Rudy Jean Rigg (they/them) is a content creator, performer, writer and advocate for LGBQTIA+ and neurodiversity issues as well as a self-proclaimed “Professional Internet Gremlin™, sometimes IRL.” They are also the co-creator and host for Rainbow History Class (the queer and trans history you don’t get in school) and TransAtheltica (a TikTok series looking at the barriers trans people face in sport).

Rudy inspires us daily with their mission to make the world a better place. We sat down with them and they spoke about their inspirations and experiences, in particular, with autism.

What’s your name and star sign?

Rudy Jean Rigg, 26 and Sagittarius.

How do you describe what you do to people when they ask? How do you define your work?

Ha! The age old question. I'm a creator, performer, writer and host. I make things for a living and it's the best.

What do you love to do in your free time?

I love smashing through TV and movie series, so if I'm MIA that's definitely what I'm doing. Other than that I really enjoy gaming as well as checking out cafes and vintage stores with my sister.

Who’s your muse? Who do you look up to?

In all honesty, I don't really look up to anyone. The only aspiration I have is to continue learning about myself and the world around me. The only time I have muses is when I'm into a new style and need to mood board my thoughts. That's where I step back after a two hour deep dive and realise "oh, I've saved 20 photos of the same person"..

Do you feel like your brand and your portrayal of yourself on social media challenges people's perception of autism?

I think so! I truly don’t know how to be anything but myself so when it comes to my personal work, I’m genuinely just putting myself forward. I think there is a large group of people who have this wild preconceived idea of what an autistic person looks or sounds like, and so they find it very hard to accept or even believe that I’m autistic. In contrast to that, there are thousands of autistic people who see me and also see themselves. To me that just goes to show not only how important purposeful representation is, but also how life changing it can be to just be yourself.

What’s been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment in your career so far?

Awards aren't everything but I was in disbelief when TransAthletica, the Screen Australia and TikTok funded docu-series I co-wrote and hosted, was nominated for best use of vertical video in the Webby Awards alongside Jimmy Fallon! Like, come on!