Non-binary TV host Brihony Dawson on the impact of visibility

Brihony Dawson is living their dreams, as the out and proud non-binary host of Channel 10’s new reality juggernaut.

Brihony Dawson wishes they had seen someone like themself on TV growing up.

Brihony Dawson wishes they had seen someone like themself on TV growing up. Perhaps then, they would have felt the freedom to come out as non-binary sooner.

The 38-year-old singer and MC has landed a dream job as host of Channel 10’s new reality juggernaut, The Challenge Australia.

“Visibility is so important because it’s hard to be what you can’t see,” Dawson said of representing diversity on our screens.

“I really struggled not having anyone like me on TV or in movies or anywhere in the public eye when I was growing up.

“So, if I can be that for someone else and help them feel not so alone or like there’s something wrong with them, then I’ll be really happy.

Singer and broadcaster Brihony Dawson at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the launch of the next round of Change Our Game Making the Call participants. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Although, being a role model scares me a little as I am far from being perfect, it’s my goal to just be my authentic self and be a voice for those who have not fully found theirs yet.”

The Challenge Australia has already begun filming in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been likened to a cross ­between Big Brother and ­Survivor, where well-known reality stars will face off in various challenges while living under the one roof in the hope of winning $200,000.

Sarah Jones, Brihony Dawson, Bri Davey

Dawson is also a songwriter and sports commentator. They ‘came out’ as non-binary six years ago. Someone who is non-­binary does not identify as ­exclusively male or female.

“It hasn’t come without it’s challenges.

“I’ve had shop assistants not serve me, look me up and down and heard them talking about me, whispering ‘it’s a girl’ when I was in the dressing room”, they explained.

“For me, the most anxiety fuelling experience is going to a public bathroom.  

“Most women think there’s a man in the toilets when I’m in there.

“People’s reactions vary from the stare down, walking out and checking the sign, right down to a full-blown berating from the public and the staff..”