Kathy Caton
“This project has made me thoroughly reflect on the experience of how gendered the experience of having our hair cut is or can be – as a very small child, I used to cry if my hair was not cut short enough (and my sister cried if too much cut off!).
From teenage years onwards (bar one undercut my sister helped do with an orange Bic while we sneakily watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show), it was many, many years of long chaotic hair – it took me a long time to have it cut it short at a queer barbers and on the same day, I was called a derogatory name in the street. Which was conflicting – both seen and on edge!
I love having my short hair that unapologetically matches and reflects my identity – and while very nervous going in to a “gents” barbers for the first time, I love the swiftness of the clippers, chatting about dance music and running with the barber, and I love that it’s all done in 20 minutes with minimal time in front of a mirror!!”
Kathy Caton (she/her)
Kathy Caton is a broadcaster, activist and distiller who has spent more than two decades helping shape and amplify LGBTQ+ voices. By day, she is the founder and managing director of the country’s first LGBTQ-founded distillery. Alongside that, her life has been deeply rooted in queer activism through radio. She helped found RadioReverb 97.2fm, went on to present Out In Brighton when it was the city’s only LGBTQ+ radio show, and for the past eight or nine years has been the voice behind Out With Kathy Caton on the BBC. In recognition of her work for the LGBT community, she was awarded an MBE last year, something she holds with real pride.
Growing up under Section 28 left a lasting mark. Her early years were shaped by fear, shame and internalised homophobia. The first time she came out, she was dismissed and told it was just a phase, which pushed her straight back into the closet. It took time to fully accept who she is and to see how much of that fear came from wider society rather than from within. Today, she feels proud to be part of the community and is committed to giving back in any way she can.
Moments of feeling truly seen have come in many forms, from standing on Pride floats and hosting LGBTQ+ community events to receiving her MBE for services to the community. Each has reinforced a sense of belonging and purpose. Embracing being visibly queer also took time. Cutting off her long hair, walking into a barbers for the first time, and leaning into a bolder look all marked steps in that journey. These days, loud shirts, a touch of Wonder Woman styling and a solid pair of Aussie work boots feel like home.
If she could speak to her younger self, Kathy would say don’t be afraid of what you are. Face and embrace your identity!! And to queer kids growing up now – there is a community out there for you, with amazing people and friendships in it. It does get better!!
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.