Bachie season is upon us once again. This year we have two of our very own Beaches girls in the running to try and capture this year’s bachelorette’s heart. But one – Holly Langford – is already a clear front runner and making headlines.
Holly Langford of Collaroy and Emily Bebbington of Manly are vying for the heart of Brooke Blurton, the first Indigenous and bi-sexual woman to appear on the show.
This is the first ever season where both men and women are competing for Brooke’s heart. And, while “reality” dating shows aren’t everyone’s can of coke, this season seems to contain a little nourishment among the sugar.
There’s been some definite chemistry between Holly and Brooke, but it’s Holly’s attention to consent, to ensuring Brooke is comfortable in each intimate encounter that’s been making headlines on sites such as Mamamia.
Holly, 27, is a marketing administrator and NRL cheerleader and she identifies as bisexual.
But Holly tells us she never officially “came out” about her sexuality: “I never felt the need to ‘come out’. I knew my friends and my family loved me for me and never felt the need to announce my sexuality,” she explains.
Holly’s friends and family are 100% supportive of her decision to find love on air. “I have been so lucky to grow up surrounded by love and acceptance.”
Holly can be found on the dance floor every Saturday night. “I am quite partial to a night out at The Steyne in Manly. Beer and a boogie go down a treat!”
Holly’s perfect first date would be “Something active! Whether that’s a walk or something more adventurous.”
In a relationship Holly says “I’m a sook, when I love someone I will go to the ends of the earth for them.”
She says the key to making a relationship strong is open communication and a good sense of humour.
Meanwhile Emily, 25, is a die-hard animal lover and works as a veterinary receptionist. She’s also well known to this writer as a regular at Market Lane Cafe, which I used to own. Emily loved to hang around the counter and chat; always friendly and bubbly and full of compliments.
Emily grew up in Manly and she identifies as queer. “I find it more inclusive, particularly as language and definitions are always changing. if I say queer I think it invites others to ask what I mean so I can explain that I am attracted to people regardless of gender.”
Emily says she never had to ‘come out’ either. “I was just honest with my friends/family who I was attracted to from the start. But I suppose I also “come out” every day in some situation or another. We live in a heteronormative society where people assume you’re straight until you correct them.”
“I was just honest with my friends/family who I was attracted to from the start. But I suppose I also “come out” every day in some situation or another. We live in a heteronormative society where people assume you’re straight until you correct them.”
Emily said while she enjoyed high school, she found Year 10 to be particularly hard. “I was exploring my sexuality and I got bullied for that.”
On weekends Emily can be found catching up with friends, going out for dinner, getting drinks and watching DJs perform.
Emily’s favourite place to go out on the Northern Beaches is The Office – currently ‘under construction’ – to have drinks watching the sunset. “Then next stop wharf bar for a Long Island.”
Just like Holly, Emily also believes communication and trust is ‘massive.’ “You have to be each other’s best friends and be able to laugh through the tough times.”
