Pridefinder: The Rainbow Road Trip Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Reilly (he/him) is a youth worker, community advocate, and self-proclaimed cheerleader for young people living in Warrnambool, Victoria.

In this episode, Reilly shares his journey of self-discovery and personal growth, from navigating life in a small regional town to working at The Foyer, a youth accommodation service run by Brophy Family and Youth Services. He opens up about the transformative period following the end of his 10-year relationship, embracing his “Eat, Pray, Love” era, and the importance of friendships in times of change. Reilly also reflects on fashion as a form of self-expression, his love for comm...

Robbie (she/her) is a transgender woman, pilot, and race car driver living in Bendigo, Victoria.

In this episode, Robbie shares her remarkable journey from flying jet planes at 19 in the Air Force to racing cars and navigating life as a trans woman in a male-dominated world. She reflects on her struggles with dyslexia and gender dysphoria, the challenges of growing up in an environment that didn't allow her to be herself, and the turning point that led her to finally embrace her identity. Robbie also discusses her advocacy work with Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and...

Riley (he/him) is a 15-year-old trans man from Wonthaggi with a passion for climate change awareness, disability rights, and queer activism.

In this episode, Riley shares his journey of self-discovery, including realizing he was queer at a young age and later identifying as a trans man. He discusses the challenges of navigating school environments, moving to a new school where he found a supportive community, and how safe spaces like the YES Youth Hub have been transformative for him. Riley also reflects on the importance of advocacy, his aspirations for the future, and his belief in...

Angela (she/her) is a pansexual transgender woman and the former General Manager of Transgender Victoria, living in Gippsland.

In this episode, Angela shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, from coming out as pansexual to embracing her identity as a transgender woman a year later. She reflects on navigating depression, self-doubt, and societal ignorance, and how transitioning transformed her life for the better. Angela also discusses her father's initial resistance to her coming out, his journey toward becoming an ally, and her advocacy for creating safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in regional Victoria.<...

Zara (she/they) is a non-binary trans woman, community development worker, and advocate living in Bendigo, Victoria.

In this episode, Zara reflects on her journey of self-discovery, coming out as transgender at 40, and navigating gender expectations in a deeply gendered society. She shares her insights into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning in a regional town, the power of self-love, and her hopes for a future free of restrictive gender norms. Zara also discusses her work as the founder and chair of Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond, advocating for inclusion, visibility, and community support in...

Cris Stevens-Todd (he/him) is a podcast creator, activist, and proud dad living in Shepparton, Victoria.

In this episode, Cris shares his journey from navigating his sexuality in a small regional town to becoming a media award-winning podcast creator. He reflects on his advocacy work for marriage equality, his experiences raising his daughter Fletcher with his husband Damien, and the joy and challenges of parenting in a rainbow family. Cris also discusses the importance of storytelling in regional communities, the impact of his podcasting work, and his dedication to amplifying diverse LGBTQIA+ voices.

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Damien (he/him) is a program manager, activist, and proud dad living in Shepparton, Victoria.

In this episode, Damien shares his inspiring journey from self-shame to self-love. Reflecting on his upbringing in a faith-based household and enduring years of internalised homophobia, he discusses the importance of building safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities in regional areas. Damien recounts his role in establishing Goulburn Valley Pride, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, and his work advocating for queer communities through Thorne Harbour Country. He also opens up about his life with his partner Chris, their daughter...

Isabella (she/her) and Arlo (they/them) are two best friends from the Macedon Ranges who recently graduated high school.

In this episode, Arlo reflects on their experience as a trans-masculine non-binary person navigating high school and undergoing top surgery at a young age. They discusses the challenges of growing up in a regional area and the support they received from family and friends in their journey of self-acceptance. Isabella, a pansexual cisgender woman, shares her perspective on supporting Arlo through his surgery and their shared efforts to create a more inclusive environment at school. Their story...

Sparklez (they/them) is a queer, non-binary youth project worker and advocate from Warrnambool, Victoria.

In this episode, Sparklez shares their journey of resilience and self-discovery, beginning with their escape from a small rural town at age 16 to pursue safety and self-acceptance. They discuss their experiences growing up in a deeply isolating environment, finding community in Melbourne, and returning to Warrnambool with a mission to create safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth. Sparklez reflects on their work fostering visibility, representation, and allyship in regional areas and their recent journey of affirming their neurodivergent identity and embracing their...

Sandy (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent parent, birth educator, and advocate living in Ballarat.

In this episode, Sandy shares their journey of self-discovery, beginning with revelations during the COVID-19 pandemic about their neurodivergence and queerness. Sandy reflects on how they embraced their identity through community connections, personal growth, and representation, transforming their life from dissatisfaction to one of self-love and fulfillment. They discuss the challenges of growing up in a conservative household, raising their children with acceptance and curiosity, and their passion for supporting families as a birth doula and educator.

Trigger Warnings...

Seth (he/him) is a circus performer, swimming coach, and father living in Albury Wodonga.

In this episode, Seth shares his journey of self-discovery, starting with his unexpected leap into the circus at age 10, which helped him embrace his identity as a young gay man in rural Australia. He discusses his experiences as an intercountry adoptee from Colombia, the profound impact of becoming a father in a blended rainbow family, and how his diverse life experiences have shaped his perspective. Seth also reflects on his time living and training in Montreal, his love for teaching, and the...

Mieke Louise (she/her) is a queer singer-songwriter and advocate from Beechworth, Victoria.

In this episode, Mieke shares their journey of coming to terms with her bisexuality after growing up in a religious family and the challenges of letting go of harmful beliefs while navigating self-discovery. She discusses the role of songwriting as a therapeutic tool in her journey toward self-love and acceptance and reflect on the resilience of the regional queer community in the face of homophobia. Mieke also highlights her involvement in advisory groups supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and her advocacy work through music...

Season 2 of The Pridefinder Podcast launches on Friday, January 17, 2025!

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 Vi...

Ashlee (she/her) is a lesbian woman who works as the Community Engagement Manager at Midsumma.

In the final episode for this series, Ash discusses what it was like growing up as the daughter of arts practitioners and how this affected her coming out story. She speaks to the process of grieving your future and expectations that is entwined with coming out both for the individual and those receiving it. She also shares a little about her role at Midsumma, her hopes for the future and the ways that she is actively creating more safe spaces to...

Donna (she/her) is currently a singer in a band called The Lost Girls.

In this episode, Donna shares a story about a time she visited Daylesford in 1981 to perform with a feminist band called Nice Girls Don't Spit. She shares about a negative experience she had then after a show and also reflects on a more recent tour to Daylesford and how far it has come to now be a very accepting rainbow community. This episode was recorded at the Victoria's Pride Street Party, so you may hear some of the festivities of the day in...

Georgi (she/her) is a queer, cis-gender, endosex 33yr old who lives with a disability, loves labels and lives in Greater Shepparton.

In this episode, Georgi shares what she loves about Shepparton and the work that she does supporting LGBTQIA+ young people in the community. Georgi is a passionate advocate, she discusses some small ways that she gives back to community by volunteering and practicing using neutral language. She is a strong believer that you can't be what you can't see, and so pride for Georgi is about living visibly to gift acceptance to others. Georgi also...

David (he/him) and Ka Chun/KC (he/him) are a gay couple who have been living in Shepparton, but are currently planning to move due to feeling unsafe in the community.

In this episode, David and KC detail a horrific incident in which they were the subject of an unprovoked hate crime as they were preparing for a small family gathering. KC is a doctor and also outlines some of the ways that he has been discriminated against due to his race and sexuality. However, he is very passionate about serving community in rural healthcare, so...

Ken (he/him) is a bisexual and polyamorous man who is an army veteran living in Benalla.

In this episode, Ken shares his experience of growing up in Mansfield and some of his struggles with homophobia. After being publicly outed, Ken has chosen to use his infamy in the community for good by having his door open to anyone that needs a cup of tea and a chat. He prides himself on giving support without judgement and also loves to share his legendary cupcakes.

Trigger Warnings: Coarse language, homophobia, mentions: suicide, drug use

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Jenni (she/her) is a bus driver who has lived on Yorta Yorta country for most of her life and identifies as being bisexual, but a little more on the lesbian side of the spectrum.

In this episode, Jenni discusses her journey of coming out later in life after choosing to follow heteronormative standards as a young person to protect her own safety. Unfortunately, Jenni had several gay friends that died by suicide and she shares how this affected her life and decisions. She also speaks about how Out in the Open Festival has helped her to...

Leigh (he/him) is a gay man who has lived in Shepparton his whole life.

In this episode, Leigh shares his story of coming out in the 70s and 80s and some of the backlash and hardships he then faced, including a sexual assault. Leigh discusses the difficult relationship that he had with his father and how this lead to him changing his name. Although he has faced many difficulties in his life, Leigh is very confident in himself and who he is and prefers to live in 'a can world, not a can't world'. He has...

Drew (she/her) is a newly out queer person who is excited to be making the transition from 'super ally' to 'baby queer'.

In this episode, Drew shares her experience of growing up in Shepparton and the ways that she has had to push back against shame and stigma with people who don't see the beauty in her town like she does. Drew is an incredible advocate and has been working with queer youth for several years. She shares what it has been like to be the straight person working in queer spaces, to now shifting those...

Claire (she/they) is a transgender person who works as an oral health therapist in Wangaratta.​

In this episode, Claire discusses her journey that has brought her to beginning her transition around a year ago. She speaks about how the support of her wife helped her to make the discovery and what it was like to engage with the health services in Wangaratta. Claire was also a part of the My Self: Portrait Series workshops at LINE Wangaratta and discusses with us her process and the artwork she has been creating. ​

There are no significant trig...

Kian (he/him) is a trans, gender fluid male who moved to Wangaratta around 3 years ago.​

In this episode, Kian discusses how he has found community within Wangaratta, particularly at LINE (LGBTQIA+ in the North East). He shares that as a country boy, he found the city to be overwhelming, so having a safe space in a smaller town to connect is really important. Kian also uses an electric wheelchair and so reflects on the ways that regional towns can be both more and less accessible in different ways.

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There are no significant trig...

Elena (she/they) is a gender queer person who lives in Wangaratta and works as a paramedic.​

In this episode, Elena discusses what it was like for her growing up in Wangaratta and the way that a lot of her friendship group was kept in the closet due to bullying in high school. She then discusses some of the work she's been involved with at LINE Wangaratta and the way that she can see the next generation of LGBTQIA+ youth is having a different experience to hers. As a self-proclaimed semi-bogan, Elena is a delight to listen to...

Pipa (they/them) & Rowan (she/they/he) are both young people who live in Wangaratta.​

Pipa & Rowan both share some of their experiences and insights about being queer in a regional town. They are both quite softly spoken, but speak with a gentle wisdom about how they'd like things to continue to improve for young people in north-east Victoria. They share with us what they think are their own superpowers and what the word 'Pride' means to them. ​

There are no significant trigger warnings for this episode, but if you find anything distressing then please seek...

Steph (they/them) is a 52 year old ambulance worker who lives just outside of Myrtleford.​

In this episode, Steph shares with us what their experience has been like as a part of the 'My Self: Portrait Series' at LINE Wangaratta. They speak to the importance of having safe spaces, especially for shyer queer folk like themselves. Steph reflects on their life long journey towards pride and the way that having queer kids has helped them find acceptance for themselves. ​

There are no significant trigger warnings for this episode, but if you find anything distressing then plea...

Ceinwen (they/them) is an Art Therapist that has been living in Wangaratta for around 6 years.​

In this episode, Ceinwein speaks to the common experience of growing up regionally and then moving to the city as soon as possible to find community. They share their journey of moving back to Wangaratta and now building a community for young LGBTQIA+ people there. Ceinwen was the facilitator of the My Self: Portrait Series for the Regional Activation Program in 2023. They speak about how these workshops unfolded and the importance of meeting people where they are at. Ceinwen shares about ho...

Al (they/them) is a non-binary person who is the president and founder of LINE Wangaratta.​

In this episode, Al discusses their journey of moving to Wangaratta with their family and after becoming a single parent, struggling to find community. They have then built LINE (LGBTQIA+ in the North East) Wangaratta from the ground up and speak about the importance of giving people a safe space to explore their identity. Al also speaks vulnerably about their relationship with pride and how that is an ongoing journey for them.​

There are no significant trigger warnings for this...

Kellie (she/her/they) is a 58 year old who identifies as nothing but a creative. ​

In this episode, Kellie discusses her work as the Artistic Director of Off The Leash, an independent theatre company that champions new Australian work. She speaks about the importance of bringing relevant art and stories, particularly to regional audiences and the ways that this can gently change some of the social fabrics. Kellie speaks about her history growing up as a classical ballet dancer and shares how she feels her sexuality is the "least interesting thing about [her]". ​

There are no s...

Nathan (he/him) is a gay man who grew up in the Latrobe Valley and now lives in Warragul after 6 years of being a flight attendant. ​

In this episode, Nathan discusses what is was like for him growing up Gippsland, his love for travel and the power of choosing to blend in. Nathan is now married to his partner, Ian, who is currently working in Singapore, and together they are expecting two children to be born in May and August this year. Nathan shares about their journey through surrogacy and some of the barriers that exist for ga...

Charli (they/them) is a 17 year old queer and non-binary person who lives with chronic illness. ​

Charli is an artist and, in this episode, they discuss their first exhibition which has been shown at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. They talk us through each of the 5 artworks they have created and the important life event or emotional state that it represents. Charli speaks from their experience of living with chronic illness and they have a wisdom well beyond their years. ​

Trigger Warnings: Mental health & chronic illness​, mentions of suicide & eating disorders

If this conten...

Kylie (she/her) is a queer ally who sits on the committee for Gippsland Pride Initiative.​

In this episode, Kylie discusses the importance of advocacy and the ways she has made an impact through working with LGBTQIA+ youth and teaching gender studies at TAFE. Kylie also describes the difference she noticed when moving to Gippsland from the city and how something as simple as having bright red hair could cause discrimination. Kylie describes the difference between people who talk the talk and people who walk the walk with their allyship and her "slowly, slowly" approach to changing mi...

Darcy (they/them) is a non-binary person who grew up in Sale and now lives 15 minutes down the road with their partner and daughter. ​

In this episode, Darcy shares their journey of coming out both in terms of their sexuality and their gender identity and the effects this had on their relationships. They speak about how they experienced attraction to both males and females, but later discovered their attraction to men was more for their aesthetic. Darcy was also a part of a church community who have recently been accused of implementing conversion therapy practices. They share a...

Jason (he/him) is a kiwi born, gay man who has moved to Gippsland and really immersed himself in the community.​

In this episode, Jason speaks about his time working with the SES and the ways he is moving with them towards inclusivity. Jason now also sits on the Gippsland Pride Initiative committee and was a participant in the 2022/23 Regional Activation Program. He discusses how much work has gone into his premiere event Gippsland's Day Out from inception to delivery and his hopes to make it a taste of Midsumma Carnival for Gippsland. ​

There are no s...

Caitlin (she/her) is a pansexual woman who is the president and co-founder of Gippsland Pride Initiative.​

In this episode, Caitlin openly and eloquently discusses the hardships and consequences of the Marriage Equality vote. She discusses the many difficulties still facing her LGBTQIA+ community in Gippsland and the incredible advocacy that she is a part of to help shift things. Caitlin is an absolute force of nature who in the 2023 Regional Activation Program spearheaded 16 events throughout all 6 shires of Gippsland. She speaks about Roller Derby and everything it has brought into her life, including her wife, friendship an...