KAT DOPPER

Sydney-based event producer, Mardi Gras director and founder of Heaps Gay, which is creating safe spaces for LGBTIQ people and their friends

I TAKE INSPIRATION FROM MANY POWERFUL, INDEPENDENT AND CREATIVE WOMEN

who are helping change cultural landscapes of Sydney and are investing their time for a greater good: Clare Holland, managing director of FBI Radio; Terese Casu, CEO of Mardi Gras; and Lisa Havilah, director of Carriageworks.

SINCE THE BEGINNING, I’VE LEVERAGED HEAPS GAY TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR MANY LGBTIQ CHARITIES AND ORGANISATIONS

and it’s always at the forefront of what we do. Heaps Gay is also a platform for artists and musicians to showcase their works in a safe space and we’re always encouraging new talent.

You can create your own passion – whether it’s design, blogging, e-commerce or activism. You can connect with people and use social media to promote your brand.

THE INTERNET IS SO GREAT. THE ACHIEVEMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF IS WHEN HEAPS GAY WON BEST MUSIC EVENT AT THE FBI SYDNEY MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE AWARDS

and when I was also awarded “Queen Of The Party” in the Time Out Bar Awards. Receiving praise from industry professionals is really special. And I had a “wow” moment when I realised the work we’re doing in the LGBTIQ community was having a real impact on the mental health of young Aussies.

TO KEEP HAPPY AND HEALTHY, I TRY TO CLOSE DOWN MY COMPUTER BY 6.30 EVERY NIGHT.

I also get my butt to boot camp most mornings, try to make sure I see/do at least one thing creative/cultural each week and enjoy lots of delicious wine.

THE WISDOM I WOULD LIKE TO PASS ON IS TO RESPECT THE DIVERSITY AROUND YOU, LISTEN AND LEARN FROM EVERYONE YOU MEET.

Back yourself, run with it, find your niche and go for gold. Always know what else is out there and stay true to who you are.

It’s such a good MY FAVOURITE HASHTAG IS #HEAPSGAY. way to track down images and find people engaging with us every day.