Senior Quality Advisor
Now: Melbourne, Australia
Born: Gippsland, Australia
Instagram: zee.pepper1
What does identity mean to you?
A person's unique sense of self. For me, aligning with my identity means a lot and is something I am proud of. I am a proud Aboriginal transmasculine person.
What did you want to be when you were little?
A veterinarian. I grew up in the country around animals, particularly dogs. I was obsessed with spending time with all our dogs and learning everything about them. It was my little escape from reality.
Tell us the story of when you felt the happiest and most alive.
When I'm back on Country (Gunai Kurnai) and feeling connected to Country and Culture. I go home and visit Cape Coran beach and really dig my feet and hands into the sand. On many occasions, I'm blessed with my totem, Fairy Wren, flying alongside me. Watching the sunset over the water, just myself with my ancestors with me. This is when I feel most happy and content. It's a really intense and powerful moment being connected to Country. It's a true sense of belonging.
What is your go-to guilty pleasure?
Binge-eating sweets, although I think it's becoming more of a problem than a guilty pleasure [laughs].
What is the story behind your chosen name?
My chosen name Zee was my married surname. I wanted to choose a word that didn't have a gender tied to it and one that meant something. My surname is also a chosen one. I didn't go back to my maiden name. It's my mum's surname [Pepper] because it represents my Aboriginality as a proud Gunai Kurnai person, which is a big part of my life.
How do you define beauty?
I feel people define beauty in many different ways. What speaks for me is somebody with similar morals and integrity as me. I would see that person as a beautiful person. People who have morals and values in relation to respect and consideration for others.
What was your favourite age?
The last three years, 30-33, because it's the time I've been 100% true to myself. The feeling that comes with that is something I have never experienced. The feeling of true contentment and happiness.
What is one thing you would like to ask your pet?
I would ask her if she could listen to me when I tell her that I will be back soon and that I will always come home to her. I'd also ask if she thought that I treated her well enough. Whether she thinks that I am a good dog parent.
What are you most afraid of?
The progression we are making within society going backward and ending up more like America.
How do you define success in yourself?
When I see improvements in my own emotional and mental well-being. If I identify something and I don't want to feel that way I work on it. That's success to me.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do your best to live authentically. Having the courage that I could have done it [transitioned]. That I could have done all of this sooner. It's better late than never, but I definitely wish I had had more courage and confidence when I was younger.
I wish when people were spreading rumours about me being gay or a boy that I took it and admitted to it. I wonder what life would have been like then? But maybe I wouldn't be exactly where I am today, which is pretty damn happy.
Who do you most admire?
I admire my Aboriginal Elders. The experiences that they have had and what they have had to endure, yet to stay so strong and resilient is nothing short of admirable.
What's the best piece of advice that you have been given?
Do your best to feel strong enough to live as your authentic self. Being told that it is okay for me to do this.
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
I love surprising people with who I am. We stereotype everybody all the time. I see myself as a stereotype breaker, and I love that. I try to be as open and authentic as I can. You have good days and bad days with this, but I remind myself of the difference I am making for others when I am authentic myself. I have helped people, especially those in my country town. People have reached out to me, and I enjoy being able to support them on their own journeys.
What would you sing at karaoke?
I would never in my f***ing life sing at karaoke [laughter].
What would you like to tell society?
I should be able to dress the way that I want without judgment. People assume that because I dress this way [streetwear clothing, tattoos etc.] I am not going to have strong values and morals. I align more left-winged.
I am that dude who walks around pushing my dog in a pram wearing Jordan sneakers, a hat, and a Burberry T-shirt in the middle of f***ing Thornbury. I collect tea cups, and I love reading books. I don't have to fit in a certain way. I'm done with that.
Do you view the world as more good than bad or bad than good?
Ummm, not really good I suppose. I'm unsure if it is my growth and understanding of how society and life are, my opinions on feminism and capitalism. But it makes me wonder, does the good outweigh the bad?