Andrew Catherine (they/them) is a genderfluid advocate and community member living in Bendigo, Victoria.In this episode, Andrew Catherine reflects on their journey of self-discovery, from navigating gender identity later in life to recently starting hormone replacement therapy. They discuss the challenges of growing up without access to the support and resources available today and how that shaped their understanding of gender. Through excerpts from their first interview in 2023, we revisit their reflections on identity, self-acceptance, and the impact of community support. Andrew Catherine shares how their confidence and self-love have grown over the past year and encourages others to embrace who they truly are.Trigger Warnings: Discussions of gender dysphoria, internalized struggles, and lack of support for older trans and gender-diverse people.
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16:24
Kevin - Fitzroy
Kevin (he/him) is an 80-year-old former tram conductor, LGBTQIA+ activist, and storyteller living in Melbourne, Victoria.In this episode, Ken shares his experiences of coming out in the 1970s when holding hands in public could lead to arrest. He reflects on the profound changes he has witnessed in LGBTQIA+ rights over the decades, from police persecution to Pride celebrations filling the streets. Ken also takes us on a journey through his rich and varied life—from working as a tram conductor in Melbourne to spending 20 years in the U.S., where he met his late partner of 21 years. Now retired, Ken dedicates his time to spreading joy at festivals, dressing as a vintage tram conductor, handing out old tram tickets and pennies, and reminding people of the importance of connection and community.Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, historical discrimination, and discussions of grief.If this content may be triggering for you, please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines at the bottom of this description.This podcast is released every Friday and could not have been possible without the support of our local community partners, Midsumma and the Fairer Victoria portfolio of the Victorian State Government.Episode CreditsProducer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene ThomasCo-Producer: Ashlee HintsMusic & Underscoring: Mieke LouiseWant to know more about Pridefinder?www.midsumma.org.au/victorias-pride/pridefinder-podcast/Want to know more about Helene Thomas & The Wayfinder?www.thewayfinder.com.au/Music CreditsOriginal jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria.You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik and on SpotifySeek SupportIf this podcast has raised difficult feelings for you, there is always support available:Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/QLife (3pm-midnight) – 1800 184 527 | www.qlife.org.au/resources/chatBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chatSuicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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20:43
Stella - Geelong
Stella (she/her) is a Canadian medical student living in Geelong, Victoria, who is passionate about challenging relationship norms and advocating for aromantic visibility.In this episode, Stella shares her journey of self-discovery, from realizing she was aromantic just shy of 20 to navigating the societal pressures of romantic relationships. She reflects on how relationship hierarchies often prioritize romantic partners over friendships, a structure she has never subscribed to. Stella also discusses the challenges of moving to Australia to pursue her dream of studying medicine, the complexities of being far from family, and how finding the right community has helped her embrace her identity with confidence.Trigger Warnings: Loneliness, societal pressures around relationships, and discussions of self-doubt.If this content may be triggering for you, please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines at the bottom of this description.This podcast is released every Friday and could not have been possible without the support of our local community partners, Midsumma and the Fairer Victoria portfolio of the Victorian State Government.Episode CreditsProducer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene ThomasCo-Producer: Ashlee HintsMusic & Underscoring: Mieke LouiseWant to know more about Pridefinder?www.midsumma.org.au/victorias-pride/pridefinder-podcast/Want to know more about Helene Thomas & The Wayfinder?www.thewayfinder.com.au/Music CreditsOriginal jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria.You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik and on SpotifySeek SupportIf this podcast has raised difficult feelings for you, there is always support available:Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/QLife (3pm-midnight) – 1800 184 527 | www.qlife.org.au/resources/chatBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chatSuicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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44:14
Cath - Wangaratta
Cath (she/her) is a later-in-life lesbian, community advocate, and proud mother living in Wangaratta, Victoria.In this episode, Cath shares her journey of self-discovery and coming out in her 50s after spending much of her life conforming to societal expectations. She reflects on growing up in a culture where being with a woman never seemed like an option, her experience navigating relationships, and the turning point that led her to embrace her identity. Cath also opens up about her recent marriage breakup, the importance of self-reflection, and her involvement with LINE Wangaratta, where she hopes to support others on their own journeys of coming out and self-acceptance.Trigger Warnings: Discussions of identity struggles, relationship breakdown, and societal pressures.If this content may be triggering for you, please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines at the bottom of this description.This podcast is released every Friday and could not have been possible without the support of our local community partners, Midsumma and the Fairer Victoria portfolio of the Victorian State Government.Episode CreditsProducer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene ThomasCo-Producer: Ashlee HintsMusic & Underscoring: Mieke LouiseWant to know more about Pridefinder?www.midsumma.org.au/victorias-pride/pridefinder-podcast/Want to know more about Helene Thomas & The Wayfinder?www.thewayfinder.com.au/Music CreditsOriginal jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria.You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik and spotify Seek SupportIf this podcast has raised difficult feelings for you, there is always support available:Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/QLife (3pm-midnight) – 1800 184 527 | www.qlife.org.au/resources/chatBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chatSuicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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19:12
Ren - Shepparton
Ren (they/them) is a genderqueer, neurodivergent social worker, podcaster, and proud parent living in Shepparton, Victoria.In this episode, Ren shares their journey of self-discovery and the intersections of being trans, neurodivergent, and a parent in regional Victoria. They reflect on their experience growing up in Shepparton, navigating gender identity, and the challenges of visibility in a small town. Ren discusses their work in mental health, the importance of community care, and their podcast Transcending the Narrative, which explores trans and gender-diverse stories through a narrative therapy lens. They also open up about a traumatic incident of transphobic abuse and how they’ve found strength in their community, advocacy, and self-love.Trigger Warnings: Transphobia, discrimination, and discussions of trauma.If this content may be triggering for you, please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines at the bottom of this description.This podcast is released every Friday and could not have been possible without the support of our local community partners, Midsumma and the Fairer Victoria portfolio of the Victorian State Government.Episode CreditsProducer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene ThomasCo-Producer: Ashlee HintsMusic & Underscoring: Mieke LouiseWant to know more about Pridefinder?www.midsumma.org.au/victorias-pride/pridefinder-podcast/Want to know more about Helene Thomas & The Wayfinder?www.thewayfinder.com.au/Music CreditsOriginal jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria.You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik or on Spotify Seek SupportIf this podcast has raised difficult feelings for you, there is always support available:Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/QLife (3pm-midnight) – 1800 184 527 | www.qlife.org.au/resources/chatBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chatSuicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
Season 2 of The Pridefinder Podcast launches on Friday, January 17, 2025!Pridefinder – The Rainbow Road Trip was a travelling podcast project commissioned during the 2023 and 2024 Midsumma Festival as part of the State Government's initiative, Victoria’s Pride.Join us as we continue exploring the unique stories of regionally living LGBTQIA+ Victorians. Produced by Helene Thomas, this season deepens the journey, highlighting new voices and experiences that resonate with authenticity, courage, and pride.Tune in to hear powerful stories of hope, resilience, and community as we celebrate diversity across Victoria’s queer community.Catch new episodes every Friday to Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform, and join us in celebrating the beauty and strength of regional LGBTQIA+ voices in Victoria.Original jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria. You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik or on Spotify
Canada - english