Network Ten’s newest reality show The Challenge premiered on Monday, November 14, and it’s been a wild ride ever since. The competition sees 22 reality TV stars compete against one another for a cash prize of $200,000, so you can imagine the chaos that ensues.
While everyone’s eyes are on their favourite reality personalities, we wanted to dive deeply into the world of host, Brihony Dawson.
The singer and MC is the first non-binary presenter to host a major TV show in Australia, and now that they have the ability to reach every corner of the country, Brihony hopes to act as a positive representative for non-binary people.
“Visibility is so important because it’s hard to be what you can’t see,” Brihony told The Daily Telegraph. “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.”
They added: “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.”
People who are non-binary do not identify as a man or a woman and use the pronouns they/them.
When Brihony isn’t fronting The Challenge, they’re busy touring, songwriting and performing with their band, LadyHood.
They’re a person of many talents, and hosting isn’t exactly new to them. Alongside pursuing a successful music career, Brihony is also an MC, so speaking in front of people comes naturally to her. No wonder Ten decided to get her on board.
Brihony has performed with Aerosmith, Guns n Roses and Darryl Braithwaite to name a few, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Having graced some of the world’s biggest stages, including NYC Pride, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, AFLW Grand Final, W-Awards and Women’s Footy Show, The Challenge Australia should be a piece of cake for someone like Brihony.
Catch Brihony and your favourite reality TV celebs on The Challenge, only on Channel 10 and 10Play.