A Star is Born: Finding Empowerment and Belonging in Drag

Timothy Springs on self-expression and how his alter ego, Hollywould Star changed his life.

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In recognition of Pride 2023, Timothy Springs joined us to talk about his identity journey, self-expression and the powerful impact of performing in drag.

lululemon:  Tell us about yourself, who is Timothy Springs?

Timothy: I’m an international actor, singer, dancer and drag artist.

I feel like I didn’t really find my identity until I moved from America to Australia. Growing up in America was challenging for me as my family weren’t particularly supportive of me being gay. When I moved to Australia, far away from where I grew up, it really forced me to grow, come out of my safe space and find what type of person I wanted to be... or could be.

My coming out story is a little different. I came out in college to my family, who didn’t really support me at first, and this was really challenging. But later in life they did, and I have to say, I’m very proud of the person I’ve become today. I’ve grown and learnt a lot from that experience, and it’s changed me for the better.

 

lululemon:  Tell us about a moment when you’ve felt proud and present?

Timothy: I’m most proud and present when I’m surrounded by my beautiful family and friends who support me with kindness and without judgement.

A particularly proud moment for me was when my 80-year-old grandmother and aunty came over from South Carolina to see me perform as Lola in Kinky Boots – this was particularly significant given where I grew up and my family’s earlier lack of acceptance with my sexuality. To have them both travel all the way to Australia to see me perform dressed as a woman was really special. This was a life-changing moment for me, to see how proud they were and that they really accepted me and loved me for who I am.

 

"Having people accept me in all forms is super important to me and that’s when I truly feel like I belong. "

lululemon: How do you express yourself?

Timothy: I express myself mostly in my art. Whether that’s performing a musical, opera, or transforming into my alter ego Hollywould Star.

Performing in drag as Hollywould is one of the most exhilarating experiences. I can transform into anything I want and have the freedom to dress and perform things I normally wouldn’t be able to do as Timothy. Hollywould has become so much a part of me and taught me so much about myself. And now that I’ve found drag, I can’t see myself turning back.

 

lululemon:  Who is Hollywould Star and what impact has she had on your life?

Timothy: Hollywould Star is fierce, she’s an icon, she’s a supermodel – or at least in my eyes!

I created Hollywould during lockdown, it was always something I wanted to do. Growing up, I didn’t really know how to express my feminine side and I felt suppressed by my family and not feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. I thought I had to embrace my masculinity to fit in with society, but in reality, that wasn’t who I was. Hollywould has taught me so much about how I view gender, how others view gender and she’s truly changed my life.

 

lululemon:  When do you feel like you belong?

Timothy: I feel like I belong when I’m surrounded by people who love me for who I am, whether I’m dressed as Timothy or in the most outrageous outfit as Hollywould. Having people accept me in all forms is super important to me and that’s when I truly feel like I belong.

Finding a community and people who you fit in with is so vital to living a happy life. Most people in our LGBTQ2IA+ community have felt like an outsider at one point. We are all on a journey of love and acceptance and we aim to do our best to be kind and look out for each other, so that we can all feel that sense of belonging

 

"Pride means being unapologetically yourself and loving the person you are without any fear of what other people may think. "

lululemon: What is something about you that may surprise people?

Timothy: I’m actually quite shy when I’m not performing. I love to stay at home with my dog and just laze around. It may seem like I’m super outgoing, but I enjoy my alone time.

 

lululemon:  What advice would you give your younger self?

Timothy: You may feel like an outsider now, but just you wait. You’re going to travel the world, find a community you love (and that loves you too), perform on the biggest stages and become the icon you were always destined to be.

 

lululemon:  What does Pride mean to you and how are you celebrating this year?

Timothy: Pride means being unapologetically yourself and loving the person you are without any fear of what other people may think. This year, I’ll be performing and spending time with new and old friends as well as headlining the Mardi Gras after party at Hordern Pavillion!

 

Pride has always been about holding space for all people to be seen and to be heard. In recognition of Pride 2023, we are amplifying voices from our LGBTQ2IA+ community; sharing stories on being Proud & Present. Click here to read more