Many of us know how inaccessible and unaffordable mental health support can be - and right now amongst the queer community, it's vital. Hence why the work that Jaron Soh (he/him) is doing is so important.

Jaron is the founder of Voda, the LGBTQIA+ mental wellness app and their mission is to build the future of inclusive mental health support which Voda does with a fantastic team of entrepreneurs and specialists behind it. It's an exciting time for the company and Jaron's love, commitment & passion for it SHINES through.

The 3 words Jaron uses to describe there origin story are 'Shame, Joy & Love'. Jaron's story is fundamental to Voda's creation. Growing up as a queer kid in Singapore came with a lot of shame and a need for therapy, healing and acceptance so a trigger warning is attached to this episode. Please take care of yourself whilst listening.

The presence of joy & love for Jaron is down to community, chosen family and what he does - tapping into those is a work in progress for many of too so sit back and listen in to this inspiring conversation.

I was a fan of Maylis Djikalou (she/her) for some time before I had the privilege of working with her for a brief time. Listening and watching the way she spoke, heard and felt someone's story on events really moved me.

Maylis is an inclusion consultant, coach and legend! We'd chatted before about all things life, including tough experiences, but this conversation really dove deep into Maylis' origin story. It's a longer episode than previous ones and well worth time & attention - it's a conversation I will cherish.

There is a need for a trigger warning here. The podcast features discussion around suicide, addiction and abortion. And how these experiences have shaped Maylis. Please take care of yourself whilst listening.

We cover tons more too. As with life, through the trauma, there are many joyful moments to reflect on and hearing about 'little Maylis' and how it's shining through in her two children was wonderful - even if it is biting her on the arse a bit! Maylis shares how overcoming these challenges with grace have shaped her life - and if you listen, you'll understand why the 3 words she uses to describe her origin story are 'Dramatic, Pivotal and Graceful'.

I first met Jude Guaitamacchi (they/them) on a Zoom call to chat about them speaking at some events. I was instantly bowled over by their energy & enthusiasm!

And that's Jude. They're out to make a difference. Through activism, campaigning and education. From wonderful, well known campaigns such as 'L with the T' and '#transpeopleareloved' through to founding the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance. Their career, work and purpose has evolved over the years and their gender journey is a fundamental part of that.

Jude's early years were challenging and turbulent and we'd like to put out a trigger warning with this episode as we cover challenging issues including addiction, recovery and mental health.

'Shame, Empowerment & Liberation' are the three words Jude uses to describe their origin story - which lean very much into how their adventure to 'becomingjude' (their Insta handle) is a work in progress and one that is changing lives. There's a lot of joy & love here too - for chosen family, the trans+ community and each other. Enjoy!

Following last year's burnout, I made a promise to myself to only get involved and support new projects if they met these two conditions:

• I believed in the cause
• I believed in the person

These were 100% met when my dear friend Marty Davies (she/they) asked me to jump on board as Events Director for the first ever Trans+ History Week (6-12 May).

Marty founded Trans+ History Week partly to challenge the rhetoric that trans+ identities are a recent phenomenon and the accompanying history lesson guidebook shows that trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming people and communities have always been here. But more importantly, to show trans+ people that they have a place in history. They've had an impact. They belong. Because trans history is history. Find out more about it on Instagram @transhistoryweek

Not only is Marty a history maker but they're a highly impactful and effective change maker too and their work across advertising, brand campaigns and the media is tackling anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and shining a light on issues across multiple industries. I'll let the podcast do the rest of the talking - Marty's origin story which she describes in three words 'Proud Attention Seeker'. And she's owning it! Enjoy...

Polly Shute (she/her) is someone who likes to get shit done. And through talking about her origin story, we sussed out that Little Polly was exactly the same and didn't like to be held back!

Polly is a marketing, sales, partnerships and brand expert with a passion community, equality and representation. She's the Founder of Out & Wild, a festival for queer women and last she set up Outspoken Speakers Bureau - a collective and network for queer women & non-binary people (alongside Raga D'silva, another fab guest on the show). Polly also successfully launched the first ever Pride Swim in 2023 which will see tons more events in 2024 & beyond!

We talk multi-tasking & mental health, ageing, menopause & representation along with Polly's love of travel, cooking and her gorgeous dog Noreen. I only met Polly last year through a previous shared employer and I'm grateful that I get to work with her on various things still. Her 3 words to describe her origin story are 'drive' passion & energy' - you'll hear why this is so spot on throughout the episode!

Natalie Binns (she/her) is a sustainable fashion expert, writer, designer and community organiser. We met at a local LGBTQ+ social evening in Crystal Palace, South East London a few years ago where we both live. This was typically dominated by men and so Natalie founded SE London Sapphics to address the lack of spaces for queer women.

They host a monthly event (third Friday of the month at the Westow Tap), organise lots of other activities and have a buzzing Whatsapp group. This is part of the growth of London's thriving lesbian scene and as Natalie suggests, if there's a lack of spaces, create your own!

It was brilliant to get a proper chat in with Natalie as an exciting time for her. She's just 'quit' working for herself so she can pursue new avenues and find more time for community & herself. We chatted failure and a mutual love of charity shops and her three words to describe her origin story are 'late blooming lesbian'. Enjoy!

Liz Ridgway (she/they) is the UK's first openly trans-femme personal trainer providing inclusive, gender affirming fitness coaching to the trans+ and queer community. She's showing that sports and fitness is for everyone - and right now, the physical and mental health benefits it brings are crucial for a community under relentless attacks.

Liz is also a fierce activist and campaigner having co-founded two incredible campaigns: 'L with the T' and '#transpeopleareloved' with the latter being how we met last year through our amazing mutual friend Jude Guaitamacchi (they/them) - another hero of mine!

Liz is one of the most wonderful people I've met in recent years. She has the warmest energy and from listening to her origin story, it's something she's always carried. The three words she uses to describe her origin story are 'humble, working-class and self effacing'. I am determined to encourage Liz to write a biography... listen in to find out way.

Trigger warning: This episode does contain some conversations around mental health and the challenges faced by the trans community right now. Please take care of yourself as you listen.

Nancy Di Dia (she/her) has over 25 years of corporate executive leadership experience in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. And having move away from the corporate world, she's now doing it on her own times as a leadership coach, public speaker and advocate for equality.

I've only known Nancy a short time yet it feels like a lot longer in the best way! It was exciting to listen to her story of growing up as a rebellious kid in New York and hearing her memories of pivotal historical moments - and their relevance today. Nancy's spirit, energy and passion for fighting for the the underdog from a young age are so so evident today and I love that. I could have chatted to Nancy for hours and I need a trip to New York!

The 3 words she uses to describe her origin story are 'food, wine & flowers'. Listen in for a wonderful conversation!