The Unsuitable - LGBTQ Stories

Last episode we chatted with Rae Hill who shared their life story and their marriage to our very own Aussie born Dibs.

Dibs and I first met back in 2018, when Dibs came to get a suit made from Shane Ave. After a few conversations around their life and their transition it would be Dibs whose story would be the first to be shared on The Unsuitable. Check it out Series 1 Ep 1.

Dibs has lived abroad in Montreal, Canada for the past 3 years and is back on Aussie soil for an extended holiday. We couldn’t miss the opportunity to have Dibs back on our podcast to share what they have been up to the past few years and share with us how they met and eventually married the wonderful Rae Hill.

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Today's guest has an interesting story that saw her leave her homeland in France in search of a better life down under. Arriving on Australian shores in 2012 as a newly married couple, Lucie and her husband settled into Australian life and went through the motions of having a child and securing permanent residency.

In 2017, 5 years after landing in Australia, Lucie subconsciously started thinking more about herself and how unhappy she really was. Some self exploration which included cutting her hair short led her down a path that, at the age of 32 she accepted she was gay. 

She describes it as a light bulb moment that just felt right and liberating. Sadly, this led to a breakdown in her family relationships and today Lucie has no contact with her immediate family.

Lucie will share with us the trials and tribulations she has experienced as a result of her coming out.

Get in touch with Lucie on Instagram: @lucieptyltd

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Born to a Buddhist mum and an atheist dad, todays guest was raised in a small family with 60’s hippy parents in Victoria Canada. Rae lived in Central America for a number of years as a young adult which they describe as a very catholic and conservative culture. Having a life long love for fashion they would start their own brand called Origami Customs which is a podcast story of its own and we will explore it more in depth during our chat.

Rae identifies as queer non binary and began their own transitioning four years ago. An in depth discussion around non binary transgender.

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

We often hear stories of guests struggles through life not knowing where they fit in terms of their identity but todays guest has a different story to share. In her mid 50’s, Alice found herself in a relationship with a transman and although that relationship didn’t last, Alice knew beyond a measure of doubt that she would never be in a hetro relationship again. Fast forward to today, Alice recently married her soul mate Jen, who was our guest in episode 4, and who she had secretly been admiring from afar for a number of years. As an Applied Mindfulness Coach and Facilitator, Alice will share with us her journey through life and the importance of engaged mindfulness, which I am sure we can all do with. 

Check out Alice’s podcast Smart Sassy Seniors, that she co-hosts with her wife, Jen.

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Natasha studied at university with the aim of becoming a designer for Disney and whilst doing so worked in retail environments where she developed a passion for suiting.

Fast forward a few years and Natasha is a much sought after custom suit designer who works for an awesome company in Toronto called Got Style. Growing up in Toronto Canada, Natasha shares with us the difficulties she faces working in a male dominated industry where she was often not taken seriously and questioned if she is trying to be a man because she enjoys wearing suits.

Natasha also shares with us how she found the love of her life Amelia, and how they are navigating a long-distance relationship between Canada and Sweden.

For anyone living in the US and needing a custom-made suit make sure you hit up Natasha!

Link here!

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Growing up in the housing area of the western suburbs of Brisbane in the 60’s, Jen spent a large portion of her youth trying to be the peacemaker in a family that was filled with physical violence at the hands of her dad. Always the tomboy, Jen tapped into what she describes as the “masculine side” in order to combat the physical violence at home.

At 17 Jen decided to join the Army as a means of escaping from the family situation and in doing so, found a career path that she loved and could see herself progressing in for many years to come. Sadly, this all came to an abrupt end when the powers to be in the Army harassed her to the point of no return.

As a result, Jen never did pursue a career in the Army however this did not define her and she went on to live a full and eventful life in Naturopathy that saw her traveling the world as a speaker and author.

Jen is an avid podcaster and shares many helpful tips on how to live a healthier life via her podcast, Healthy Life Hacks. Link can be found below in the show notes.

Click here to check out Jen's podcast!

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Alex identifies as a lesbian and has a wonderful relationship with her partner Jackie. Alex attended an all girls Catholic School run by Opus Dei. Alex enjoyed school and her faith, so much, that she made the decision at 16 to become a numerary. This is where things went sour for Alex. Made to wear a cilice (metal spiked chain) for an hour a day around her leg as a form of self harm and referred to as mortification of the flesh, sleep on a blanket for a mattress, sleep without a pillow, take cold showers and regularly use a flagellum (small whip) on oneself is all part of the corporal mortification that is expected of all numeraries within Opus Dei.

Alex became close to an older numerary who would often invite Alex into her bed especially during a time when Alex was suffering deep depression and mental health problems as a result of living in the Opus Dei homes and working toward becoming a numerary. Alex had always considered herself heterosexual as homosexuality was a sin and not something she would have ever considered, however all that changed when she left the Opus Dei sect in Sydney and headed to Spain where she discovered amongst other things, AFL and teams filled with lesbian women. Tune in as Alex shares her fascinating story that will have you captivated and shock you all at the same time.

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Originally from Glasgow Scotland, Sam is a transgender guy who has had to overcome some massive hurdles in his journey to understanding gender and what it meant for him. Sam abused alcohol and substances as a means of masking the confusion and pain that he felt from being “different”. Sam talks about his childhood bullies and how they impacted his life, the dark days of his teenage years and his diagnosis of ADHD as an adult and how he lives with his diagnosis whilst also being completely sober. No doubt many will resonate with Sam’s story and we trust that his raw and honest encounter will help many who are on a similar journey.

For Support

Black Dog Institute Beyond Blue Reach Out

Zac Callaghan spent their entire life living between two identities. Born female, Zac struggled with body dysphoria and their identity for almost 50 years. Top surgery in Australia is not covered by medicare and starts at around $12k, so having this surgery and starting the transitioning process was never an option. When their beloved dog took ill it took a whopping 14K to save him. This led Zac to revaluing their own health and life and making the decision that if they could spend $14k to save their dog then they could spend $12k to save themselves and finally live their best life. Zac shows us that its never too late to live your authentic self!

Book your tickets to see Zac show Queer as Flux at the Sydney Opera House 3 nights only 24th, 25th and 26th November 2022.

For Support

Black Dog Institute

Beyond Blue

Reach Out

Izzy grew up in Adelaide and lived a normal life that saw her start playing soccer at age 6 when her mum knew the energetic Izzy needed a sport to exert her energy.

Life was spent playing soccer, boating in summer and skiing in winter. Izzy developed a relationship with an older woman when she was in Yr 12 and kept it very much in the closet. When it idd eventually come out, as expected, her parents were not too thrilled. They were not as concerned about the relationship as they were about the fact Izzy felt she had to hide it from them.

An opportunity to move to Tennessee on a soccer scholarship was too good to refuse which saw Izzy spend 4 years abroad. This time away allowed Izzy to be open about her identity and live her life authentically.

Izzy is back on Aussie soil now and plays professional soccer back in Adelaide, although her relationship stood the test of time whilst abroad it did eventually breakdown on her return. Izzy is in a wonderful new relationship and living life to the fullest.

Join us for this light hearted chat with Izzy Hodgson.

https://au.reachout.com/articles/lgbtqi-support-services