Kenny Screven

Kenny Screven (born 23 December 1994) is an African American influencer and LGBTQ+ activist. He is best known for his Youtube beauty & skincare tutorials. Screven’s coming out experience and how he managed to develop a significant online presence despite the difficulties he encountered with his family coming to terms with his sexuality has earned him mass media popularity. He has evidently used his story to inspire other BIPOC queer people to keep going after their aspirations, even when they felt like giving up.
Screven is a well-known LGBTQ+ figure who uses his platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ problems. Especially when it comes to issues that directly target Black trans women, whose murder rate is on the rise every year. Screven is often seen at various LGBTQ+ events in his local community, connecting with other LGBTQ+ people, and building the Haus of Shadez support group—his passion project. 
==Early life and education==
Screven was born on 23 December 1994. His parents were high school sweethearts and have been together for over 30 years. He grew up with three siblings—Corey, Kordell, and Malliah—and is the oldest among them. Screven was raised as a Christian Baptist and attended a Catholic high school. During this time he was involved in various sports activities (his favorite sport was basketball) and was also a popular baseball player in high school. After graduating from Archmere Academy in 2013, Screven enrolled in DeSales University where he acquired his bachelor’s degree. 
Growing up, Screven always had a passion for fashion and beauty. Due to the pressures imposed on him by society for being a male interested in more feminine things, he did not appreciate beauty immediately. As a result, during most of his upbringing, he sacrificed his happiness to bring happiness to others. On his social media sites, Screven talks a lot about his experience.
==Career==
Screven began uploading makeup tutorials to YouTube in 2015 after gaining confidence in his sexuality. His first makeup video titled My Makeup Routine was released in 2016. He soon began to discover new beauty techniques that he could share with his audience as his confidence in his makeup talents evolved. His first skincare video was released on YouTube on March 15, 2018 titled "Nighttime talk thru Skincare Routine.”
Screven was one of the first black male beauty influencers to gain a huge internet following, which drew a lot of criticism and consternation from strangers. Regardless, he pursued his ambition, thinking that beauty is subjective and that everyone deserves to see someone who looks like them in the media. Screven intends to break through more barriers in the worlds of beauty and entertainment in the future. In all areas, he continues to push for diversity and inclusion.
In 2020 Screven founded his LGBTQ+ passion project Haus of Shadez. The focus of the support group is on community building, creating a safe space for black and brown queer people, and minimizing bias against LGBTQ+ BIPOC in healthcare settings. As of 2022, Screven serves as a coordinator of this project and is also on the board of directors for Eastern PA Trans Equity Project. He recently joined multiple Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Diversity Councils that include African American, LGBTQ+, & Young Professionals councils.
==Awards and recognition==
* Good Morning America: "Who is making LGBTQ+ History 2021" (June 2021)
* Diversity Rules Magazine: Cover "Beauty comes in all colors, shapes, sizes, and genders" (January 2019) 
* Pop sugar: 12 Black Beauty Influencers you should be following (September 3, 2018)
* Philadelphia's Most Famous Influencers (May 15, 2019)
==Personal life==
Screven considers himself a spiritual person but has not stated online his current religious beliefs. He spends most of his time with his long-term boyfriend, Rob. They have been dating since 2018. He also posts pictures of his Havanese pups Mia & Angel along with his tabby cat Louie. 
==References==
==External links==
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Category:1994 births
Category:African-American bloggers
Category:Social media influencers
Category:LGBT rights activists
Category:DeSales University alumni