Georgia Bridgers from On My Mind Podcast, Career Pivots, LQBTQ Advocacy & Finding Her Voice
How did you start your YouTube channel, and what does it look like now?
I started my YouTube channel in 2016 during my senior year of high school. A few months earlier, I had been scouted to NYC by one of the top modeling agencies in the world to meet in-person. It was my dream come true! Until I got there and they told me I was too short at 5'8". I was devastated and didn't know what to do next with my life. After moping around for a bit, I decided to "stick it to the man," apply to fashion school, and change the fashion/ modeling industry from inside. From there, I thought it would be fun to document my journey through YouTube.
I called my channel "Road To Runway" and was so excited to share my journey! Well, after a year of being in fashion school and creating YouTube videos, I had a revelation - I didn't want to be in the fashion industry. I wanted to be in front of the camera. I changed my major, learned everything I could about video and audio production, and kept up my YouTube channel. As I continued to grow into myself, I realized I was bisexual and decided I wanted that to be the forefront of my content online. I came out publicly and was met with the utmost supportive followers anyone could ask for. To this day, I use my platform to keep on spreading love, LGBTQ advocacy, education, and humor.
Why is your work so important to you?
My work is so important to me because I remember the dark days when I was in the closet and terrified of coming out. I turned to YouTube and saw nothing but love, support, laughter, and light from LGBTQ+ YouTubers. Even though they didn't know me at the time and I didn't know them, I felt safe. I was reminded of all the good that was to come. I decided I wanted to be the voice that I needed. It was so scary, but pushing past that fear was the greatest thing I could have ever done. I am so thankful to be able to help even just one person! Remind them that they are valid, loved, and perfect just as they are.
What characteristics do you value in people closest to you?
Some characteristics I value in the people closest to me are honesty, love, support, patience, and the ability to laugh at my jokes even when they are bad.
What has been the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I've had to overcome was self hatred. I allowed the harsh, hateful, untrue words of others become my truth. I stopped believing in myself and didn't think I was worthy of love. Fear settled in and told me not to try to do anything, that I was a horrible person, always make sure everyone likes you, and don't rock the boat. I was at the lowest point in my life. I did one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and released myself from those toxic environments. I read self-help books, went to therapy, and was reminded of who I was- an awesome girl who deserves love and is capable of so much. I started loving myself again and it was the most freeing feeling I could've ever experienced. Difficult journey, but questioning all those societal standards we have placed in front of us since the day we were born, stepping away from the norm has made me who I am today. □
Article Credits:
Instagram: @georgiabridgers
Twitter: @georgiabridgers
TikTok: @georgialynnrose
Podcast: On My Mind
Youtube: Georgia Bridgers