NikkieTutorials pays powerful tribute to trans legend Marsha P Johnson at Met Gala
Nikkie de Jager at the 2021 Met Gala (Theo Wargo/Getty)
NikkieTutorials made a powerful statement with her Met Gala gown, using the ‘American Independence’ theme to pay tribute to trans trailblazer Marsha P Johnson.
The trans YouTuber, otherwise known as Nikkie de Jager, arrived in a stunning sea green floral dress and headdress, complete with front-facing mirrors on each side.
On the lower half of her dress was a sash bearing the words “Pay it no mind”, Marsha P Johnson‘s personal motto which the “P” in her name famously stood for.
The late trans icon often used the phrase sarcastically when questioned about her gender, and it once so amused a judge that he apparently ordered her release.
Nikkie de Jager pays tribute to Marsha P. Johnson at the #MetGala ! ?
The “P” in Marsha’s name famously stood for “Pay It No Mind,” which is printed on Nikki’s dress.
Nikki aptly fits this year’s gala theme by honoring an American icon who pioneered LGBTQ+ rights. pic.twitter.com/6KCgvs3WYh
— Affinity Magazine (@TheAffinityMag) September 14, 2021
This year was NikkieTutorials’ first time at the Met Gala, and she couldn’t resist the chance to honour a fellow transgender legend.
“When I got asked to join the Met Gala(!!!!!) I knew I wanted to pay homage to a trans icon who was at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots,” she explained on Instagram.
“Marsha P Johnson paved the way for so many of us, and I hope I made my community proud tonight.
“This night has been so incredibly surreal… I can’t wait to tell you EVERYTHING!!!!!! WE DID IT GUYS!!!!!!!!” she continued. “Thank you so much YouTube and [stylist] Derek Blasberg for this insane night… I’ll forever be so grateful!”
The touching tribute went down well with fans, who applauded Nikkie for landing the Met Gala theme perfectly.
Nikki tutorials hitting the nail of the #MetGala theme with a Marsha tribute ?? pic.twitter.com/CH5zm2k6ul
— CharlotteHavock (@charlottehavock) September 14, 2021
When you understood the assignment and are going for extra credit ?
— ?⃤ rissa.txt (@rissafrmoffline) September 14, 2021
This makes me so emotional. What a beautiful tribute! ?️⚧️❤️
— Janni is watching DUNE in 5 days!! (@KSJanni) September 14, 2021
not nikki tutorials eating the american: lexicon of fashion theme and she’s not even american #MetGala2021 pic.twitter.com/pzHETp02Mb
— gemini babe ??♀️ (@bsimone16) September 14, 2021
Another standout from the star-studded event was the actor Elliot Page, who like NikkieTutorials was making their first Met Gala appearance since coming out as trans last year.
He turned up in a sleek black Balenciago suit, a far cry from his past red carpet gowns that would cause him to collapse in a panic attack.
Page’s outfit also included a tribute to a queer trailblazer – a green rose on his lapel, which many interpreted as a nod to Oscar Wilde, the gay playwright who was convicted of “gross indecency” in 1985 over his relationship with another man.
During Wilde’s lifetime, the green carnation became a symbol for queer men after the acclaimed writer asked his friends to wear it to the opening night of one of his shows.
