Sydney based writer, social media superstar 💥 , production purveyor and all around icon Kurtis Hughes 💕 talks Mardi Gras, TikTok and Creativity! 🌈 ✨ 🏳️🌈
Sydney based writer, social media superstar 💥 , production purveyor and all around icon Kurtis Hughes 💕 talks Mardi Gras, TikTok and Creativity! 🌈 ✨ 🏳️🌈
Name / Nickname / Insta Name?
Kurt @kurthughes
Profession?
I work in Television Production + Social Media. But also studying to live my Miranda Priestley dreams.
Based?
Sydney, Australia.
What gets you up in the morning?
Not much! But a coffee will get me halfway there.
What has kept you sane (if anything did) during Covid?
Facetimes with friends. I rely heavily on social interactions to keep me both happy and grounded. So, quarantine and the isolation attached to that was a really tough ride for me. Thank god we live in a world where we have access to the digital world, because it was great to still be able to see them.When do you feel your most "you"?
When I'm able to create on my own terms. I love the possibility of just doing something because you can and seeing where that takes you. Not having to please anyone, or abide by any restrictions. It allows me to explore what my own limits and thoughts are. That's when I feel most "me".
Who are the LGBTQI+ influencers / organisations we need to be following?
God! Where do I start?
@chellaman is a deaf, trans, genderqueer artist who's own story is in itself a major f*ck you to reductive norms.
@eden.gardenia is a powerhouse in the Sydney drag/queer scene. They blur the lines between high fashion and the grit of queer culture.
@lgbt_history is a page dedicated to the story and history of Queer activists. This one is a major one to follow as it stands as a reminder of the strength and courage that got us to where we are today.
@hunterschafer Euphoria star/designer/trans icon. Need I say more?
+ like a tonne more but I'd need an entire page.
LGBTIQ+ Charities / Organisations / Groups:
For The Gworls: A Black, trans-led collective that curates parties to fundraise money to help Black transgender people pay for their rent, gender-affirming surgeries, smaller co-pays for medicines/ doctor’s visits, and travel assistance.
Ygender: A peer led social support and advocacy group for trans/gender diverse young people.
Yarns Heal: A suicide prevention campaign for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy community. Helping learn how to access help in culturally safe ways that nurture cultural healing, love and hope.
Black Rainbow: A national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBQTI+SB) organisation in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian LGBQTI+SB*.
Transcend: A grassroots, unfunded support network and the first parent led peer support network for the families of transgender children in Australia. Working alongside other community organisations to promote and support programs which help trans and gender diverse kids reach their full potential.
Rainbow Network: Established in 1998, Rainbow Network began as an intimate peer support group of workers who would meet to discuss the shared challenges they faced when working towards meeting the needs of LGBTIQ+ young people.
How did you spend your first Mardi Gras?
Funnily enough, I spent my first Mardi Gras with my mum. She's always been a major support in my life, and I think she had her suspicions about what my life path looked like. Taking me to my first Mardi Gras was her soft way of saying "I know. I love you and want to celebrate your life with you". She even came with me a year later to get my first tattoo to commemorate the event. She's great.
How are you spending your Mardi Gras this time around (all things considered)?
Unfortunately, the street parties that Mardi Gras is known for won't be happening this year, but I'll still be spending it with my friends. Can't wait to see the looks that they all turn out!
Favourite TikTok/er:
I literally can't go past @peachprc She's normalising s*x work and mental health... but is also the funniest person on the internet.
(I stand by what I said)
A playlist, album, artist you're currently loving:
I can't go past Saro right now. Honestly, thank me later.
Fuck, Marry, Kill Dyspy Items:
Fuck: Ta Ta bodice. There's something about a corset that's so hot.
Marry: Paris Circa 2004 Top. I literally fell in love when this was on my body.
Kill: Is this a trick question...? I plead the fifth.
