Jamie Windust, writer, model, public speaker and a consultant working within the fashion and creative industries to open dialogues surrounding gender equality.
BRICKS · BRICKS TEAM · 29TH MAY 2020 · 4 MIN READ
Jamie Windust on the spirit of trans and non-binary people
Jamie Windust on the spirit of trans and non-binary people
If there is one thing you could say to oppressors of queer people, what would you say?
Your insecurity and prejudice towards people escaping the gender binary, is a sense of jealousy that you feel unable to do so in the confines of a binary society. Open your eyes wider, and realise that this allows everyone to be free from strict, unnecessary borders.
What parts of the queer community do you feel needs more representation?
Definitely Intersex people. I’m really looking to speak to more intersex people for FRUITCAKE, as it’s an incredibly important topic that is often discussed when talking about trans and non-binary rights/legislation. That’s what I love about FRUITCAKE, is that it allows people who often are told their identities aren’t ‘palatable’ or ‘commercial’ enough to be seen.
Do you feel it is crucial as visible queer people to set boundaries so you don’t give too much of yourself?
Boundaries are essential for everyone, but more so for marginalised folk. We are so often asked to share such personal stories and emotional labour to help people understand our communities; that it’s incredibly draining to then constantly live the life that you’re describing every day. It’s important for us, but also for people who want to expand their knowledge on marginalised folk, that you can’t just ask all the time. Part of the process is to have the will, the energy and the want to learn more about how we can support marginalised people. Boundaries are something I’ve learned in the past 12 months to really cement into my life, and it’s very interesting to see who responds to them negatively. It’s essentially like they’re waving their own red flag at you.
Are you optimistic about the future for queer people?
Currently, it’s a difficult time for queer people, especially trans folk. We are about to hear the results of the GRA consultation. Europe’s rise in anti-trans legislation during coronavirus has really exposed the ways in which the pandemic has been used to mask the vicious rulings that have been passed.
Your insecurity and prejudice towards people escaping the gender binary, is a sense of jealousy that you feel unable to do so in the confines of a binary society. Open your eyes wider, and realise that this allows everyone to be free from strict, unnecessary borders.
What parts of the queer community do you feel needs more representation?
Definitely Intersex people. I’m really looking to speak to more intersex people for FRUITCAKE, as it’s an incredibly important topic that is often discussed when talking about trans and non-binary rights/legislation. That’s what I love about FRUITCAKE, is that it allows people who often are told their identities aren’t ‘palatable’ or ‘commercial’ enough to be seen.
Do you feel it is crucial as visible queer people to set boundaries so you don’t give too much of yourself?
Boundaries are essential for everyone, but more so for marginalised folk. We are so often asked to share such personal stories and emotional labour to help people understand our communities; that it’s incredibly draining to then constantly live the life that you’re describing every day. It’s important for us, but also for people who want to expand their knowledge on marginalised folk, that you can’t just ask all the time. Part of the process is to have the will, the energy and the want to learn more about how we can support marginalised people. Boundaries are something I’ve learned in the past 12 months to really cement into my life, and it’s very interesting to see who responds to them negatively. It’s essentially like they’re waving their own red flag at you.
Are you optimistic about the future for queer people?
Currently, it’s a difficult time for queer people, especially trans folk. We are about to hear the results of the GRA consultation. Europe’s rise in anti-trans legislation during coronavirus has really exposed the ways in which the pandemic has been used to mask the vicious rulings that have been passed.
Even though the cis LGB community seem to be taking their time to support us unequivocally, our spirit and optimism as trans people will power me through into the future.
"Despite the attacks from the government, I am optimistic that trans people and the trans community are growing stronger day by day. Our intercommunal support for each other, despite the sad reasoning behind it, is remarkable.
Zed - 2020
