Less Surface Level

In this episode of Less Surface Level, we sit down with a queer-affirming acupuncturist to explore the powerful intersection of identity, healing, and holistic health. From his personal journey into queerness to professional commitment to inclusive care, this conversation invites us to rethink what it means to feel safe and seen in our bodies; especially in a world that often doesn’t make space for queer wellness. We unpack how acupuncture can support the nervous system, soothe dysphoria, and address the emotional and physical burdens of marginalisation. Our guest reflects on what it truly means to offer “queer-affirming” care and shares powerful moments where their identity became a bridge for trust, healing, and connection. We also touch on the limitations of Western medicine, the importance of integrating spiritual and emotional practices, and what it takes to shift the health system to better serve queer communities. Whether you’re a practitioner, a patient, or simply curious about alternative healing, this episode is a warm, insightful reminder of the body’s capacity to heal; and how deeply identity can shape that journey.

In this episode of Less Surface Level, we explore a relationship that challenges expectations and expands our understanding of identity and connection.

What happens when a straight man falls in love with a queer woman, someone whose history includes dating women, and whose queerness doesn’t vanish just because she’s now with him?

Through honest reflections and real conversation, we unpack what it means to show up for a partner whose experience of love is layered, nuanced, and not always easy to define.

This is not your "typical" love story, and that’s what makes it powerful. Whether you’ve navigated similar dynamics or are simply curious about the ways love can stretch across identity lines, this episode is a tender, thoughtful look at how we grow, learn, and honour each other beyond the binary.

Tune in for quiet moments, open-hearted dialogue, and a celebration of connection that goes beyond the surface.

In this episode of Less Surface Level, we sit with Holly Pink and explore the layered and often nonlinear journey of queer identity and self-discovery. From the joy and chaos of coming out, to the quiet battles with internalised homophobia, and shifting labels, we open up about what it really means to find pride in who you are. We also talk mental health in the queer community, the role of chosen family, and how intimacy, desire, and love evolve as we better understand ourselves. This one’s a heartfelt mix of vulnerability, reflection, and celebration; a reminder that you’re not alone in the mess or the magic.

Amy came out as a lesbian in her early twenties, an identity that felt like finally stepping into the light after years of trying to be someone she wasn’t. Owning her queerness gave her a sense of wholeness and community. She fell in love with a woman for the first time and finally felt like her life aligned with her truth.

But everything shifted when her partner began transitioning to live as a man. What followed was a quiet storm of questions: Am I still a lesbian? What does this mean for how I see myself? Can I honour my partner's transition without abandoning my own identity?

In this episode, Amy reflects on the nuanced, tender, and sometimes disorienting experience of loving someone through gender transition, while trying to stay connected to her own evolving truth.

This podcast is a raw and thoughtful exploration of identity, queerness, grief, growth, and the complexity of loving in a changing world. For anyone who’s ever asked, What does this make me now? - this space is for you.

In this conversation, Julia Gueller reflects on the emotional complexity of navigating a long-term relationship with a man while discovering romantic and sexual feelings for a woman. After being in a 12-year relationship, raising three children, and facing personal and family challenges, Julia found herself attracted to a woman they met regularly at a market. The relationship grew over time, but Julia took some time to acknowledge her romantic feelings.

Despite recognising the disconnect in her relationship with her male partner, Julia found it difficult to admit that the relationship was no longer working. After an intimate moment with the woman, the speaker’s feelings intensified, leading to a conversation with her partner where they openly admitted their attraction to her. Although the partner initially seemed open to discussing the possibility of an open relationship, it became clear he was not ready for such a change, which opened up further conversations for them.

I hope this episode brings clarity and hope to those navigating the confusion and judgment from friends, leading them to turn inward for reflection and decide whether to explore their sexuality or remain committed to their long-term relationship. Enjoy my loves.

T. x

Hello honeys. Today, Sianan reflects on her experience of exploring her sexuality during her school years, particularly through a close relationship with a female friend that, in hindsight, she recognise as her first love.

We both take some time to reflect on the bravery in young people exploring their feelings without labels, despite the stigma and negative rhetoric around queerness in their adolescence. I hope you enjoy this one my loves. T x

Ariela, an Artist and Psychotherapist shares her personal journey of self-discovery as a Queer woman living in Melbourne. Ariela speaks about her identity as a Lesbian and her experience with eating disorders, emphasising the importance of who you surround yourself with, and what has contributed to her personal growth.

Hello honeys and welcome back to the pod. In this Pride episode with Sammy Foster, we explore the significance of authenticity and self-acceptance as queer women, including the sharing of stories of our own personal growth. Tune in to hear about the highlights as well as the challenges of coming out at different stages of life. All my love, T x

Hey beautiful people.

Please join me in welcoming Brent Allan to the podcast. Brent is a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary person who currently occupies several senior advisor positions focusing on sexual health and wellbeing programmes and policy development for global and domestic agencies and industry partners. They have been working in the community response to HIV and AIDS for over 30 years across various countries and have qualifications in health education, business and community services management. They also have public and social health experience with local, state and federal governments and global industries.

Brent identifies as a non-binary person who has been living with HIV for over 25 years. They have been active in efforts to build the capacity of people living with HIV through advocacy, education and representation. They regularly provide technical assistance to global networks, governments, civil society and industry on matters of best practice in community-based services, research and development.

Brent is a passionate advocate for civil society and consumer representation in health service policy, programming and evaluation. They have been a vocal advocate and champion for the rights of sex workers, people who use drugs and vulnerable and marginalised people working on the frontlines with gender and sexually diverse communities.

Today I chat to Brent about some amazing topics, including this article:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/k7zw9v/what-ive-learned-since-getting-a-glory-hole-in-my-home

written by a dear friend of Brent. Have a read to know what we're referring to in the podcast.

Thank you for being here,

T x

Today we're chatting with Sandon Gibbs O'Neill, a First Nations artist who shares stories and healing through art. His business, Burruguu Art, found on Instagram as @burruguu_art, has allowed him to share parts of himself and his culture that words could not express. We talk about family, separation, culture, and healing through art. Enjoy x