Trans people hold within them stories of love, laughter, curiosity, explorations, triumphs and hope. This event, back for its fourth year at Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras, ranges from the personal to the political and features Andrew Guy, Joël Murray, Olivia Stewart, Rusty Nannup, Tea Uglow, and Victoria Anthony.
It's a diverse, handpicked selection of people – an actor, an HIV-positive trans non-binary queer person, a 16-year-old with a passion for woodworking and languages, a Yamatji/Noongar woman, an author and activist, and a DJ respectively.
Here, in accordance with the 2021 Mardi Gras theme 'RISE', DJ Victoria Anthony lists five things she rises for, before sharing her experiences in 'My Trans Story'.
One
Community. This has been really hard to keep together during last year but hopefully in 2021 we can bring the transgender community together again. I was running 'Trans Glamore', a transgender cabaret in Sydney before COVID-19 and it was so much fun! We are slowly but surely getting it back up and running every first Thursday of the month at Stonewall Hotel. We will also be walking in the Mardi Gras Parade this year. It’s a lot of hard work but once the events are back on I always feel so happy to be with everyone and see other transgender people shine.
Two
Dancing. I’m a DJ (somehow during COVID-19), I love to see people dancing. I also dance at home. I’m always cranking disco. It really makes me feel so happy, even when I’m feeling really down. I can just start dancing or crank disco and I feel better again. I do a Disco Brunch every Saturday at Bloody Mary’s Gazebo from 1pm. Come join in the fun. Dance seated if you have to. Boogie in your mind. Dance crazily at home when no one is watching.
Three
Exercise. I gained a lot of weight during lockdown and my weight has fluctuated a lot over the years. I’ve been doing classes at the gym and it has really helped my physical health and also my mental health. I never regret going to the gym. Do whatever workouts you're comfortable with and don’t care what anyone thinks. I wear a lot of makeup when I’m at my DJ gigs and I don’t wear any to the gym. I feel like I don’t look as feminine but I’m there to workout and I love it so much. I see a lot of people who come to my gigs at the gym and I’m slowly owning it wearing no makeup.
Four
Hair Products. Any products by Sisley or Argan Oil has really helped keep my hair long. My hair has grown all the way down to my butt over the years and I keep it really healthy. I also use a Mason Pearson hair brush. Changed my life. My hair has become my trademark. I loved growing plants as a child and I feel like my hair is really like a plant I’m growing. Lots of love and care to grow, and patience. Shh, don’t tell anyone my secrets.
Five
Prep. Safety first. I’m not going to lie. I love sex! I make sure I keep my sexual health in check with regular checkups and communicate with my partner. I be as safe as I can and I feel like it’s really important to educate others. It’s all fun but protect yourself and others and have a good time. There’s a lot of information online, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the clinic.
