Finding the Perfect Bandage: A DEI Success Story

This past weekend, I found myself in Shoppers Drug Mart searching for bandages. A simple task, right? I walked down the aisle, only to be met by an overwhelming sea of options. But as I stood there, staring at the shelves, a childhood memory washed over me—one of frustration and exclusion.

Growing up, bandages never matched my skin tone. They were always too light or too dark, a stark contrast against my skin, making every scrape and cut stand out even more. Not that I was a clumsy child (or at least, not excessively so), but like most kids, I had my fair share of bruises and scrapes. And each time, the bandages acted as an unintentional reminder that my skin tone wasn’t considered in everyday products. Concealing a minor wound wasn’t an option—it was a constant, visible marker of an industry that hadn’t yet caught up with inclusivity.

Fast forward to today, and there I was, standing in front of a variety of bandages in an array of skin tones. For a moment, I felt like Goldilocks, holding up different shades against my skin—too light, too dark—until I found the one that matched just right. It was a small but significant moment. This was diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in practice. It was a clear example of how representation matters, even in the smallest of details. The simple act of having options meant that people of all skin tones could feel seen and included.

That moment also made me reflect on my own work in fostering inclusivity. It was this very idea—making sure all shades are covered—that inspired my make-up line through Drag Academy. When developing our Drag Starter Kits, I was adamant about including over 30 shades of foundation. Every performer deserves to feel confident in their skin, whether on stage or in everyday life. No one should be forced to settle for something that doesn’t fully reflect who they are.

Of course, shopping responsibly is also part of the equation. When choosing which bandages to purchase, I made a conscious decision to support a Canadaian brand, opting out of the bigger name brand that recently withdrew its support of DEI initiatives. Because representation isn’t just about what’s on the shelves—it’s also about where we put our dollars.

This small shopping trip served as a reminder that progress is happening, but it also underscored the importance of continuing to advocate for change. Everyone deserves to feel seen, whether in the beauty industry, in healthcare, or simply in the bandage aisle of a drugstore. Because at the end of the day, all shades deserve to be covered.