Art & Culture, Cover Stories

Coco: “I am Everything Society Is Wrong About. I Love It”

9 May

Sharing a space with Coco Reece is one of a kind- you know, the multi-talented artist who refers to herself as “everything society is wrong about.” This woman is something else, let me tell you. You feel her energy the minute she walks into any room. Unapologetically herself – a non-binary, black, mixed-race, queer artist with disabilities.

Her art is all about celebrating the beauty in our differences and empowering folks from marginalised communities.

As Coco put it straight up, “Growing up, the world had always tried dictating who I should be. But I refused to conform – I accepted all these parts of me proudly.” She wore this infectious smile as she said, “I wear so many umbrellas proudly and can relate to so many people worldwide.”

Through poetry, hosting, speaking, curating workshops, and modelling, Coco’s work challenges traditional beauty standards at every turn, as she wants people to embrace their authentic, unapologetic selves.

The “Talk to Coco” platform she currently runs, has been described as an amazingly safe space. As she explained it, “It’s all about honesty, vulnerability, and creating those truly inclusive spaces. If I can offer any advice to others wanting to spread that same message, it’s to stay open, keep pushing for all humans.”

I had to ask about her collabs with major organisations like Young Minds UK and those striking mental health awareness billboards displaying her affirmations across the UK. The impact she’s making is unreal.

But get this – Coco’s all-time proudest moment is Her work with huge brands like Vogue and BBC documentaries, further amplifying that message of inclusivity. “Can you believe they wanted to feature me and my wife in Vogue, championing ALL that we are? It was crazy but so dope!” she gushed.

The passion in her voice was palpable as she recalled,

“Growing up, I was always told who I was, that I was – too black, not black enough, wrong to be queer, had tattoos, disabilities would limit me. But look at me now! I overcame all those societal fractures. As an adult, I’m so proud to help people understand – our differences can be a superpower.”

Coco went on, “If my billboards, workshops, or podcast can give even one person that reassurance and understanding they deserve, I’ll feel fulfilled.”

Her poetry is one of the most powerful tools she uses to show her creativity, “My poetry speaks from times when I have had hardships, and had to speak on taboo subjects, and now to see my poetry in galleries, I have realised that my words sometimes speak what the soul is trying to say for other people who can’t.”

This incredible poetry talent of hers was spotted since her highschool days, “To speak at events was something I’ve always been good at, I had been told in school that I was so clever but my mouth let me down because I couldn’t stop talking, so as I grew and started realising, I had so much to say that could help and be useful to people, that’s when I started getting invites to speak on panels, to host events and workshops, to talk on podcasts and to be a guest on tour for celebrities, that made me realise it was worth it and that I am too – because they want me, and to be wanted is such a great feeling, when younger me had been told by society that that wasn’t the case.”

“My creative workshops, are a way in which I can help people navigate their traumas, their identity, their fears,– through a creative lens, and to know how helpful and changing it is, for so many people regardless of age, sexuality, ethnicity, religion – I’m so glad I can be that helping hand to so many, I love to see people smile I guess, and to know they are doing well.“

Her art spans so many forms, from those powerful workshops to modelling gigs. “My ADHD lets me excel at whatever I’m passionate about in that moment,” and right now – she’s determined to break into high fashion modeling for brands like Gucci or Burberry! “Sure, my height is seen as too short, but imagine if they took a chance on this sexy short black inked lesbian ADHD creative model? Boom!”

As she put it with a smirk, “I’m celebrating my features – masculine as always, afro out, teeth proud, and letting these freckles glow, babyyy!”
No matter the medium, Coco’s creativity stems from her own experiences – a desire to uplift others on topics like mental health, self-love, and LGBTQ+ issues. “It all intertwines, you know? Self-identity is huge. As a black queer woman with ADHD, I’m always championing those areas just by being me.”

When I asked how she chooses what to focus on, she kept it real. “I consider the audience, ensure that the message of inclusivity stays center.

“If a brand wants me to change my beliefs or ethics, I point blank don’t do it. Never shorten or dim your light for a job, stay authentic.”

Coco’s workshops provide an outlet for managing mental health and past traumas through creative writing, art, and more. “I’ve had people cry tears of realisation, tell me they don’t self-harm anymore – those differences are so impactful.” The messages on her billboards also resonate by offering affirmations, with strangers expressing gratitude for the positive impact.

Looking ahead, Coco’s goals are beautifully grounded in what matters most: “Focusing on my family, getting that book published finally, and creating real change through any creative means possible. My goal is simple – touch lives, spread positivity, empower people to embrace their true selves.”