Name of the Fangirl: Bayley
Fangirl Occupation: Emergency Nurse
What is her fangirl interest?
I have been interested in Star Wars ever since my amazing parents took me to see the Original Trilogy in theaters before ‘The Phantom Menace’ came out. I was always very painfully shy growing up but because of my love of Star Wars I became involved in my local fanforce chapter where I made many new friends and that really gave me of confidence and brought me out of my shell. I also met my best friend through fanforce, we have been friends for over ten years now.
Lord of the Rings is also a passion of mine, I have made it my mission to read everything Tolkien has written and I am currently saving for a trip to New Zealand to see where the movies were filmed.
I’ve also always loved Disney. I grew up wanting to be a Mermaid because of my favorite movie The Little Mermaid. I wasn’t fussed about finding a Prince, I just really wanted to be a Mermaid!
Before the movie ‘Brave’ came out I had friends sending me links to the trailer telling me ‘You have a film being made about you!’ With my unruly red hair I have been told many times that I resemble the film’s main heroine and so having her green dress made for cons was an absolute must for me.
I attend as many cons as I can get myself to, usually with my best friend and always in costume. We always have tons of fun together, but Cons are particularly amazing.
I’ve always loved Star Trek as well, I have many wonderful memories of growing up with my family and younger brother watching ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ I recently had the amazing chance to meet Jonathan Frakes, I always had the biggest crush on Riker! I had a bad fangirl moment and nearly broke down in tears telling him about the wonderful memories I had growing up with TNG!
My interest in Star Trek also lead me into a Star Trek costuming group where I have meet many new wonderful people and made even more friends.
My fan girl interests have given me opportunity to meet so many new wonderful people and make life long friends, and I am so grateful.
Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this fangirl?
I am so keen on wanting to shine the spotlight on myself specifically but I want to support this wonderful endeavor as I believe that being a fan girl should be celebrated and I want to do everything possible to support a positive image for young girls and show them that fangirls come in all shapes and sizes, and all ages too! That my chosen career is a Nurse and I spend my days looking after sick people but I am also a fangirl and proud of it and that no girl should never ever be embarrassed to enthusiastically celebrate whatever it is that she adores. I want young girls to grow up knowing and feeling confident that they can be whatever they want in life.
How does this fangirl express her fandom?
As I mentioned I attend cons as frequently as I can as there is nothing better than being surrounded by like-minded people.
I also Cosplay Merida from ‘Brave’ and am currently designing a ‘Jedi Merida’ costume, combining two things that I love!
I also write fan fiction, mostly stories set around in ‘Lord of the Rings’ but I have also worked on stories within the Star Wars Universe.
What is her favorite quote or personal motto?
‘Not all who wander are lost’ – Tolkien
What is her favorite fangirl item that she cannot live without?
I own a force FX light sabre and and a replica of Eowyn’s sword. I sleep with them right beside my bed. They make me feel safe.
Where can we follow her online?