MEET TODAY’S GUEST
Leah
Leah's first attempt at dressing was, in her own words, horrific and cringeworthy. She still keeps the photo. Not for nostalgia, but as a reality check whenever her makeup doesn't go to plan.
Today she's training as a makeup artist, did her niece's prom makeup, and has a girlfriend going through a similar journey alongside her. She identifies as gender-fluid, though she'd be the first to admit labels never quite fit. Football and the gym one day, nails and clothes shopping the next. Cosplaying as either gender to suit the occasion, as she puts it.
She's out to everyone who matters and stopped treating it as a confession a long time ago. The response from most people has basically been "well yeah, obviously."
Her philosophy is simple. Be yourself and enjoy it. She's a proud member of what she calls the Now or Never Club, throwing herself into things immediately, much to her girlfriend's occasional annoyance.
Her advice to anyone with doubts? Get yourself to an LGBT event, a venue, or a Pride and just have fun. You'll realise quickly that most people are too busy enjoying themselves to judge you.
Before we begin, a word of gratitude.
To Leah: thank you for the honesty, especially about that first photo. So many of us have one of those and pretend we don't. Your point about femininity not being a test you pass or fail is one of the most important things anyone has said in this series.
To our readers: you're about to meet someone who has stopped asking for permission and started just living. Gender-fluid, makeup artist in training, Now or Never Club member. If you've been waiting for the right moment to try something, Leah's advice is simple. There isn't one. Just go.
This is just the beginning and I am grateful you are here for it.
Michelle Sapphire
