Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

On today’s show, we have Tamzyn Bielecka, a dynamic force in Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community and the world of data innovation.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Tamzyn Bielecka appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

Today, we are thrilled to welcome back to the JOY airwaves Dean Beck, a multi-award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and tireless advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and HIV awareness.

This episode originally aired 6th April, 2025.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Dean Beck appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

On today’s show we have Anny Salerni, a vibrant force in Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community and the world of dance.

With a career spanning decades, Anny has not only captivated audiences with her passion for dance but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of same-sex ballroom dancing in Australia.

Join us as we explore Anny’s captivating journey, from her childhood experiences to her groundbreaking work in same-sex ballroom dancing.

Originally aired 30th March, 2025.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Anny Salerni appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

Today we are excited to have Campbell Harrison, the trailblazing Australian sport climber who’s reaching new heights!  

From his humble beginnings in Melbourne to representing his country on the world stage, Campbell’s journey is an inspiration.  

With a passion for climbing and a commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Campbell is a true champion in every sense.  

Join us as we follow his remarkable story, from early years climbing the walls of his local climbing gym to the Olympic podium and discover what drives this talented athlete to push beyond limits and defy gravity.  

Get ready to be inspired by Campbell Harrison’s remarkable climb to success! 

Photo credit: Kyra Condie

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Campbell Harrison appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

Today, we’re honoured to welcome an extraordinary individual who has dedicated her life to advancing transgender rights and gender diversity.

Katherine Wolfgramme, a multi-award-winning and internationally recognised Trans Advocate and Gender Diversity Consultant has been a pioneering force for change.

With a lifetime of experience navigating gender identity, she has lived as a trans child, youth, adult, and now, a revered trans elder, role model, and community leader.

Katherine embodies the qualities of a true trailblazer, change maker, and fashion icon, but most notably, she radiates love, compassion, and generosity.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Katherine Wolfgramme appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

On this episode we have Chris Furneaux, a valuable member of Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community.

From his early days growing up in rural South Australia to his current role as a JOY Melbourne legend, Chris has lived a life full of purpose, creativity, and joy.

Join us as we explore Chris’s fascinating story, from his experiences as a gay man in the 1960s and 70s to his tireless work preserving the history of JOY Melbourne.

With his quick wit, sharp tongue, and infectious laugh, Chris will regale us with stories of his adventures in the gay scene, his travels around the world, and his passion for music, literature, and life.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Chris Furneaux appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

With a career spanning over two decades, Mama Alto has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, collaborated with legendary artists, and been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships.

As a proud trans woman of colour living with disability, Mama Alto is a powerful advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has worked tirelessly to promote social justice and amplify marginalized voices.

Join us as we chat with Mama Alto about her remarkable journey, her creative process, and her inspiring commitment to using her platform for positive change.

Photo Credit: Kelly Cook.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Mama Alto appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

Paul is a trailblazing intersex advocate from Melbourne.

From discovering he was intersex at age 50, to becoming a leading voice for intersex rights, Paul’s journey is a powerful story of self-acceptance and activism.

As a prominent advocate, Paul works tirelessly to create culturally safe environments for intersex individuals and promote their rights to autonomy and self-determination.

Join us as we explore Paul’s remarkable story, from his personal struggles to his advocacy work, and discover how he’s making a difference in the lives of intersex people everywhere.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

The post Paul Byrne-Moroney appeared first on Word for Word.

Every week Word for Word explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of extraordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals. From artists to advocates, quiet heroes to loud trailblazers, we’re shining a light on the lives and lessons of those who are making a difference in our community. 

Join host Jason Heath each week as he delves into the triumphs, struggles, and achievements of our guests, and discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired – because on Word for Word, every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. 

Delsi is a queer activist and champion for LGBTQIA+ youth who’s been making waves in Melbourne for over a decade.

As the founding director of Unicorns, Delsi has created a safe and inclusive space for queer individuals to express themselves and connect with others. From warehouse parties to workshops and festivals, Unicorns has become a beacon of queer joy and acceptance.

Join us as we explore Delsi’s remarkable journey, from her early days to her current work as a leading advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.

Tune into Word for Word every Sunday night at 6pm on JOY 94.9, or across Australia on the Community Radio Network every Monday at 7:04pm

This episode may contains discussions of sensitive personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. There is support available. Click here for a list of support services.

Photo credit: Matto Lucas Photogaphy

The post Delsi Moleta appeared first on Word for Word.

Today’s guest is Sally Goldner. Sally has dedicated her life to making the Australian community one of the best places to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTIQA+).

Sally has worked persistently for well over two decades to advocate for the rights and needs of LGBTIQA+ communities in Victoria and around Australia. Since co-founding Transgender Victoria in the late 1990s, Sally has successfully represented the transgender community in public forums, before the Victorian Parliament and in the media.

Sally has been recognised for her advocacy with awards such as LGBTIQA+ Globe Person of the Year Awards in 2015.

Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on July 6th, 2024.

For further information head to the JOY Media webpage, Word for Word podcast page, via Facebook or email Lisa Daniel and the team at Word for Word.

The post Sally Goldner appeared first on Word for Word.