The Wiggles’ Tsehay Hawkins says she’s proud to challenge gender stereotypes – as hidden detail in her costume is revealed
She is the youngest star to join the cast of the iconic children’s music group The Wiggles.
And Tsehay Hawkins, 18, says she’s proud to challenge gender stereotypes with her costume choice.
The current Yellow Wiggle is the first female cast member to wear pants instead of a skirt on stage.
Speak with Yahoo LifestyleShe said she thought the opportunity to challenge stereotypes with her costume choice was “cool.”
“I think wearing trousers means that girls and boys can relate to it too. Boys can also wear skirts if they want to – we definitely have boys who come to the shows in skirts, which is lovely too,” she told the publication.
“But I think it’s cool to see little ones wearing baggy pants. It breaks the stereotype that little girls always have to wear dresses or skirts.”
Tsehay added that breaking stereotypes wasn’t her first priority when choosing her clothing style, admitting that she was more of a “pants girl.”
“I don’t think that really played a role in me deciding to wear it, but once I did, I realized what an impact it had,” she said.
The Wiggles star Tsehay Hawkins, 18, says she’s proud to challenge gender stereotypes with her costume choice
After appearing on Channel Seven’s variety show Little Big Shots in 2018, Tsehay signed on to a role as a support member of The Wiggles in 2021.
After former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins announced she was leaving the iconic group, Tsehay donned the coveted yellow underwear in 2022, becoming the youngest person to join The Wiggles at age 16.
Tsehay revealed at the time the advice Emma gave her when she took on the iconic role.
The night before it was announced, [Emma] just called me and she said, ‘I’m so happy for you, it’s such an amazing opportunity,’ she said.
The current Yellow Wiggle is the first female cast member to wear pants instead of a skirt on stage
“Take everything as it comes and just say yes. Just be open to new ideas,” she added of the advice she received.
The Wiggles were formed in 1991 by Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Red Wiggle Murray Cook, Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt and Yellow Wiggle Greg Page.
Anthony Field is the only original band member still in the band.
After appearing on Channel Seven variety show Little Big Shots in 2018, Tsehay signed on as an assistant member of The Wiggles in 2021