I mean, I’m disabled and autistic and fat, and those are just the most obvious of my marginalized identities. I have to work a whole lot harder than most people to get near the door, never mind through it. It’s sure not a comfortable experience once I’m through it, either.
Which is why I feel very comfortable saying that “pretty privilege” doesn’t exist. What exists is privilege, period. “Prettiness” is simply the perception others have of your privilege.
Twenty years ago, I was “pretty,” because I was white, thin, able-bodied, and appeared to be gender normative.
That’s not true anymore.
People didn’t exactly treat me wonderfully back then, but they sure treated me well compared to now.
Same face. Same fashion sense.
I can get some of the same treatment now if I mask my autism and wear a lot of makeup and a dress with jewelry.
Prettiness is a performance of privilege.