Home is …
Wherever my chocolate stash is! But on a more spiritual note… home is where my personal energy lives and breathes. For me, filling my apartment with plants, flowers, paints, tea, Polaroids and random lava lamps are all part of my process, but really it’s all about whether or not I feel that sense of warmth and grounded energy when I walk through my door at the end of the day. Sometimes home is just a feeling.
My morning routine …
I usually wake up before the beautiful human I call my girlfriend and feed my cat “Chance” immediately. If I choose to ignore her, my ankles become her morning snack. My work day starts early as I usually post to my socials around 7.30am every day — I hate using my phone first thing so I try not to indulge too much. Then I have a big ol’ cup of tea.
I find writing and planning my day is the only way I can be productive — I have a real focus problem at the moment and it has definitely got worse since the “C” word. I have a dream of publishing my poetry; just one book and maybe even published anonymously.
After a deep writing session, I will throw on some YouTube videos to counteract it; watching Colleen Ballinger has become a real religious activity!
My workspace looks like …
A muddled little anxious brain with a side of indecisiveness, and that’s on a good day! But honestly, if the feeling is right I can work anywhere — there is nothing better than parking at the beach and sitting on the cliffs to film some cheeky content. The content I create is usually relaxed, colourful and fun and I am lucky I don’t need an office space in order to work . It’s kind of perfect. However, my favourite space to think is on this comfy, pink, window-side cushion surrounded by plants in my apartment. I usually play around with my camera and try a few different ideas here. If you peek my content, you’ll see my apartment as the background in a lot of it.
On work/life balance …
Has anyone ever mastered the act of balance? I’m not sure, but what helps me is creating an environment in my work life that feeds me in the same way that “me time” feeds me. I guess I’ve tried to link the two. Through social media and acting, I have a lot of freedom to be myself and I’ve intentionally marketed myself that way.
Embracing identity …
Identity crosses my mind at least once every hour. I am an incredibly proud queer woman, but that doesn’t fully describe my identity. I came out four-and-a-half years ago, yet I still feel like there is an entire queer world I am yet to discover. Coming out later in life created some insecurities, like I’ve missed out on something, which is what pushed me to start my online platform. It is also why I feel so honoured to be an LGBTQ+ influencer and have the opportunity to share these thoughts with others who may feel something similar.
I’m presented with questions daily regarding people’s identity and how I came to the open and accepting place I’m at. I always feel so grateful that my followers reach out in such a personal way and that I can play a role in their coming out journey.
I don’t believe we have a fixed label or even gender we need to abide by and I’m really only starting to delve into that exploration myself. I’ve just added a sprinkle of they/them to my pronouns and I am loving the vibe. Every day I feel like I could be a different human and I find a lot of beauty in expressing that.
Find the people who not only support you but who also celebrate you freely. To me it’s all about living my life day by day and trying to paint my outside life the way I feel on the inside.
Activism and finding my voice…
I grew up in a rural community. It wasn’t the most diverse place and I never really knew what activism was; I certainly had no insight into what Mardi Gras or the LGBTQ+ community was. The only references to gay culture I was exposed to was throughout my dance training, but even then, it was mostly pop gay anthems and white gay men. I was lucky in the sense that I had access to some queer celebration — some kids don’t. It took me a long time and a lot of life experience to realise I had a much bigger voice than I was using.
I’ve had a lot of time to myself during quarantine, and being “locked in” strangely gave me the safety net to be more free. After a few months I was craving to create, so I jumped on TikTok and the rest is history. I found a real community on there and saw a need for fun yet educational content.
Going from an anxious small-town kid to an adult creating a career using their own voice feels pretty powerful. My advice would be: be proud of being unsure, be proud of being anxious and be open about who you are.
On success …
Oh success! It’s a strange concept isn’t it? I think it was created so we never feel fulfilled and to keep us on that money-making grind. My outlook on success has changed over the years. I started out wanting to be an actor and I set out on that journey the moment I graduated acting school. It was audition after audition and most of the time it’s a “no”. I realised most people in the industry are just waiting for someone to give them the opportunity and tell them “you made it!”, but made it how? It implies there is somewhere to get to in order to be seen as successful, and the moment I realised that, I let it go.
My mindset shifted for the better. Now, I feel successful by taking risks, helping others and doing what people don’t expect. No matter how big or small a job may be, the meaning behind the work plays a huge part in whether or not I feel successful.
I think it’s crucial to have big, glamorous dreams, but aligning those dreams with your beliefs is the way to go. When success comes knocking, it will feel less like a destination and more like a life you are manifesting each day by being you.
I am inspired by …
A collective of amazing people around the world including musicians, activists, filmmakers, teachers and friends trying to make it in this impossible industry. I’m also forever astounded by the work our historic queer leaders did to enable us. They’ve given me this platform and because of it, I have a drive to do the same.
The people who inspire me to continue on this journey are, hands down, the kids. The generation on the rise are fearless and unapologetic about being themselves. It pushes me to work for them because they deserve their identities reflected in the education system. I’m currently working with the Wear It Purple organisation, which does wonders for our rainbow youth. Australia has a long way to go in terms of inclusive teaching, so there’s never a shortage of queer content needed for these incredibly colourful kids.
I feel most alive and wild when …
When I say yes! The word has so much power to it. I say it to things I would usually give a little (a lot) more thought to. As a huge over-thinker, it has felt so empowering. I have met some incredible friends this month whom I never would have connected with if it wasn’t for a little spontaneity. I would recommend doing something once a month that is “out of character” for you.
My night time ritual …
Each night is extremely different depending on my schedule for the week. Right now I’m extremely busy, so my night time ritual has usually been a work event, followed by a bit of COVID-safe gay networking, dancing in our seats and a fabulous drag show before heading home to bed.
A regular night would be simply bingeing Grey’s Anatomy. I also can’t sleep before a cup of tea and a choccy.
If I have a full week and know I’m leaving my mental wellbeing behind, I throw in some verbal affirmations while I’m showering or eating; it helps centre my mind and boost my serotonin.
Where to find me…
Probably on that rainbow bench in Newtown. I am always there! In the virtual realm, you can find me on my social platforms (be prepared for rainbows, comedic education and a lil’ bit of sarcasm). My TikTok is @emmahorn and my Instagram is @emmahornnn. If you want to collaborate, feel free to reach out or email me at emmakathrynhorn@gmail.com.
