Rugrat Spotlight: Lumi
Rugrat Spotlight: Lumi
Hey there, rugrats! Discord Admin Meepus here.
With the busy-bodied band doing their best to relocate UTR HQ, it’s been understandably quiet lately.
Of course, as much as I tell all my friends and family that I’m part of an indie band (I don’t mention that my instrument is community management), we all know that I’m over here in Australia, remaining idle-bodied, free of the stresses of moving.
So, I’ll take advantage of this freedom by doing something a little different for the website, creating some content that highlights the release of “the devil smiles” right here on the Secret Hideout, while also giving some shine to the incredible community that we’re all a part of.
With that in mind, here is the first edition of the Rugrat Spotlight, which will put a spotlight on community member... Lumi!
rugrat spotlight: lumi
If you attended the most recent tour, you may recognize the name/face, seeing as Lumi attended ELEVEN shows in support of the band!
Sean and Lumi work together to count to 11, feat. Brendan and spaghetti in a bag
Lumi joined The Rat Chat in April 2024, which is a fact that is absolutely shocking to me because it really does feel like they have been a part of this community forever.
Lumi meets the Meepus Cutout, for better or worse
For those who weren’t able to make a show or for those who haven’t yet braved the Rat Chat Discord server, I’d describe Lumi as chaotically unpredictable, highly inappropriate, and an absolute menace. But, like, in a good way.
And yes, I suppose they are also an amazing artist, as well as such a friend that it has made them an essential part of our community.
boston VIP gathering, because nothing says VIP more than a dark, dirty, cramped alley
Anyway, this isn’t meant to be a dating profile or a eulogy!
The reason I chose to put a spotlight on Lumi is because of what “the devil smiles” means to them.
I’ll avoid getting wordy here so as to let the art (as well as the artist) do the speaking, but this song has come at a time when a lot of people needed to hear it.
I’m hopeful that this little write-up can give you that perspective, rather than the usual Casey/Sean/Brendan viewpoint, and of course you can feel free to leave your take in the comments.
Without further ado, enjoy the following from Lumi:
Oh, bring it on
What will be
The words burst forth like a cascade of light, filling me with an overflowing sense of hope and defiance amid my often tepid pool of exhaustion and fear.
What Will Be
12"x12"
Mixed media on canvas
(2024)
Transitioning later in life has been my grim black dog of sorts.
Sitting, watching, waiting.
Always the dark shadow looming until one day, I finally had the nerve to approach it, and eventually I got myself across the threshold. I'm not sure I could say unscathed, but that also makes me who I am and I have so much gratitude for the lessons and resilience it has given me.
My personal experience of being nonbinary is both exceedingly simple: gender is a construct, yet immensely complex.
There's no one way to transition; I had to weigh pros and cons to hormones. It really did feel like a deal with the devil, and I've been smack in the awkward phase, which is as fun as it sounds.
The inner feeling of relief, though? The way my entire head quieted down once I started injections (and if you know me, can you imagine?!). It was the only choice.
Intuitive Sound Scribble/Blind Doodle
"the devil smiles"
Today, I watch as 2025 begins to unfold and recall feeling myself fold inward the previous couple of months.
I think about all the people in my life who will not stand for what's happening around us, and I want to be here with them.
Hearing this album version of The Devil Smiles came at the exact moment I was beginning to emerge from the depths of worry about so many things.
Sure, I still don't know exactly where this path is taking me (or what path I'm even taking), but I know I will take responsibility for my true self and follow my heart. That has been the most important realization of them all.
And to have a community with me who is equally supportive and vulnerable means everything.
lumi's suitcase full of eyes,
looking towards the future
There is a dim rainbow out there, and we can all make it brighter.
Oh, bring it on.
absolutely love the art <3
It’s crazy you’ve only been with us for less than a year and yet I feel like we’ve been friends forever 💛
WE LOVE LUMI
It definitely seems like you’ve been part of the family much longer. The bond is obvious and was when I saw you in person. You were definitely deeply rooted in the family.
I love that you express yourself with art. It’s especially cool to see UTR inspired art done by a Rugrat!
This was a great idea. I enjoyed reading, watching and listening.
Thanks Lumi, meepus and anyone else involved in implementing this idea to share with us.
Love you guys
TWD
I love this big time!! I will never forget the first time (and only but just for now) i met lumi: she was with sabs at the corner where of the mohawk, and from distance i thought “that’s my people!”. After winning the first awkward moment I felt like I was with family right away! Thank you so much for being you, being awesome, lovely, caring, amazing human! I adore you!
Lumi, i am so glad you’re here and that you’re sharing your journey with us. Your sense of humor has pulled me out of the dumps on many occasions. You inspire me to laugh defiantly in the faces of those who want us to be afraid to live our truth. They can’t take who we are away from us. Thank you for sharing your art with us. I love the way you use color as a language to express what words sometimes can’t. Love and googly eyes for Eva! TWD
i joined the secret hideout last summer and i think lumi is one of the few rats i’ve had an actual conversation with (since i tend to just lurk). i didn’t even know their actual name since i’ve only ever seen the screen names. Lumi, if you see this, thank you for bringing life to the ratchat and making me feel welcome.