To Be a Man?

Kevin is a former Titans player who stepped away from the professional NRL scene and a tidy paycheck to pursue acting, music and performance. Often seen rollerblading around the Gold Coast in fantastic costume, Kevin had a chat to Gemma about growing up in a hypermasculine sporting environment, the rewards of free self-expression and the importance of educating children to be tolerant.

This episode contains discussions of homophobia and explicit language. If Gemma's conversation with Kevin brings anything up for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance; 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732  for counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault and family and domestic violence; and Mens Line Australia on 1300 789 987.

This episode contains discussions of homophobia and transphobia.

Persephone is a trans woman, educator and film buff living in Melbourne. From her lounge room, Perse spoke to Gemma about growing up male, stepping into womanhood and the importance of unlearning.

If this conversation with Persephone brings anything up for you, you can call any of the following:

This episode contains discussions of domestic and family violence, drug use, and the use of homophobic slurs and explicit language.

Phil is a men's behaviour change specialist who works with men who cause harm. From his home office in Lismore, Phil talked to Gemma about the challenges and complexities involved in working with men in this space, objectification and homophobia as expressions of masculinity and the importance of support networks. 

If Gemma's conversation with Phil brings anything up for you, you can call any of the following:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 for suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance

1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732  for counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault and family and domestic violence

Mens Line Australia on 1300 789 987

This episode contains discussions of racism.

Eugene is a writer and academic who has lived in Australia since he was eight years old. From his home in locked-down Melbourne, Eugene spoke to Gemma about how migration, race and masculinity intersect – including feelings of Asian-Australian invisibility, and how rugby was both a personal passion and a pathway to a false promise of assimilation.

If our conversation with Eugene brings anything up for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Also, racism in Australia can be reported – and one of the main ways to do so is through the Australian Human Rights Commission. Complaints can be made online or by ringing 1300 656 419 for more information.

This episode contains discussions of racism.

Eugene is a writer and academic who has lived in Australia since he was eight years old. From his home in locked-down Melbourne, we had a conversation with Eugene about how migration, race and masculinity intersect – including feelings of Asian-Australian invisibility, and how rugby was both a personal passion and a pathway to a false promise of assimilation.

If our conversation with Eugene brings anything up for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Also, racism in Australia can be reported – and one of the main ways to do so is through the Australian Human Rights Commission. Complaints can be made online or by ringing 1300 656 419 for more information.

Minjarrah is a Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Bundjalung man with many stories to tell. From his home music studio in Sawtell, we had a chat with Minj about finding himself through creativity, challenging colonial gender norms and fatherhood. 

If our conversation with Minjarrah brings anything up for you, you can call any of the following:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 for suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance 

The First Nations Dedicated Support Line on 1800 861 085

Mens Line Australia on 1300 789 987

This episode contains the mention and use of homophobic slurs and discusses topics of homophobia.

Nic is a barber by day and a drag queen by night, performing as Benign Girl in a trio called The Beastie Girls. From his drag studio in Melbourne, we spoke with Nic about growing up male, femme-phobia and his experience in queer communities. 

If our conversation with Nic brings anything up for you, you can call any of the following: 

Lifeline on 13 11 14 for suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance

1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732  for counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault and family and domestic violence 

QLife on 1800 184 527 for LGBTIQA+ peer support and referrals