Sydney WorldPride 2023 is underway and today members of the LGBTQIA+ community will parade in the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Oxford Street.
To mark the 45th anniversary, American Express has teamed up with Brisbane pop duo, Lisa Origliasso and Jessica Origliasso from The Veronicas, to launch a nationwide community initiative, With You & Proud. The initiative celebrates champions within the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters who proudly back them.
Sydney stylist and hairdresser, Konstantinos Dosis, is one of 30 individuals selected as a recipient of the With You & Proud initiative. He was nominated by his friend Tina Plessas because of his ability to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights in Greece and he is also the first port of call for members of the Greek Gay community when they arrive in Australia.
To celebrate this recognition, The Greek Herald spoke with Konstantinos to hear all about him and his work.
How does it feel to be a recipient of the American Express ‘With You & Proud’ community initiative?
I didn’t expect to be selected as one of American Express ’With You & Proud’ recipients, among so many candidates all over Australia! I consider myself so lucky for having true friends by my side who believe that I represent a group of people who can be their authentic selves and truly express who they really are!
Tell us about your journey to opening up about being gay, especially to the Greek community where there is still a lot of stigma.
I was always “different.” I played with barbies and did their hair since I was a child. I always hated the dark or blue outfits that males “should” wear, I found it so boring. I lived in a small town in Greece where being different was not accepted. I used to be and feel so isolated and bullying was part of my everyday life. When I moved to Athens, I decided that I would be myself, dress the way I like and that I would not give a damn about what others thought. It was so liberating! I started believing in myself, I started attracting beautiful people (gay and not gay, just open-minded people) around me, I also flourished professionally.
Moving to Australia was another ball game. You see the old Greek generation which reminds me of my small town, you see the 2nd and 3rd generation of Greeks of which many didn’t quite know how to take me and the rest of the Australians who are more open to diversity. It’s a work in process. When I have the opportunity to speak to and educate others, I can see that their attitude changes and they are more accepting. My advice is to always be yourself.
You are an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights in Greece. How do you help other members of the Greek gay community?
By living my authentic self and being an example for others. You help people by being able to accept them, in all forms of diversity, not just sexual orientation. Accepting others allows them to express themselves, dress as they wish, be passionate at work as a form expression and bring out their best selves! But always with respect for society and fellow human beings! I will always stand up and support for equal rights for all members of my community.
What is your message to other Greeks who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are struggling with acceptance?
When thinking about how to express yourself authentically, what comes from your heart always wins! May your victory be pure of heart. Humanity can sense the real and the fake. Be true to yourself and the universe will support you.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
A big thank you to my friend Tina who nominated me for American Express’ With You &Proud initiative so that I could have the opportunity to express my voice and have my truth be heard. I encourage everyone to chase your dreams. Everything changes as long as you believe it deep inside. At the right time your own star will shine.
