For almost a decade, Aida Domènech (Badalona, 1989) and Alba Paul (1987, Barcelona) have formed the most iconic couple of mainstream women on social networks. An example of courage and honesty for thousands of young people and also many adult women who dream of being able to live their lives, love, sex and all possible spaces in freedom. And, why not, making themselves visible with much, much style. In an industrial loft through whose immense windows the January sun floods mid-century armchairs, corners full of books and even a wooden foosball table, both of them pose in front of the camera naturally, without big gestures or fuss. They give each other knowing smiles and give each other affectionate, tiny kisses, between photographs.
Since they decided to resume their relationship last year, after some time apart, they are better than ever. They both agree that the pillars of a healthy relationship are trust and, above all, communication and they recognize how useful it was for them to go to therapy and how important it is to say things to each other on time, without accumulating resentments, without shouting involved. – “because then you are not communicating” – and validating the other's emotions, even if they do not always understand them. Lately they have taken the pleasure of opening up on their shared podcast, Destination: the stars (Podimo).
What does it mean to be able to do this podcast together?
Alba: It has helped us discuss deep topics that we didn't usually talk about at home, but also to realize some things that we don't like about ourselves. I have hurt myself by seeing that sometimes I am or seem too jealous.
Dulceida: Yes, it's like seeing each other from the outside in a therapy session. Furthermore, it is a more mature format – at a time when our relationship is also mature –, without editing, without having to be aware of recording everything we do all the time, but again with the person with whom I have the most trust. .
Are they breaking taboos by talking, for example, about sex between women?
A.: Our intention is not to send a specific message beyond making things natural, we talk about our lives openly. Sex between girls continues to be highly mythologized, hence the importance of saying: “What you normally see on the screen is not real.”
D.: At first we ourselves were a little shy, as if it were wrong to talk about it. But sex is a day-to-day thing, it doesn't hurt. What hurts is misinformation.
What is the darkest part of dedicating yourself to social networks?
D.: In general, the people I have met in person have been very respectful and charming. In networks things change, because there they don't have to show their faces. Many believe that, because my job is to be a public figure, they can insult me, criticize and hate me, which is what there is. But I think that what they expel is what they have inside.
A.: Those who dehumanize you are because they are people who lack humanity. Sometimes there is a lack of empathy; just because you are a public figure, you don't have to put up with everything.
Alba recently reported that she was tired of being called a “woman of.” Is there a lot of media violence? Not even in a relationship between two women does one get rid of that machismo?
A.: I have never denied being Aida's wife, but they say it in a derogatory tone. I joke that the day I die there will be headlines saying: “Dulceida's wife dies in a plane crash.” The worst thing is that, probably, that is what would happen, when you could write the same thing giving that person a name. There is machismo there, even if it is in a hidden form and people do not see it.
D.: What I have received has been a lot of hate. In the influencer world – although there are more women, something that does not usually happen in other jobs – male gamers, for example, are told what cracks they are, while women are called stupid, stupid, and accused of living off tale.
Have you suffered a lot of lgtbiphobia in your sector?
D.: With most of the people who follow me we have formed a super nice family. In that sense, I feel like we live in a bubble, because then, when doing a campaign with a brand, we read the comments and they are all “what's disgusting, two chicks” or sexualizing us.
What would you ask of the political class for lesbian and bisexual women?
A.: Above all, that we do not go backwards, as is happening in some cases. We are a super modern society, there are those who say what is Pride for anymore. But really, people continue to vote for parties that reduce rights and go against LGTBIQ people.
D.: I would say that now it's time to be with our trans friends, ask them to put themselves in their place. We cannot allow their rights to be played with. It is essential to have a good education, something that has nothing to do with going to the best school, nor with having a lot of money, but with respect, values and freedom.
And the aesthetic pressures?
D.: I have complexes, even though I have a regulatory body, but I am overcoming them little by little. Before I used filters that soften you, give you color, that make you always look good, even if you have a bad face. One day I forbade myself from wearing them, no matter how I looked, so some days I look gorgeous and other days I look horrible, like everyone else.
A.: Sometimes it is very difficult to give an example of something that you don't know very well how to apply to yourself, it is a wheel. Other girls can compare themselves with what you upload and you, in turn, there are others with whom you compare yourself.
What MAC values do they identify with?
D.: MAC was the first makeup brand I knew and bought. It takes risks, it is fun, it is linked to art and fashion and it advocates “be yourself”, one of my leitmotifs in life. And, of course, its commitment to the LGTBIQ community. We are united by the same fight.
Can makeup help change things?
It is a tool of beauty and at the same time it serves to communicate, express who you are. I know many kids who have wanted to wear makeup and haven't done it out of fear. Little by little I see new generations of kids who paint their nails, eyes... They are growing very well, they have a reference.
What would you say are your favorite products?
D.: MAC Stack Mascara, Matte Lipstick Taupe and Glow Play Blush in cream and pink.
Photographer: Félix Valiente. Photography assistants: Luis Espinosa and Germán Arboz. Styling: Bea de la Cova. Styling assistant: Jaime Melgarejo. Dulceida Makeup: MAC. Dulceida Hair: Bosco Montesinos. Makeup / Hair Alba: Noemí Nohales. Manicure: Guito Nails. Production: Emma Monreal.
COMBO!!
