Rudy Jean Rigg, a neurodivergent, non-binary trans individual is using his platform as a content creator/ influencer to reach fellow members of the LGBTQUIA+ community.
The 'teacher' of Rainbow history class, a channel for queer and trans stories from history that inspire, validate, bring gratitude, make people laugh, spoke with AdNews about creativity and the ability to speak his truth on social media ultimately setting him free.
Rigg spent the majority of his life conforming to an "appropriate societal image" but social media and the formation of Rainbow history class allowed him rid the social expectations and find a voice.
"Being creative and sharing parts of myself on social media has been an incredibly liberating experience for me," Rigg says.
"I’ve used my voice to show people that it’s GOOD to be yourself and that life is an incredibly colourful and interesting journey. We never stop learning.
"It’s super cliche, but it’s true that social media broadens my reach. It leaves me speechless to know that I’ve helped people connect and find a community, not just in Australia but across the whole world."
Rigg views his advocacy work as a 24/7 driving force behind his content creation. Rigg speaks volumes about the passion, pride and work that goes into to making each creation mean something.
Rigg said: "A lot goes into creating content, or creating anything really! For me and the team I work with, Often as straightforward as sitting down in front of a camera and speaking. We’re all so passionate and take a lot of pride in making sure what we do is of the highest quality, so a lot of thoughtfulness and research happens before we even begin to physically make something."
Monestising work as a social media content creator is a difficult task to do full-time, Rigg debunks theories of an "easy cashflow" for creators:
"Any kind of financial support is helpful when it comes to being able to be creative and make content full time. It doesn’t always come in the form of monetisation. It can come from grants or funding, too but isn't always a constant."
Rigg credits his desire to create content that is both educational and entertaining to his 12th birthday: "I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember! It’s very much an innate part of me.
"For my 12th birthday, I wrote and directed an entire news breakfast show for me and my friends to record on my dad's camcorder. That itching desire to create and share has since turned into my career. What a dream."
Rigg is using his platform to reach as many people around the globe as possible and encourage them to use their voice to create the change they want.
Rigg hopes to inspire young entrepreneurs: "Take your time and enjoy yourself. As Lady Gaga once said: don’t do it for success, do it for impact."
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