Julian Russo

Tell us about yourself! What do you do for a living? What are your interests? What are your pronouns?

My name is Julian!  I am a singer/songwriter.  Aside from musical musings, I enjoy spending time with my dog, cross-stitching, riding my bike, volunteering for the Trevor Project, being in the company of my friends & family, and am currently trying to kick my Tik-Tok addiction.  My pronouns are she/they.  

About how old were you when you came out? How was the climate you grew up in?

I was 21 when I came out.  I was raised in a very supportive home, but a more conservative town which definitely stunted my identity exploration in hindsight.  My parents however have been nothing short of supportive and loving.  Two out of my three siblings also identify as queer so I feel very lucky to be in such an accepting environment. 

Did you make career choices that allowed you to feel comfortable being open about your sexuality? (Are you out or feel comfortable being out at your workplace?)

I don’t exactly present on the heterosexual end of the spectrum so in a way I think it’s always assumed by those who meet me that I am queer.   Since my main career, I am working towards is one in music, I am very open about my queerness in my writing, and am constantly inspired by fellow artists within the community.  I think it’s crucial to have relatable  LGBTQ+ voices and art out there for those who are struggling or questioning to relate to. 

If you could tell your younger self something about yourself that you are proud of today, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that you finally get bangs and you don’t have to put a bag over your head.  Also, that love is attainable- you were just looking in the wrong place. 

Have you tried to surround yourself with like-minded peers/colleagues? If so, how? 

I do surround myself with like-minded friends,  I am not really sure how- I think it just sort of happened naturally?  I always joke that queer people have a way of sniffing each other out.  But I feel super blessed and grateful for all the friends in my life whether they are queer themselves, or allies.   I feel very loved. 

Who were your role models growing up? What tv shows/movies allowed you to feel seen?

Oh, man.  I always loved Seth Cohen from the O.C. as a kid.  I really admired Amanda Bynes, and was weirdly obsessed with Sandra Bullock?  I really have to tip my hat to Emily and Maya on Pretty Little Liars.  I think that was the first time I was like “oh wow. I feel something!” 

Complete the sentence, if I knew that I was about to move to London and be living my best queer life back when I was first figuring myself out, I would tell my younger self to take a chill pill- it’s all going to be okay- and also buy those pants off the Instagram ad you deserve them. 

Advertisement