TruffleShuffle Pride 2024: Meet Nic from @Existentialcrisistime
Back with even more, our Pride 2024 celebrations are marching on as we're bringing you another inspiring conversation that amplifies voices from the LGBTQ+ community.
This time, we chatted with the incredibly talented and vibrant artist Nic to learn about their journey, experiences and what Pride means to them.
Grab a cuppa, the jump in!
First off, tell us a bit about yourself and the content you create!
Hello! I'm Nic (they/he), and I'm a queer artist, life model, makeup enthusiast and general local nuisance. I'm from Manchester but have lived in Scotland for the past decade or so.
I mostly post about my life on Instagram (@existentialcrisistime), celebrating queerness, fatness and transness, but also speaking out about issues that are important to me - and sharing my makeup looks and fun outfits too of course! You can also find my art over on @pityroadart, or my film photography at @movingnortharchive.
What does Pride mean to you and how do you like to celebrate it?
In the most simple sense of the word, Pride is the opposite of shame, and so that's what it is to me - refusal to be ashamed of who we are, refusal to shrink ourselves or fit into neat little boxes to satisfy the general public or those in power. But it also means being aware of our history - the queer people that have come before us and fought for our rights. It's a time to celebrate what we have and fight for what we deserve.
For Pride as an event, I enjoy getting together with friends and dressing up, for Pride marches and celebrations across Scotland. They're always big events on my social calendar, but also a time to make our voices heard. Sure, Pride is a party nowadays, but it's very much still a protest too!
What are the ways you think allies can most meaningfully show their support to LGBTQIA+ people?
I think the most important thing allies can do to support us is uplift our voices and help fight for us. With queer and trans rights constantly being eroded in the UK and worldwide, we need all the help we can get!
Follow queer and trans activists and organisations on social media, and listen when they're asking for support with raising awareness or campaigning; read up on the history of queer rights and any local queer history (queer bookshops such as Gay's The Word, Queer Lit, or Category Is can absolutely help with that).
And on a more personal level, support your queer and trans friends, family and colleagues. Learn their pronouns, do your research, push for your workplace to be more LGBTQIA+ friendly, and most importantly, listen to them. What seems like a small action or show of support can make a big difference!
Are there any specific ways you love to express your identity? (Fashion, makeup, music, social media etc!)
I definitely express my identity a lot through outfits and makeup! Whether I'm dressed up for a day out or a club night, or whether I'm just in a casual day-to-day outfit, wearing things that are gender-affirming to me is always important.
And of course social media is a big part of it - sharing snapshots of my life, photography and art, and connecting with other queer and trans folk. I've made a lot of friends and connections that way, and I'm very thankful for that.
Who are your favourite LGBTQIA+ public figures? (Celebrities / Influencers / Musicians / Authors / Artists etc.)
Oh, so many! As a Doctor Who fan, Ncuti Gatwa of course. And as a Trekkie I have to mention Zachary Quinto (Spock in AOS) and Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura in Strange New Worlds). A lot of the musicians I listen to also fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, but some I've loved for many years include Owen Pallett, Patrick Wolf, the bands Boygenius, Placebo, and many more.
In terms of authors and artists, I especially love photographer Nan Goldin (known for her documentation of candid queer life in the '80s); the poets Eileen Myles, Ocean Vuong and Harry Josephine Giles; and artist, actor and podcaster Scottee @scotteeisfat, to name just a few.
But mostly I'm inspired by friends and those in my community, such as artists Wednesday Holmes @hellomynameiswednesday, Hannah Daisy @makedaisychains and Ocean Grove @conscious_euphoria, who do great work raising awareness and celebrating queerness; and trans drag/glamour power couple Eden Spaghetti @edenspaghetti & Salvatoré @st__salvatore, who are a constant inspiration both stylistically and with the work they do.
Are there any inspiring words you would like to say to other LGBTQIA+ individuals out there currently celebrating Pride?
Happy Pride Month! Take care, have fun, and keep standing up for what you believe in. With the current political climate, it may not always feel like a time for celebration, but together we're stronger and we will persist!
Last but not least, what's your favourite TruffleShuffle piece and why?
That's a hard question! Lately, I've been loving the Star Trek Greatest Crew Members Sweater because it's super soft and cosy, but also I really enjoy my Compo Clegg and Foggy tee - Last of the Summer Wine is very much a nostalgic comfort show - even if up here in Scotland it's occasionally mistaken for a Still Game shirt!
We'd like to say a HUGE thanks from all of us here to the wonderful Nic for taking the time to chat with us and sharing so much.
You can now celebrate Pride with your favourite characters too! Our exclusive collection of Pride charity T-shirts features exclusive designs with the Care Bears, Moomins, and Elmer The Elephant!
Spread the love and show your Pride with our vibrant and fun tees! Grab yours now and support an amazing cause as 50% of the profits from this collection will be donated to the incredible charity Just Like Us, helping young people in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Let's make a difference together!