Sav (she/her) is a proud lesbian and social worker living in Wodonga, Victoria.

In this episode, Sav reflects on her journey of self-acceptance after growing up in a small rural town of just 1,000 people in New South Wales. She shares how the fear of coming out deeply impacted her mental health and how leaving her hometown gave her the space to embrace her identity. Sav discusses the importance of safety cues in the LGBTQIA+ community, the role of events like the Rainbow Ball in fostering belonging, and the power of reconnecting with her younger self through self-love and healing. She also speaks about the urgent need for regional councils and businesses to show up for the queer community, particularly in the face of rising hostility.

Trigger Warnings: Internalized homophobia, mental health struggles, and discussions of suicide.

Linda (she/her) is a 64-year-old pansexual woman living in Shepparton, Victoria, who recently discovered her queer identity.

In this episode, Linda shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, coming to the realization that she was queer just months before this conversation. She reflects on a lifetime of feeling like she didn’t quite fit in, how societal expectations shaped her path, and the immense relief of finally understanding herself. Linda discusses her involvement with Goulburn Valley Pride, the joy of finding community later in life, and the small but powerful ways she is embracing her authentic self—right down to her wardrobe choices. She also opens up about past struggles with depression and how coming into her identity has brought her a sense of freedom she never thought possible.

Trigger Warnings: Depression, internalized struggles, and discussions of identity suppression.

Olivia (she/her) is a Polish, Bosnian, Italian, Australian cis woman living with her wife and young child in a small town west of Albury-Wodonga.

In this episode, Olivia reflects on her experience growing up in a Catholic family and the challenges she faced while coming to terms with her identity as a young lesbian woman. She shares the powerful moment she first said the words "I am a lesbian" to herself and how that act of self-acceptance changed her life. Olivia also discusses her long career working with and for LGBTQIA+ young people, her passion for personal storytelling as a tool for advocacy, and the joy of raising a child in a close-knit regional community. From weddings to motherhood, intersectionality, and activism, Olivia’s story is one of resilience, love, and connection.

Trigger Warnings: Internalized homophobia, religious-based stigma, and discussions of family conflict.

KL Joy (they/them) is a trans and genderqueer advocate, LGBTQIA+ advisor, and disability rights activist living in Ballarat, Victoria.

In this episode, KL reflects on their lifelong journey of self-discovery, from publicly identifying as a cis woman at 48—despite knowing it didn’t feel right—to embracing their true identity. They share how their transition has been shaped by personal growth, resilience, and community support. KL discusses their work in LGBTQIA+ housing and homelessness, their role as an advisor to the City of Ballarat, and the progress they’ve witnessed in regional Victoria. They also open up about their relationship with their mother, who went from being non-accepting to becoming their biggest ally, and how their personal experiences fuel their advocacy for a more inclusive future.

Trigger Warnings: Gender dysphoria, medical transition, past experiences of discrimination.

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 Credits​

Producer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene Thomas​

Co-Producer: Ashlee Hints

Music & Underscoring: Mieke Louise

Want 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 Credits

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 and on Spotify

​

Seek Support

​If 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/chat​

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat​

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/​

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 Credits​

Producer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene Thomas​

Co-Producer: Ashlee Hints

Music & Underscoring: Mieke Louise

Want 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 Credits

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 and on Spotify

​

Seek Support

​If 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/chat​

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat​

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/​

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 Credits​

Producer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene Thomas​

Co-Producer: Ashlee Hints

Music & Underscoring: Mieke Louise

Want 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 Credits

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 and spotify

​

Seek Support

​If 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/chat​
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat​
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/​

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 Credits​

Producer, Interviewer & Editing: Helene Thomas​

Co-Producer: Ashlee Hints

Music & Underscoring: Mieke Louise

Want 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 Credits

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

​

Seek Support

​If 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/chat​
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat​
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/​