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

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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/​