The recent homophobic attack on Newtown resident Isaac Keatinge, 25, sent shock-waves through the famously diverse inner-western Sydney hub.

On his way home from a friend’s party last month, Keatinge was allegedly singled out by his group of attackers for no reason other than wearing a fab dress and make-up – outraging locals and sparking Reclaim the Street’s hugely successful “Keep Newtown Weird” rally.

In response, Heaps Gay recently sent photographer, Bradley Tennant, along to meet up with Isaac and a group of his close friends.

Our goal was to give the story a much needed positive twist, proving once and for all that not only are the gender binaries of clothing completely outdated and f–ked up, but there is a true strength in expressing your best self unashamedly.

WHATEVER that means to you.

The full length shot of Isaac in all his glory. (Image via Heaps Gay)

“Of course dressing is a means of expression, but not everyone has the means to dress the way they feel. It’s interesting, because when I was younger I didn’t have any exposure to alternative fashion. It’s been a really new thing for me,” Isaac tells Heaps Gay over a jug of beer just outside Newtown.

While being raised in a small country town had its obvious drawbacks, Isaac still reflects fondly on some of the community benefits.

“The other thing about growing up regionally is that you come to know and appreciate the community around you. We depend on each other, especially during bush fires, prolonged blackouts and flooding, all of which can enforce isolation. Other kinds of trauma or grief are similarly dealt with in a community-wide response.”

Isaac says that while he’s cherished a new-found expressive and creative freedom since moving to Sydney, he’s also been met with a greater sense of hostility than he’d experienced elsewhere.

Jason and Isaac flaunt their enviable curls for days, while Olly goes wild with some leopard print. (Images via Heaps Gay)

Sitting with Isaac in his favourite inner-west pub (an old converted stripper joint, serving up killer neon lights and french fries), it’s clear that he’s a man with important things to say.

While he was the victim of a gross targeted assault, he isn’t self-victimising by nature.

Basically, he knows what’s up and he’s pushing to change it.

Api sports some serious ear candy while Isaac poses with his glam squad: Olly, Jason and Adelash. (Images via Heaps Gay)

Thankfully, on the subject of self-expression through fashion, Isaac and his mates aren’t about to change their tune.

(The LGBTI community celebrate their diversity at Mardi Gras. Post continues after video...)

“The rules of gender are so heavily enforced, and I think certain groups of people have an institutionalised idea of reinforcing those norms. It’s almost like there’s a vested interest in the pecking order. But t

“I’m finally feeling settled in Sydney town, I’m ready to live for a while in Asia, maybe Europe, and continue to deepen connections across the globe.”

Well, Isaac, we reckon you’re f--king phenomenal. You keep doing you, because it’s something special.

This article originally appeared on Heaps Gay. It has been republished here with full permission.