Pride Yearbook 2022
We need to get to a place where everybody feels comfortable to live authentically.
Ironic, when you consider the showsformat is quite the contrast to Barton-Hansons reality.
Although she hates labelling her sexuality, the former reality TV star has in the pastidentified as bisexual.
Today, she identifies as being morepansexual.
Before entering the famedLove Islandvilla, Barton-Hanson informed producers of her attraction to women.
They never gave me much feedback on that.
I guess it wouldnt have worked out logistically for them, she tells me over Zoom.
However, Barton-Hanson is glad she came out publicly after leaving theLove Islandvilla behind.
Bisexual people are sometimes viewed by society as being greedy or overly sexual, she explains.
I gota lotof backlash on the show because I was a sexual woman.
I was afraid of being judged further.
For Barton-Hanson, the50th anniversary of the Pride movement in the UKprovides another opportunity to celebrate her authentic self.
Im really excited for Pride this year.
Ive only ever been to one Pride parade, and it was amazing.
Just full of diversity and there was such a sense of community.
This year, attending Brighton Pride is the goal.
In the future Id love to see more acceptance for bisexual men, she notes.
The messages I get from people struggling with their bisexual identity are usually from men.
It feels really narcissistic to say, but it is everything I stand for.
What Were Some Of Your Go-To Songs Or Artists In High School?
I have such a random and broad taste in music, but growing up I really related toAmy Winehouse.
The way Amy would sing about feeling down and crying on the kitchen floor it really spoke to me.
Who Is An Important Role Model In Your Life & What Have They Taught You?
I didnt watchSex And The City, but I guess I gave off Samantha energy.
So, one of my role models has definitely beenAmber Rose.
She made her own money and used her body to be financially stable.
She didnt need a man.
She didnt have to marry a man.
She just owned her sexuality and her curves.
Ive also got Frida Kahlo tattooed on my arm.
I know thats such a feminist cliche, but I think shes an icon.
She was bisexual and so brave to have been living her life the way she did.
What Are Your Self-Care & Mental Health Tips?
For me, there is no quick fix for mental health and self-care.
Sometimes I feel great, other times I feel like s***.
But a therapist once told me to speak to and treat myself like I would a small child.
You wouldnt speak negatively to them.
You wouldnt give them food and drink that is bad for them.
You would treat them with care so I confirm to treat myself and my body with love.
I also like waking up early and going to the gym.
I recently started boxing and its the one thing that really takes me out of my mind.
I can just focus on the combination of punching and burning calories.
How Do You Feel About Trans Rights In The UK Today?
I dont want to see people being judged on their gender identity anymore.
If I could offer any advice to young trans people, it would be to be your authentic self.
