One Foot In

Hey there! It's Bee & Zee, and we are very excited to have launched TWO short mental health promotion animations. One of these videos can be used as a resource for those who have one foot in, and the other for their loved ones! Supported by the Government of Victoria's Pride Events and Festivals Fund 2020-21, and in collaboration with registered psychologist and narrative therapist, Sekneh Hammoud Beckett (Episode 7), the animations can be viewed by going to www.linktr.ee/onefootin.

Can a society so fixated on sex and romantic love accept that identifying as asexual and aromantic does not equate with a life devoid of love or intimacy?

In this episode, Bee and Zee chat with Mathilde, who eloquently describes her journey of self discovery as asexual and aromantic. From her initial realisation, to loved ones’ reactions, Mathilde’s story holds a mirror up to society and provides insight into the often overlooked letter A in LGBTQIA+.

As the distance between her and her family grows - both literally and metaphorically - Zee’s story continues as she finally comes to terms with her identity. In coming out to her mom and later her grandma, Zee’s plea - and continued hope in moving forward - is one of kindness and understanding.

By the way, we are nominated for an Australian Podcast Award!! If you're enjoying the show, please vote for us to win the Listeners' Choice award at https://australianpodcastawards.com/vote

Thank you!!

From Bee’s story to Zee’s, Zee shares her journey of self-discovery that involves a kindergarten crush, a search for freedom, and... superman’s abs? In longing to fit in with a context that made her feel pressure to conform and change who she was, Zee starts to realize that self acceptance is the first step to instead change her context to fit in with her.

Ahlan wa Sekneh is a play on words from the Arabic expression ‘Ahlan wa sahlan’ which, when simply translated, means ‘welcome’. This episode features registered psychologist and narrative therapist, Sekneh Hammoud Beckett, who has done groundbreaking work transforming the narrative around ‘coming out’, to one around ‘inviting in’. This concept empowers us to choose who we welcome into our lives, or “treasure chest”, as Sek likes to call it.

Trigger warning: A small part of this episode features a discussion around the topic of suicide. Helpful resources and support around anxiety, depression, and suicide are available at beyondblue.org.au

Although they say you can never run away from your problems, Bee's time and distance apart from his family was an opportunity for growth and healing. Following his disoriented quest for freedom, the story continues as Bee returns to Sydney.

Massive shoutout to Twenty10; a Sydney-based organisation that works with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and others of diverse genders and sexualities, their families and communities. Visit: twenty10.org.au

Coming out is not always as smooth as you want it to be, and sometimes you have to be prepared for the worst. Join us this week as Bee takes us on Part ONE (of two) of his journey to freedom. From childhood crushes in the Middle East to coming of age in Australia and finding his people in Southeast Asia, Bee tells a story of pain and hope.

As Bee & Zee prepare to share their personal coming out stories, they set the scene by discussing recent events in Morocco where many were forced out of the closet. This raises questions around why it's not possible for some to have both feet out or live their truths, and the complexities of having one foot in.

Can you ever be satisfied with 3a2belak in your life? Tune in to find out what 3a2belak means, why it carries so much weight - particularly for those with One Foot In - and how one word can expose so much about a culture and its inbuilt expectations and pressures.

Bee tells a story about about homophobia from family and relatives, and we start to unpack ways of responding to intolerance. Join us as we discuss the 2017 Australian Marriage Survey, and find out what is up with Zee's grandmother having an actual stage in her home.