Makeup and Pride: A migrant who transforms

"Makeup is not a mask to hide, it is a tool to highlight your natural attributes". From an early age, Omer spent hours practicing different styles of makeup on his face and, when he looked at his own image in the mirror, liked his talent and look. Omer's passion led him to believe that his vocation was to enhance women's beauty and self-esteem through makeup.

“There are some women who lack joy in their daily lives, and often forget to show off both their inner and outer beauty. My goal is to change those perceptions," he says. Omer put his skills into practice with the help of his mother and grandmother to begin his biggest life project. 

Born in Choluteca (Honduras), Omer comes from a home where violence was a sad reality. Despite this, his face reflects the resilience, enthusiasm and determination of a passionate activist and entrepreneur. Currently, Omer spends part of his time collaborating with an organization that works for the human rights of LGTBIQ+ people. He also leads his own business called Anahí's Makeup, where Omer offers makeup services at home and sells beauty products.

It all started with the name "Anahí", a person close to Omer, who suffered various forms of gender-based violence. "It hurt to hear Anahí cry and watch her suffer. However, I noticed that she found happiness by playing and making up her dolls, and I taught her how to do it like a professional, I knew that made her feel a little bit better", he recalls. During that time, they had moments of happiness together, and he paid tribute to Anahí by naming his small business after her. 

His lifelong friend, Luis, was Omer's biggest support when he returned to San Pedro Sula after several difficult months outside Honduras. That day Omer arrived exhausted at the bus terminal and spent the money he still had to buy a mobile device and then make a call that changed his life.  Omer dialed the number of his best friend, who immediately offered him shelter: "Here you can stay with us, everything will be fine," Luis told him. These words gave Omer hope and the strength to start over and have a better future in Honduras.

After some time, another friend mentioned the economic reintegration initiatives jointly run by IOM with USAID’s support. "It was my time," he said, knowing it was an opportunity he could not miss. Looking to boost his business, Omer attended all the training sessions, and he mentions that digital marketing training was his favorite and now takes full advantage of what he learned to promote his business through social media.  

His top goal is to become a recognized artist, both nationally and internationally, and to be able to give financial support to his grandmother. Omer has participated in makeup and beauty workshops and events in different countries throughout the region. To offer his customers the highest quality care and products, he looks for any opportunity to apply new makeup techniques. 

"In our lifetime, migrants face difficult times when we may feel that we do not want to continue fighting, but if we want something very hard, it can be achieved. We all have the right to seek help, regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation or any barrier that could stand in the way. Migrants are not alone on this journey," he says.

Sustainable reintegration processes must ensure that responses are tailored to the contexts of returnees. To achieve this, IOM implements a differentiated approach by identifying the main needs and challenges of vulnerable LGBTIQ+ people. For example, psychosocial support, potential risks when returning to their home community, opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and training in non-discriminatory environments, as well as the building of community support networks. 

As part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), which takes place on 17 May each year, IOM reaffirms its commitment to helping migrants become sustainable development actors in communities of origin and destination, regardless of their sexual orientation, identity or gender expression.