awareness for everyone that’s part of the LGBTQIA+ community in all forms.

Pictured: Some of James Mac's artwork

"I have campaigned for HIV/AIDS community supports and organisations with global brands including Amnesty International, BelongTO Ireland, Certified Proud, MAC Cosmetics facing their VIVA-GLAM world AIDS Day memorial campaigns, associated each year with RED RUN worlds aids fundraisers and have been leads MUA for #GlowRED worlds AIDS day campaign with HIV Ireland, supporting Rebecca Tallon de Havilland as makeup artist on her national campaign shoot.

"An honourable moment was being the first Grand Marshall for my local hometown pride in Ireland - Midland’s Pride in 2023.

"I have travelled internationally as an educator, speaker and advocator for diversity within the beauty industry, celebrating the power of neurodiversity, disability, self expression and visibility."

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James Mac also recently started an online social series, Tourette’s Tuesdays, which actively includes the importance of amplifying queer people’s right, supporting trans rights and encouraging stronger ally ship for people within our community that need vital ongoing support.

To vote for James Mac, you can click here.

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