Lucy Holmes - a.k.a. the Kylie Minogue impersonator in 100% Kylie and a Brekky Radio Host on 89.9 TheLight - has spent years navigating the complex world of menstrual health. After the physical and emotional toll of endometriosis and infertility, Lucy has proven that a positive outlook can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

 

Name: Lucy Holmes

Pronouns: She/Her

Day job: Brekky Radio Host on 89.9 TheLight, Kylie Minogue impersonator

Location: Melbourne

 

Can you describe what you do in one sentence?

I *hopefully* entertain and inspire people from behind a microphone every morning for my breakfast radio show and on stage as the world’s leading Kylie Minogue impersonator at night!

 

Can you share your journey to this point?

After I studied for a Bachelor of Music Theatre, I hosted a late-night TV show on Ch9 with Rob Mills called The Mint, one of those phone-in game shows. After doing live TV every night, I somehow got on the radio! I thought I’d give it a crack, and 16 years later, I am now one of the longest-serving hosts on air in Melbourne! I live and breathe it. From my infertility to falling pregnant, to divorce, to mental health battles, I share every aspect of my life.

I’ve also performed as Kylie in 100% Kylie for over 20 years (CRAZY!) – we’ve toured the world numerous times, been in the front of newspapers worldwide, and even performed with Dannii Minogue at a party! The dancers, the costumes, the songs… I pinch myself to this day!

What’s your secret to remaining positive through *it all*?

I am a SUPER positive because life is TOO short to do or be anything else! I want to get the MOST out of this life! I want to reflect on my time on earth and know I didn’t waste it. I want to leave a legacy of joy and love. Mindset is everything. Life is tough, but I am tougher. And it's taken years of therapy to get here, too. LOLS!

 

Tell us about your period journey.

ALL over the place! When I was younger, my periods were so irregular I’d have three a year! I never realised it was an issue until I got older and started considering a family. I quickly realised that irregular periods meant something more serious. I battled infertility for years and was diagnosed with PCOS and Endometriosis. I eventually had my miracle daughter, and it was only then that my periods became regular… after 35 years!

 

Are there any behind-the-scenes period challenges you can share?

I’m embarrassed to admit that when I was younger, I never realised how much menstrual health affected fertility! I am a clever woman, but I had no idea that my irregular periods were a sign of things like not ovulating. I should have realised, but growing up, no one ever explained it! Back in the 90s, when I was at school, there was no dialogue about periods. There was still that stigma around talking about it. I had no idea how vital menstrual health was.

 

How did/do you manage your period with performing?

It was annoying getting your period just before a big show, especially as your body can change so dramatically in that week. Suddenly, a costume that might fit you a week earlier can be much tighter thanks to water retention and bloating! But after a while, you realise there is nothing you can do…and the only person who notices is you!

Have you ever experienced period stigma in the industry?

The performance industry is so forward-thinking that there is zero shame about it. Dancers, singers - no one would care if you needed a tampon and had to borrow one. Or if you looked bloated in a costume because you had your period, you’d all laugh it off. I think performers are so in tune with their bodies that talking about these things is normal! I love that!

 

How do you manage period symptoms when performing?

The show must always go on - cramps and all! The thing about all performers is that regardless of what is happening behind the scenes when you step out on stage, that’s all that matters! I have one dancer who has toured with me for decades, and she gets the most crippling period pain. She will lie backstage on a changeroom floor in tears, but as soon as the music starts, she’s up and smiling on stage. Watching her painful journey all these years has been brutal, but she is so professional no one would know!

 

What’s your advice for better embracing and managing periods?

As a mum of a young daughter, I love having open, healthy conversations about this stuff. She’s only 10, but we talk about it openly so that there is no shame, fear, or stigma for her when the time comes. The other day, she was in a public toilet, and someone accidentally dropped a fresh pad on the floor, and it slid into her cubicle. She said, “How embarrassing for them,” and I replied, “Not at all! Pads and periods are normal, and the person is probably more frustrated they wasted a pad than embarrassed about it!” It's great to flip the narrative, start conversations with our kids, and let them know it's normal. Remove the shame, remove the stigma. “Period” is not a dirty word.

 

What are some of your biggest life lessons?

I've gone through a lot in my life. Coming out of the other side of some terrible years, I have realised that we ALL are much stronger than we know. We can do hard things. I've learned that in every challenge I have walked through, whether it was infertility, Endo, PCOS, depression, anxiety, or an awful divorce, every single hard thing has allowed me to grow and be better. Be kinder. Be gentler with myself and with everyone. Life is so unbelievably short and precious, so I want to ensure my days here are filled with love, joy, grace, and kindness. My family is everything, and I feel so blessed to be here. Living, breathing, and ready for anything life throws at me. Because I know I can get through it. Life is a gift.

 

How should we change the conversation around menstrual health?

We need to START having the conversations at age-appropriate school levels so that kids are empowered with knowledge and people can feel seen and supported. The more we normalise the menstrual cycle, the better. Knowledge is POWER!

Let’s ensure that women everywhere have access to menstrual products! I’m a big fan of Share The Dignity's work. They do essential work in this area, especially for those who cannot afford it. We need to look after each other, and this is such a simple way to give women back their dignity.

 

MY CYCLE

• My period in 3-words: Almost Very Gone

• Period self-care means: Long, warm bubble baths!

• Period self-care toolkit: Non-alcoholic Red Wine and Cheese and Onion Chips!

• Best period hacks: Tampons in the car for emergencies.

• Contraception of choice: Mirena to help control my Endo growth!

• On day 1, you’ll find me: Crying over TikToks of rescue dogs.

• Scarlet pick: THE Period G-Strings! YES QUEENS!