*six-two 35 under 35 changemaker of 2018 – mental wellbeing category
I think it’s fair to say that throughout our lives we all have personal struggles. Whether that be our sexual preferences, our gender identity, loving our bodies or embracing our differences, it’s not always easy. That’s why it’s so important to have people like LGBT+ advocate and YouTuber Roly in our world to share the message that it’s 100% okay to be your authentic self.
Roly has been nominated by Michael Rizzi & Alyana Fender, our six-two 35 under 35 co-judges for the mental wellbeing category, for his fun, fresh and no-apologies approach to inspiring others to embrace their differences as strengths. At only 27 years old, Roly is a non-binary person and body modification enthusiast who posts weekly videos to his casual 130,000 YouTube subscribers on topics of self-acceptance, body-mod tips, LGBT+ education and even a bit of music! Roly is truly a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to feel good, accepted and heard in a wide range of communities.
Break The Binary And Be Yourself
— Roly West (@RolyUnGashaa) March 15, 2018
The London local has grown his following with a tireless approach to calling out hate whenever he sees it. Roly often creates videos responding to hate comments and has coined the slogan “Hates Beware You’re In For A Scare”. Roly is not afraid to shine a light on the dark nastiness that’s so pervasive on the internet and is often aimed at LGBT+ people. He talks openly about his struggles growing up and the stress (that he believes led to him going bald at an early age, a topic he speaks about often) on his channel so that others going through the same thing know they are not alone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf9dir1g33A/?taken-by=rolyungashaa
Michael Rizzi explains Roly got his vote because, “for the past few years, Roly has created body positivity content, encouraging his followers to follow their own path towards personal expression. Roly embraces their body piercings and gender expression.” With signature coloured contacts, bare head and an array of piercings, Roly is hard to miss, and harder still is his message about acceptance and courage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbxTC9hgiid/?taken-by=rolyungashaa
If you love Roly’s message, check out his YouTube channel, Instagram, and Twitter.
To learn more about the six-two 35 under 35 initiative, and to see the individuals who made the list, head here.