LGBT History Month: Dolly Pawton talks life and the importance of social media

This, London, is the ultimate fashionista and most wondrous gay icon you will ever know.

Meet Dolly, a chihuahua, Instagram influencer and LGBTQ activist who has adoring fans both sides of the Atlantic.

She's fabulous, signed to a top US agency and has worked with the likes of Selfridge's, Benefit Cosmetics, Daniel Wellington Watches, as well as being featured in the likes of People and Vogue magazines. She may be small, but in reality, she's very, very big.

Dolly is owned by Mum's Stella and Lucy. Stella is a full time social media guru who runs Dolly's daily operations. She's easily identified by her bright orange hair, and because of it, is never missed on the streets of London. When not busy, she sticks to her day job as a writer.

Lucy is an international fashion lecturer and works at The London College of Fashion. She's also the mastermind behind Dolly's infamously good look and style.

But most of all, the duo are known within the LGBTQ+ community for their constant campaigning and working with the Home Office on issues such as marriage equality in the UK and beyond.

They say: "Dolly is the new generation of social media activist. She maybe pint sized but her inclusive message is bigger than us all."

We caught up with Dolly and mums to talk activism and the importance of social media during LGBT History Month. Here's London and the world through their eyes (and paws, and lols, and sass)...

You’ve been featured in Vogue and People. How have you used your Instagram fame as a tool for LGBTQ activism?

Instagram is all about visibility. My platform is about being present. I have daily emails, DM’s and I will message anyone who needs an ear. Whatever maybe happening on a commercial level, my followers know nothing matters more than their wellbeing. My Instagram has become a safe space for individuals who need LGBTQ+ help.

Why do you think LGBT history month is so important, and what role do you think social media should have in spreading its awareness?

LBGT History Month is integral to every LGBT+ member, in my opinion. It is needed education to all. Understanding how life was before our selves, how far we have come and how far we still have to go. Social media has a vital role in all awareness. It is in the palm of everybody. No matter your sexual orientation, educating through social media can spread the word faster than any other form of media.

Why is it so important to you?

My family is one that adopted me during the hardest time in their lives. Announcing they were to be married, brought nothing but heartbreak. At a time when happiness and celebration should have been happening, instead abandonment and abuse followed. Hate still exists. Understanding is still lacking, and for everyone education is key. LGBT History Month raises awareness and that’s so important.

You met Caitlyn freaking Jenner! Elaborate.

I interviewed on the red carpet at the LGBT Awards and Caitlyn Jenner was there. She didn’t do the red carpet as the level of press was too great, but that didn’t stop her from requesting to see me at the after party! You can’t blame her, I mean a 'kween' attracts a 'kween'! We chatted and she thanked me for my continuing work within the community.

Home is?

Where you are safe, accepted without exception and love is purely unconditional. For me that’s central London just off Oxford Street.

How long have you been there?

Since I was brought into this crazy family who love me too much! Over 2.5 years now.

For first timers, where can they go and enjoy Oxford Street Dolly-style?

????? (Dolly was drinking a pawtini, and sadly didn't have the time to answer this question)

You can be a little foul-mouthed sometimes (we’re not judging) why is that?

Foul-mouthed? how dare you! I would say you sound like my mothers, but I would be lying - they are worse than me. I say it as it is. If people can’t take the reality, I am simply not for them. I am the realist bitch on Instagram. My presence gives other people the confidence to be themselves and that’s to be praised.

Name your five favourite LGBT hangouts in London, and tell us why you love them so much.

I have so many spaces I love, but I guess I would have to say Freedom Bar is a great place to grab a pre-drink. She Bar is a tiny bar that is just on my scale, perfectly petite. Don’t ever forget the sticky floor of GAY - iconic in every way, three floors of epic gay history on every wall, floor and ceiling! I have taken more than one cocktail in Circa bar. The staff are lovely and I enjoy the music, I was there at Pride. I love art and culture... so I naturally love the Tate, too. I opened the “Queer & Now” event with Pride London there and loved every minute of it and regularly visit.

Any favourite shops?

One of my faves has to be Vivienne Westwood. I love the cut and my dream is to have a dress made for me. You can’t beat couture.

Your favourite song?

Born this way by Lady Gaga, because we are and we should be screaming how bloody fabulous we all are. 9-5 by Dolly Parton, even though I am more of a 10 til midnight girl. And Like a virgin by Madonna, because the irony is so real!

What are your plans for Pride this year?

My plans this year will be as every year since I was born and that is to be in part of the pride parade. I will walk with my mums, meeting people and taking press interviews along the way. I always tailor my outfit to include a rainbow. It can take weeks to design and make. Bitch, I was doing it before Burberry; last year was a rainbow feather bower denim mix waistcoat.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Don’t try and fit in, be you. People will always respond best to your authentic self, those that don’t just aren’t your people!

What is the best advice you could ever give?

Stay close to people who give good energy. People who you don’t have to change to be accepted. Some days are hard but you are always best being you!

Your favourite play? And why?

Cats, I know it probably shouldn’t be, but I have a thing for those feline faces. Contour impeccable.

Dolly loves booze. Where does she go to let her paws down?

You can usually find me in sketch, The Sanderson or some other impressively decorated space that I feel supports my outfit.

What book should everyone be reading now?

My favourite book of all time is Jeanette Winterson's Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal. For now? Tess Holliday's The Not So Subtle Art Of Being A Fat Girl.

Shaken or stirred?

Shaken baby! It’s always a good idea to shake things up.

If you were visiting London for the very first time, where would you go, any why?

I take anyone who comes to visit me in London to The Hummingbird Bakery, because a rainbow cake from anywhere else doesn’t have the pot of gold! A version of it was my mum’s wedding cake and I’ve never had something quite as good in my mouth. Also The Mondrian for the best burgers and The Sanderson for a lychee martini.

Favourite mode of London transport?

Do you know me?!..... Listed in order of preference

1. My own damn legs. They don’t look this good with no work!

2. One of my mums' arms. They both have good ones!

3. Chauffeur

4. Cab

5. As much as I love buses, you’ll more likely to find me on the side of one than in one.

6. The tube. Do we need to discuss...?

And finally, have you ever met Dolly Parton?

No, but I have a plan as it’s a dream of mine. I am working on it during my 9-5...

Not sure what to see and do this LGBT History Month? Here's eight LGBTQ landmarks you need to visit in London