Merle (she/her) is a 75-year-old activist, athlete, and proud lesbian living in Bendigo, Victoria.

In this episode, Merle shares her incredible journey of resilience, from leading strikes for equal pay in the late 1960s to competing in the Gay Games in Amsterdam and Sydney. Growing up in Echuca, she lived the life expected of her—marrying a man and raising children—before finally embracing her true self. Merle reflects on the challenges of coming out in a time when being openly gay was dangerous, the discrimination she faced in Melbourne’s lesbian scene, and her decades of advocacy for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. With a lifetime of stories, activism, and hard-won victories, Merle’s journey is a testament to the power of visibility and standing up for what’s right.

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, discrimination, and discussions of past legal persecution of LGBTQIA+ people.

Rhys (they/them) is an arts therapist, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and board member of LINE Wangaratta, working to create safer spaces in regional Victoria.

In this episode, Rhys shares their journey of self-discovery and self-love, reflecting on the significant changes they’ve made since their last appearance on the podcast. They open up about the deeply personal decision to change their name as part of reclaiming their identity, setting boundaries, and healing from past trauma. Rhys also discusses the evolving work of LINE Wangaratta, the challenges of social change in regional communities, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the face of local resistance. With a focus on resilience, community care, and the power of language, Rhys’s story is one of transformation and hope.

Trigger Warnings: Childhood trauma, name change related to past abuse, and discussions of discrimination.

Claire (she/her) is an oral health therapist and passionate community advocate living in Wangaratta, Victoria.

In this episode, Claire reflects on her journey over the past year, from officially changing her name and gender marker to growing into her confidence as a transgender woman. She shares how embracing her sense of style and self-expression has helped her feel more comfortable in her own skin and how her support network has played a crucial role in her journey. Claire also discusses her increasing involvement with LINE Wangaratta, her new role as Secretary, and the importance of fostering safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people in regional communities.

Trigger Warnings: Transphobia, self-discovery, and discussions of gender transition.

Shelley (she/her) is a proud trans woman from Yallourn North, Victoria, who is finally living life on her own terms.

In this episode, Shelley shares her journey of self-acceptance, coming out as a trans woman at 51 after decades of suppressing her true identity. She reflects on growing up in the 70s and 80s, facing relentless transphobia, and the deep losses she endured, including losing long-term friends and family members after coming out. Despite these challenges, Shelley stands strong today, embracing the joy of authenticity. She discusses her experiences with resilience, self-love, and the importance of community support in regional Victoria.

Trigger Warnings: Transphobia, discrimination, family rejection, depression, and discussions of suicide.

Pypa (she/they) is a genderfluid young person from Wonthaggi, Victoria, exploring self-acceptance and identity in a supportive queer community.

In this episode, Pypa reflects on their journey of discovering their gender and sexuality, from questioning their identity at a young age to finding confidence in embracing their authentic self. They share how the YES Youth Hub has provided them with a safe space to explore who they are and connect with like-minded peers. Pypa also opens up about the challenges of self-doubt, the impact of friendships on self-esteem, and the small but meaningful ways they affirm their identity. With a love for creativity, ghost hunting, and self-expression, Pypa’s story is a testament to the power of safe spaces and supportive communities.

Trigger Warnings: Self-doubt, struggles with self-esteem, and navigating identity in a school setting.

Tiffany (she/her) is a proud transgender woman living in Shepparton, Victoria, who has overcome immense challenges to embrace her true self.

In this episode, Tiffany shares her powerful journey, from growing up in a children's home and struggling with addiction to finally living authentically as the woman she was always meant to be. She reflects on her move to Melbourne in search of acceptance, only to realize that true liberation came from within. Returning to Shepparton, she made a bold decision—to live unapologetically, no matter the reactions from others. Tiffany discusses resilience, self-love, and the peace she has found in being her authentic self.

Trigger Warnings: Addiction, depression, transphobia, and discussions of childhood adversity.

Sharna (she/her) is a journalist and LGBTQIA+ advocate living in Warrnambool, Victoria, dedicated to amplifying queer voices in regional media.

In this episode, Sharna shares her journey of growing up in a small country town with a gender-fluid sibling and how this shaped her understanding of identity, acceptance, and advocacy. She reflects on the challenges of supporting her sibling in an environment where queerness was often met with silence or stigma and how those experiences influenced her own journey as a bisexual woman. Sharna also discusses her passion for representation in media, the importance of telling LGBTQIA+ stories, and how she is working to ensure Pride events and queer voices receive the visibility they deserve.

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, bullying, and discussions of self-harm.

Clinton (he/him) is a proud father, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and founding member of the Gippsland Pride Initiative.

In this episode, Clinton shares his journey of self-discovery, growing up in a small country town of around 1,000 people, where he struggled to see a future for himself as a gay man. After spending years in a heterosexual marriage and raising three children, Clinton came out in his late 30s and found an entirely new sense of community and belonging. He reflects on the challenges of navigating identity in a conservative environment, the power of visibility, and his deep passion for creating safe and celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA+ people in Gippsland. Clinton also discusses his work with Gippsland Pride and the importance of fostering acceptance and support in regional communities.

Trigger Warnings: Internalized homophobia, coming out later in life, and discussions of conservative societal expectations.

Hailey (she/her) is a 16-year-old pansexual young person from Wonthaggi, Victoria, dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth.

In this episode, Hailey shares her journey of self-acceptance, from first realizing she was pansexual at a young age to finding the confidence to fully embrace her identity. She reflects on the impact of supportive friends, teachers, and the YES Youth Hub in helping her feel seen and valued. Hailey also discusses her passion for community work, her role in the Youth Advisory Council, and her involvement in organizing Pride Prom—an event that provides a safe, joyful space for queer young people in her community. As someone who has faced challenges in school, she speaks candidly about the importance of creating environments where LGBTQIA+ youth can feel supported, celebrated, and free to be themselves.

Trigger Warnings: Bullying, school-based discrimination, and discussions of self-worth.

Liam (he/him) is a passionate LGBTQIA+ advocate based in Albury, NSW, working to create safer spaces for queer people in regional communities.

In this episode, Liam reflects on his journey of self-acceptance, growing up in regional NSW where he didn’t feel safe to be his authentic self. He shares his experiences of hiding his sexuality, navigating secrecy, and the risks he took in his search for connection. Liam discusses the challenges of coming out in stages, the importance of building support networks, and how finding love changed his perspective on self-worth. Now in a happy long-term relationship and actively involved with Way Out Wodonga, Liam is dedicated to making the world a safer and more accepting place for future generations.

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, unsafe situations, and discussions of internalized shame.