POSTED
15th June 2021
AUTHORLeigh-Ann Hewer
Reading time9 minutes
Today we’re honouring Pride Month and speaking with special guest Indigo. Indigo is an activist blogger and the founder of creative social justice community Creative Being.
Creative Being is an online platform focused on using creativity as a tool to influence and promote positive social and political change. Born out of a passion and love for creativity and activism, Creative Being aims to use authenticity to change negative attitudes and establish networks with creative individuals who want to make a difference.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the Q&A!
Please can you tell us a bit about your activist background?
I think my activist background began when I became vegan. We think activism to be attending protests and signing petitions, and those still apply – but to me, activism is about the choices you make. When I started university, I got involved with local and national charities such as Animal Equality, Viva! and Whale and Dolphin Conservation. I have also been a campus representative and vegan mentor for PETA.
We organised urban litter picks, virtual reality outreach stalls and food giveaways to inform and educate students about veganism and animal rights. I started my blog when I was a teenager and had first started learning about veganism. It primarily focused on veganism in the beginning but since starting Creative Being, it has evolved into a blog about all kinds of activism.
I post interviews with creative and inspiring people who are all activists in some way. Creative Being came to me during the first lockdown. Originally it was going to be a CV website showcasing my skills and experience but then I thought more in-depth about what it could be.
What does Pride mean to you?
This is a big question! Pride means celebration of authenticity within every aspect of my being. Knowing there is a safe and inclusive space to celebrate who I am with others is a life-affirming and fulfilling experience. It gives me strength and courage to continue to express my authenticity.
A lot of businesses are embracing the Pride flag this month, but as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what do you want to see from those businesses in terms of taking action?
It’s great to see more businesses showing their support for us and I know the majority of those businesses genuinely care and want to do more. It’s unfortunate that some are only supporting the community for financial gain or trying to prove they support us when they actually don’t.
But all we can hope is that those businesses learn from the ones who are adopting the Pride flag because they want to be more inclusive. I would like to see more businesses connecting with members of the LGBTQ+ community on a personal level to truly understand what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ and to highlight our stories so we can learn and grow together.
Are there any business Pride campaigns that you have appreciated or enjoyed this year?
I love supporting freelance artists and their businesses. Earpbands who illustrate and design fan artwork have created some wonderful Pride designs featuring beloved characters from TV and film. I love the creativity involved and you can see the time and effort that has gone into it so you know they genuinely care about supporting the community.
What are some of your favourite LGBTQ+ plus run small businesses?
As I mentioned before, I love Earpbands and Lucy M Ward on Etsy. They are LGBT+ led and are creating some amazing work.
Happy Donut Co in Bath is LGBTQ+ and female led. They make the most scrumptious vegan donuts.
As a passionate member of the LGBTQ+ community, is there anything you’d like to ask or say to small businesses like us this Pride month?
To be your authentic selves. Support the LGBTQ+ community because you genuinely care and want to be more inclusive. If you feel your business could be more inclusive, don’t be afraid to connect with others and learn from members of the community.
Focus on the stories, the personal journeys, not the merchandise. As much as I love Pride merchandise, what I would really like to see are businesses sharing stories connecting with LGBTQ+ charities or organisations.
What are you excited to do this Pride Month? Are there particular Pride-related events you’ll be attending that feel especially meaningful or important in celebrating your identity?
I’m excited to go on a Pride parade as we missed out last year. I volunteered for Pride at my university which was a lot of fun. I’m also tuning into an online panel organised by Start the Wave about BIPOC representation in TV and film.
I always want to learn more myself and continue to grow.
Which international issues affecting the global LGBTQ+ community will be particularly on your mind in the midst of these domestic pockets of support for the queer community?
I will be thinking about those who continue to face discrimination in countries where the LGBTQ+ community is not supported. I can’t imagine how terrifying and painful it must be to have to hide who you are or risk imprisonment and even death. It’s horrifying and we need to help keep those members safe and change the social and cultural landscape of those countries so we can learn to love one another and not be afraid of our differences.
What do you think people can do this Pride Month to raise awareness about important issues that impact the global LGBTQ+ community?
Talk to your LGBTQ+ friends and family members. Get involved with LGBTQ+ charities and organisations and support businesses that are making positive changes for the community. Create your own rainbows and use your creativity to amplify voices.
What are small ways in which people can make Pride celebrations more inclusive and diverse as they go about their normal festivities?
Be kind and open-minded. Talk to people about their journeys and let others know you support us. That could even be putting a placard in your window that says you support the community. People will start to notice and you may create your own rainbow wave.
Have you ever heard of a story about an LGBTQ+ person facing discrimination, or have you personally been discriminated against for your sexual orientation or gender identity?
Unfortunately, I’ve heard quite a few and I’ve faced discrimination myself. In the UK, my partner and I have had people staring at us and making abusive comments. We have also faced toxic behaviour from groups of men who believe it is okay to treat us as some kind of entertainment or fantasy.
The most traumatic discrimination I faced was when my girlfriend and I travelled to Poland. It was our first time there and we were really excited. By that point, we hadn’t suffered any discrimination at all. But as we waited on a train platform, a member of the public told us we couldn’t show affection in public. Their tone was aggressive, and we were scared. This was my first experience where I felt scared for myself and my partner.
As a team of cis-gendered, heterosexual women, is there a way we can make the workplace more welcoming to LGBTQ+ applicants?
All you can do is be your authentic selves and encourage LGBTQ+ members to apply for roles within your business by having members of the community as an essential part of your team. If we can see that LGBTQ+ applicants are being employed then we will feel more encouraged to apply for future roles.
Collaboration is also an important factor. It’s always cool to see businesses forming partnerships or alliances with LGBTQ+ charities and organisations. It’s a powerful way of showing your business is learning and open to being more inclusive.
What are some of your favourite things about your community?
The authenticity and freedom to truly be yourself without any limitations or expectations. The creativity and beauty of truly being yourself creates a spellbinding energy. There is an unconditional love and acceptance that binds us together. I love that the most.
What’s a question you never get asked that you’d love to answer?
Why do you love Halloween so much?
Lastly, do you have a favourite Pride song or anthem?
I love the song “Keep Me High” by Adaline. It’s got queer energy and the lyrics are vivid and blend really well with the rhythm.
A massive thank you to Indigo for such a wonderful interview. You’ve really given us a lot to think about and your positivity and drive to see change is incredible.
Make sure to check out Creative Being on Instagram to find out more about what you can do to promote positive change.
About Indigo
Indigo Moon is an activist, writer, musician, and creative entrepreneur. They identify as a queer, lesbian and witch.
They are a postgraduate student at Bath Spa University studying Environmental Humanities and specialise in environmental journalism and nature writing.
Indigo believes that creativity is a powerful tool in making positive change and celebrating the authentic individual and that together we can make the ideal world we dream about a reality. By using our unique skills and passions, we can inspire others and change negative attitudes.