Shaving away the binary with Melbourne Rubber's Elliott Eve

Elliott Eve recreated their nonbinary coming out as a powerful way to share their journey and expression with the community.

Like many others, Victoria’s COVID lockdowns were a time of transition for Elliott Eve. Through reflection, they came out the other side with a greater understanding of who they are.

“I can’t even remember how I came to terms with being non-binary,” Elliott told us.

“I was always a tomboy or someone who didn’t feel like they fit into society’s construct of what a female is.

“But shaving my head for the very first time after lockdown was a pinnacle moment for me and a huge factor for me to be non-binary.

“It took away an element of my identity and stripped it back.

“Our hair is such a huge part of our identity, and getting rid of it allowed me to be more vulnerable and kinder to who I am.

“I’m non-binary. I’m gender-bent all over the place. I don’t fit into a category.”

Winning Melbourne Rubber

Elliott still found a category to fit into, that of Melbourne Rubber titleholder. Winning this year’s genderless comp speaks to the power of who they are.

In the talent portion of the competition, Elliott shaved their head again, cutting off their latex suit to reveal a binder with THEY/THEM on it. The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Shaving my head was such a deciding factor for me to be non-binary, but when I look back on my performance now, it feels like a blur,” Elliott said.

“Performing to Glory by Portishead, I gave it everything. The performance was my story of coming out as non-binary, stripping myself back to a vulnerable state and coming to terms with being.”

“It was important, and I’m glad it translated well.”

Everyone deserves a space to be themselves

Elliot told us, “I was encouraged to enter the Ms Melbourne Rubber title, but being non-binary, it didn’t sit well with me.

“I’m proud to be the first non-binary person in our community with this title and to be able to represent.

“It’s important to create space for yourself, but also make sure you’re leaving space for others to follow.

“My advice to others on a similar journey is to take all the time and space you need.

“And make sure you have good support around you. Talk to the people around you.

“They might not understand, and that’s okay. Your journey is yours alone.

“It can look however you want it to. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

“You’ll come out at the other end of this with identity and security, knowing who you are. You’ll be able to move forward in life with so much clarity.

“It’s such an exciting time. Yes, it’s daunting and scary, but at the end of the day, it’s also beautiful.”