Echo

Echo George Sydney Webster (he/they) is a passionate advocate for the Deaf community and the Rainbow community. Growing up in Auckland and now residing in Raglan, Echo is preparing to embark on a Bachelor of Arts majoring in NZSL/English Interpreting. Their dream is to become a professional interpreter, with a particular interest in interpreting for stage events, education, and medical settings. Echo first discovered their love for NZSL in 2011 while studying at Victoria University in Wellington. Although life took them on a different path—leading to a career in early childhood education specialising in Steiner education—they never lost their passion for sign language. Recently, while working as a Communication and Education Support Worker for a Deaf student, Echo was inspired to return to university and finally pursue their long-held dream of becoming an interpreter.

Beyond their studies, Echo is deeply involved in the Rainbow community. Having attended Rainbow Youth as a teenager, they now help facilitate Raglan Rainbow Youth and co-founded a community initiative in Raglan aimed at fostering a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals. They also launched a Rainbow Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Hamilton, providing a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery. Additionally, Echo has been involved in the drag scene, formerly performing as a drag king and now working as a stage kitten for Hugo Grrrl’s events.

Echo is proudly transmasculine and non-binary, having undergone top surgery and being on HRT for almost two years. However, they emphasize that being trans does not require any physical changes—transition looks different for everyone, and simply identifying as trans is enough. They often joke that they are not only a recovering addict but also a recovering lesbian. However, their identity is no joke when it comes to representation—Echo firmly believes that it is vital to have LGBTQIA+ interpreters in Aotearoa, ensuring that the interpreting profession reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

For Echo, receiving this scholarship is an invaluable opportunity. With frequent travel between Raglan and Auckland for their studies, the financial support will ease transportation costs and potentially help them invest in an electric scooter for their daily commute. As someone who has overcome personal challenges—including reaching nearly three years of sobriety—Echo is determined to make the most of this opportunity and give back to the communities that have shaped them.

When not studying or advocating for others, Echo enjoys gardening, whittling, pole dancing, tricking (freerunning and acrobatics), crafting, cooking, and spending time with their beloved chickens and cat, Mowgli. They are also an avid puzzle enthusiast, capable of completing a 1000-piece jigsaw in a single day, and have a deep love for nature, bushcraft, and all things related to Deaf culture. They are excited to begin this next chapter of their journey and contribute to a more accessible and inclusive.