The ‘unapologetic trans, disabled, and mixed race’ illustrator forced to leave behind a promising career in psychology due to chronic illness
Just six years ago, 22-year-old Julian Gray was studying a masters in psychology at university with the intention of going on to earn a PhD and to later become an academic.
But when his health deteriorated, he had no choice but to drop out of university. Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and ME, Julian realised that his career in psychology was no longer achievable for him.
In a quest to find other things he was good at, he looked towards his childhood hobby of drawing for inspiration. Now aged 28, Julian, who lives in Droylsden, is gearing up for a massive feat: he is headlining his own exhibition at The Lowry Theatre featuring his comic and illustration works.
It’s something that once seemed unlikely to ever happen. READ MORE: Three Michelin star chef Simon Rogan hints return to Manchester “I wouldn’t necessarily be here if it wasn’t for my condition,” Julian tells the Manchester Evening News. “I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember but I was sort of discouraged from pursuing it as a career, so it was something I never really took too seriously. “I was on track to do a PhD and become an academic.
