Gay adult performer and burlesque dancer Hunter Hardin, known onstage as LuLu LoveBottom, has died aged 30.
Hardin died on 7 September, with friends sharing tributes and confirming his death in comments beneath a farewell post on his Instagram account.
Out has reported that Hardin died by suicide. His family has reportedly asked for privacy as those closest to him process the loss.
Friends Remember ‘One Of The Happiest And Sweetest People’
A close friend, Asuras, told followers that Hardin’s flatmates had found him at home and called paramedics, but he could not be resuscitated.
Other friends have remembered Hardin for the warmth and energy he brought to those around him.
Johani Montero described him as “one of the happiest and sweetest people I’ve ever met”, while encouraging people to make time for meaningful conversations with friends who may be struggling.
The tributes have highlighted the contrast between the joy someone can bring to others and the difficulties they may be experiencing privately.
From Football To Burlesque
Hardin had built a following through adult entertainment, social media and the queer nightlife scene, performing under the name LuLu LoveBottom.
His path to burlesque was far from conventional.
Hardin grew up playing American football, where he was an offensive tackle, before later turning to competitive rowing. He told Outsports in 2025 that sport had provided structure and an escape during a difficult childhood.
Years later, he found another outlet through burlesque after being encouraged to compete in a ballroom event in heels.
The experience helped him reconnect with a side of himself he had previously been discouraged from expressing.
“It allows me to identify my femininity with my masculinity,” Hardin said of performing as LuLu.
His shows blended muscularity, femininity and sexuality, creating a persona that allowed him to move freely between traditionally masculine and feminine expressions.
For Hardin, that felt authentic.
He had also spoken candidly about living with depression and the role sport, training and performance had played in helping him through difficult periods.
Remembering LuLu LoveBottom
Hardin’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, fans and fellow performers who knew him through the adult industry, nightlife and queer communities.
While much of the attention surrounding his death has understandably focused on the circumstances, the people closest to him have also been asking others to remember the person behind the final post.
Hardin was an athlete, performer, dancer and queer man who found a way to turn parts of himself that once felt difficult to reconcile into something he could celebrate onstage.
He was 30.
If this story brings up difficult feelings for you, support is available in Aotearoa. Call or text 1737 at any time for free, confidential support from a trained counsellor. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
