Q: How important is it to see people from the LGBTQ+ community representing who they are through art and creativity?

A: I think it's really important to see people from the LGBTQ+ community doing ‘their thing’ as they are 100% being themselves. Representation is so important, especially when there is still so much homophobia throughout the world.

"If you can't see it, then you can't be it". Most political movements are born from marginalised groups of people fighting for their rights. If you look at the Stonewall riots then most of the "drag queens" there were underground artists (in the broadest sense of the word - painters/musicians/dancers). A lot of them saw drag as art, and it is a protest. Marsha P Johnson for example.

Q: Who inspired you when you were growing up?

A: I’d probably say Pink. I think she’s been an inspiration to many young people growing up who are struggling with their identity. With Pink her style is androgynous, she isn’t bothered about gender stereotypes and she has championed the strong, athletic female body. Pink has expressed herself massively though her style and especially with her hair styles.

Q: Have you seen any changes for the LGBTQ+ community in the hair and beauty industry?

A: There has definitely been a massive change in terms of non-binary models, as well as marketing make-up to men. One example of positive change in recent years is the hugely successful trans Dutch makeup artist and beauty vlogger Nikkie de Jager with a YouTube channel named NikkieTutorials. This channel has almost 14 million subscribers and whos ‘coming out’ video posted in Jan 2020 has now had almost 40 million views – an impressive following and an inspiration journey!

Q: What does hair confidence look like to you?

A: It’s the person who owns their hair, their style – perhaps going out with ‘good hair’ but no makeup on.

Q: How does your hair make you feel?

A: My hair makes me feel free to be me. I used to be so scared of stepping out of my comfort zone out of fear of being judged, but when I found the confidence to "come out" to my friends and family, I let my hair be loud and represent my personality. I love changing the colour of my hair and trying out new things, and it makes me feel unstoppable.

Q: What does hair confidence look like to you?

A: Hair confidence to me is doing whatever makes you feel good despite what other's think. It's so hard to pass that boundary of "what if" but I've learnt that the best things lie on the other side of fear. My friends, family & Izzy have understood my individuality and embraced it, through the things I wear to the colours I dye my hair.

Q: Finally can you give us one word that describes what your hair means to you?

A: Freedom.

How do you/have you expressed yourself through your hair?

In the past I’ve had it cut in some interesting ways and dyed some interesting colours. The electric purple phase was quite something! Having dyed it since I was a teenager it’s only in the recent years that I now have more time for my natural colour and style.

How important is it to see people from the LGBTQ+ community representing who they are through art and creativity?

The LGBTQ+ community and events are always vibrant. I think because the passage into the community for so many has involved repression of who they are, it’s incredibly inspiring to see people expressing themselves in their own creative ways.

Have you seen any changes for the LGBTQ+ community in the hair and beauty industry?

I think the hair and beauty industry is starting to see the benefits of representing more communities and serving more communities with their products and marketing. Not just representing the LGBTQ+ side, though the beauty in androgynous styles is more represented, but also having more representation for the BAME community, those who are plus sized etc.

To learn more about LGBT+ Pride, how you can stand up for LGBT+ rights and be an active ally please find these helpful links:

Stonewall

Pride in London

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