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“Me, outspoken?
I rode the wave, always saying, It is what it is.
I didn’t want to stir anything up or cause any chaos.”
Today, the model, activist, and star ofThe L Word: Generation Qcherishes being seen.
Proenza Schouler dress. Sophie Buhai necklace and ring. Mondo Mondo ring.
Sophie Buhai necklace and ring.
But joining the Hollywood scene wasnt part of Mercados plan.
That’s something that I definitely spoke about when attending shows at New York Fashion Week.
Eckahus Latta top and skirt. SVNR earring. Lady Grey ring.
Some venues would require one-weeks prior notice to accommodate a wheelchair.
Allure: How do you think that having disabled talent can impact visibility for viewers?
Mercado: I see it in so many ways.
From a business standpoint, you’re now targeting an entire community you’ve never targeted.
More viewership equals more money for you.
And, at the end of the day, many things are powered by financial incentives.
From a psychological standpoint, not having representation onscreen affected me growing up.
Even when it came to disabled characters, those roles were being played by non-disabled actors.
Still, eventually, I realized that opportunities weren’t being given to my community.
It didn’t help my self-esteem or encourage me to follow my dreams.
That’s why it’s super-important to have representation onscreen.
It’ll help an entire generation of people just be who they are.
Eckahus Latta top and skirt.
How do you handle that, especially in your line of work?
Mercado: I remember being so upset whenever I was given a backhanded compliment.
Then I turned that anger into sarcasm.
My favorite instance was when I was in a bar in New York.
I was waiting for a friend and a guy came up to me and said, Oh wow!
You came to this bar.
[The implication: Despite the fact that I was in a wheelchair.]
I just replied, No way!
Youre in this bar as well.
I think we just need to be treating humans like humans.
I never understood why it was such a big deal.
We all deserve to be seen.
It shouldnt be such a hoopla.
Allure: Whats the best compliment you ever received?
Mercado:Nigel BarkerfromAmericas Next Top Modeltold me that my voice sounded like caramel.
I always think about the times when I wish that somebody would have spoken up for me.
Allure: What are your thoughts on the state of inclusivity in 2023?
So, compared to where things once were, it has definitely improved.
Allure: How did working in media at a beauty publication shape your outlook?
The team there was passionate and committed to providing the best for their audiences.
That really put things into perspective because I saw how much thought went into what was being published.
They’d be asking themselves how the content would serve the current generation of readers.
Also, being able to sample and discover a bazillion beauty brands from the beauty closet wasn’t bad!
I was always ahead of things and I enjoyed having that knowledge.
It also helped me understand that things aren’t black and white.
Thebeauty industrycan serve our community and its audience in many different ways.
Allure: How has your beauty routine evolved over time?
Mercado: I used to put on about 20 pounds of heavy makeup when I was modeling.
I’m not shading anyone who does put a lot of makeup on.
Makeup is a form of expression that I love and it gives you a [vehicle] to self-express.
But for me personally, I’ve toned it down.
I want to be more aware of what I’m putting on my body and enjoy my skin.
Allure: Have you tried any brands or products geared specifically toward accessibility?
Mercado: I can think of two brands that aim to design with a more universal approach.
I’ve triedGuide Beautyand I loved the concept.
It was beautiful and I’m excited to see where they take it.
It comes with an easy-twist opener.
I later learned through TikTok that it was designed with accessibility in mind.
I find that very beautiful.
