Helen Russell
Helen Russell
Season 2 #7 Matthew Ashton
Season 2 #7 Matthew Ashton
Season 2 #7 Matthew Ashton
Wednesday 2nd June 2021
Matthew Ashton discusses growing up LGBTQ+ in the 80s and 90s, finding happiness through Lego, and creating the 'Everyone is Awesome' set.
45 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
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Author:
Helen Russell
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Healing Relationships
Comedic Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Matthew Ashton: Building a Brighter World with Lego and Resilience
Some of the sadness that you're going through now can actually make you a stronger person at the end of it, and can make you, and can give you, opportunities to use the sadness to potentially help other people out in the world as well.
Ever thought about how toys can change lives? Meet Matthew Ashton, the creative mind behind Lego’s first LGBTQ+ set, 'Everyone is Awesome'. In this episode of 'How To Be Sad with Helen Russell', Matthew shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a celebrated toy designer. Growing up in the 80s and 90s as an LGBTQ+ kid, Matthew faced societal pressures that often left him feeling out of place.
He was constantly told how to act, talk, and even play, which sent a message that he was somehow 'wrong'. Fast forward to today, and Matthew is not only the Vice President of Design at Lego but also an advocate for inclusivity. He opens up about the struggles he faced under Section 28, a law that prohibited the 'promotion' of homosexuality by local authorities in the UK.
Through his work, Matthew has created a space where everyone, regardless of their identity, can feel accepted. His 'Everyone is Awesome' set isn't just a product; it's a statement that everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated. In his conversation with Helen, Matthew talks about how embracing his sadness has been a crucial part of his journey to happiness. He believes that acknowledging and understanding our sad moments can make us stronger and more empathetic.
'Some of the sadness that you're going through now can actually make you a stronger person at the end of it,' he says. For anyone grappling with their identity or feeling isolated, Matthew’s story is a beacon of hope. He shows that it's possible to turn your struggles into something beautiful and meaningful. Tune in to hear how Lego helped him find joy and how he's using his platform to spread that joy to others.