“Trans people have been here since the beginning of time and it will continue to be. The journey doesn’t have to be you on an island, and we will keep being there for each other.” 

In this episode of Queer And?, Kass sits down with MJ, Alex Wallace (they/them), and Gee Anderson (they/them) for a powerful conversation about their lived experiences and the many ways transitioning can look within queer and trans communities. 

Together, they explore the challenges, joys, and complexities of social, medical, and emotional transition, sharing deeply personal reflections along the way. The conversation also takes an honest look at the current state of healthcare systems and the impact of shifting societal norms on trans lives. 

Centred on trans voices, this episode highlights transition as an ongoing process of self-discovery and what it truly means to define that journey on your own terms. 

Disclaimer: This episode discusses experiences of transitioning and some of the challenges (but also nots of euphoria), if you are feeling a little sensitive today, come back another time – or if this episode has brought up any feelings of distress for you – contact the support resources and the end of this page.

After reflecting on their own experiences working at the Youth Pride Network, Kass and MJ found themselves thinking back to the moment they first entered the workplace, and the unique challenges, questions, and pressures that came with being young and queer at work. 

Young queer professionals have so much to offer Western Australia’s diverse economy, yet they often find themselves navigating workplaces that weren’t built with them in mind. This episode explores those realities, from identity and visibility to safety, belonging, and career growth and asks what support can make a real difference. 

To help unpack it all, we’re joined by Chloe Rattray (she/they), Program Manager at Out For Australia. Chloe runs a mentoring program designed to empower LGBTQIA+ people to thrive during the formative stages of their careers. 

Through practical advice and real-world stories, this conversation aims to equip young queer professionals with the tools, confidence, and insight they need to build fulfilling and sustainable careers. 

Check out Out For Australia and connect with Chloe Rattray via the links below! 

✨ Out for Australia – https://www.outforaustralia.org/ 

✨ Chloe Rattray – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloetrattray/ 

Did you know that approximately 1 in 7 people worldwide are neurodivergent – that’s more than 15% of the global population? 

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term used to describe people whose minds work differently from what society has deemed “the norm.” Neurodivergent individuals may interpret, experience, and process the world in diverse ways, often associated with diagnoses or identities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, and more. 

In this episode, Kass and MJ sit down with two fellow neuro-spicy queer folk, AB (she/her) and Lorien (they/he), to explore neurodivergence through a much-needed queer lens. 

Together, they unpack topics including masking, sensory accessibility in queer spaces, and the double stigma that can come with living at the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence. Centring lived experience, this conversation highlights the resilience, creativity, and innovation within neurodivergent queer communities — while advocating for more inclusive practices, understanding, and support. 

Since recording this episode, Kass is officially part of the ADHD neuro-spicy club! ✨🧠 

If you’d like to check out AB’s D&B mixes, hit them up on Instagram at @dj_b_roll 🎧💥 

In this episode of Queer And?, YPN team member, Kass, sits down with two members of YPN’s Inclusive Eid Advisory Group to discuss the intersection of queerness and faith.

Why are safe spaces so important for queer people of faith?

How can we create more inclusive environments within religious spaces?

What role do religious leaders play in this work?

You’ll find out in this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation.

Keep up with our guests:

Syarisa – @pantoumsnotpantaloons

Raine – @solitaire.u265

This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

“The human experience is nothing more than intimacy and nothing more than connections with people.”

In this episode of Queer And?, YPN’s team member Kass has a yarn with Zoe Sullivan (she/her) from the YEP Project. They talk about all things intimacy from a much needed queer perspective—how we define it, how we experience it, and how media shapes our understanding of queer intimacy.

What does intimacy mean to you? Emotional? Physical? Community? Let’s unpack it together. Listen now and join the conversation!

If you want to keep up with Zoe and the YEP Project, you can find their resources and content on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube at theyepproject and on their website at theyepproject.org.au.

This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

” You can’t avoid politics, in the sense that it shapes so much of our lives. Politics aren’t just for people in fancy suits. They can look like you and me, and anybody has the ability to make change.”

In this episode of Queer And?, Youth Pride Network Committee Chair, Troy, sits down with three influential changemakers at the intersection of youth, queer advocacy, and politics.

Join Youth Minister of WA, Hannah Beazley (she/her), Councillor for Maylands and business owner Nat Latter (they/them), and Youth Advocate for YWA, Maeson Harvey (they/them), as they discuss diversity in politics, holding those in power accountable, and offer invaluable advice for anyone feeling disengaged or underrepresented.

This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Being part a marginalised community, most of the queer folks are keenly aware of the injustices that we face on the daily basis. But what are the pathways to achieve justice? How does intersectionality play a role in this pursuit? We’re thrilled to have Lily Hayward – the Aboriginal Research Assistant from Telethon Kids to discuss this very thorny topic. 

 We also especially explore and unpack the impact of justice BEYOND the domains of the laws and legal institutions, and looking at how arts, community, and other means towards healing can also play a vital role in achieving justice🌟

Brace yourself for a inspiring yet spicy conversation and hit the link in our bio NOW for Episode 3 of YPN’s podcast ‘Queer And?’ on the theme of ‘Justice’⚖️

We heard queer inclusion in sports is the hot topic these day.

Tune in for an hour of unpacking all the nuances that comes with sports, especially for trans, non-binary and intersex folks.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the very two special guests tuning in for this episode:

Zee (he/they) is an ex WAFLW player and passionate advocate of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport. He has had experience working in the sports industry and alongside community organisations such as Proud2Play. They are the founder of Sport Beyond the Binary, a platform aiming to empower trans, non-binary and gender diverse community in sport.

Hanna (they/them) is a non-binary PhD student researching gender inclusion in community Aussie Rules footy clubs. They are passionate about trans inclusion at all levels of sport and all intersections of the human experience.

And just like that, we’re back for a brand new season!

To feel safe, to feel seen, to feel like you’re belong somewhere – unfortunately is a luxury that not all queer peeps can afford to experience. But what happen when these queer individuals also belong to an ethnic or cultural minority, which further complicate their sense of belonging – or the lack thereof? 

To unpack this big and thorny topic, we have:

MJ (they/them) is YPN’s Aboriginal Outreach & Project Officer, who’s leading the pioneering ‘Pride Yarns with Mob’ initiative.

Lukasz or Luki (he/him) is Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow at ECU, and previously the founder of The Rainbow Migrants. He’s also setting up Pride Intergenerational Housing and ECU Rainbow Migrants Observatory.

What are you waiting for? Dive in for 45 minutes of intersectional goodness and lots of laughter too.

An intergenerational discussion about queerness with five queer elders.

“My queerness is safe now.”

For the final episode of season 1, we hear from five powerful queer elders. Hannah, Chey, and Shania from the YPN interview Jim Morrison and his partner Keith, David Gibson, Carl Freedman, and Gillie Anderson for a powerful, intergenerational discussion about queerness.

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David (he/him) is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, and served as an Army officer back when it was illegal to be a homosexual in the military. Professionally he has been a CEO of a disability organisation, General Manager of a newspaper, the Executive Director of a Country Music Festival, and was elected as a State Member of Parliament. Additionally, he has held various board positions and currently serves on the Board of GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc).

David is many things, a Coda (child of deaf adults), a pansexual, a father to 5 adult children, a grandfather and is married to his husband – they did that twice once in Rome and in Perth.

David is a highly accomplished public speaker and is frequently invited to address audiences on a range of topics, including Deafness, civic participation, mental health, and LGBTI issues. He has been a speaker at prestigious events such as the World Federation of the Deaf conference and the Australasian Study of Parliament Group conference. Furthermore, David has authored and published papers on the Freedom of Speech from an LGBTI perspective and the engagement of people with disabilities in the democratic process, with articles published in the Australasian Parliamentary Review.

Carl Freedman (he/him) is a gay man living in Perth with his partner of 43 years. A retired hairdresser, he and his partner ran three successful businesses in Perth throughout his career. Carl fondly remembers attending the opening of Connections Nightclub in Perth and is a proud member of the queer community, actively involved in supporting and uplifting others through mentoring and support. 

Jim Morrison is a senior Nyungar man, a Traditional Custodian from WA’s southern coast. His mother, father, and their 21 siblings were all stolen and separated as children. Jim is a long-term supporter of Bringing Them Home WA, and served as Aboriginal Co-Chair 2007-2017. He resigned that role to take up the appointment as our inaugural Executive Director.

Jim has been an uncompromising activist, advocate and leader in pivotal Aboriginal advancement roles for over four decades, working passionately to address the tragic mental health and suicide issues that are a legacy of Stolen Generations policy; equity in access to culturally safe services in State and Commonwealth Governments; overdue prison reforms; Aboriginal employment; education and training; equity in universities; the protection of young street people and the formation and management of non-government agencies providing services to Aboriginal families and their broader communities.

In 2017, Jim was awarded the John Curtin Medal in recognition of his vision and leadership, and the significant contribution he has made to the community.

Gillie (she/her) has many identities, including mother, sister, partner, aunt/great aunt, step-nanna and friend. Gillie spent her earliest years in country WA, before moving to Boorloo/Perth when she was nine. Gillie came out as lesbian at the age of 22, shortly before moving to Tasmania with her then partner and her partner’s young son. Tasmania was very conservative in the early 1990s and it felt unsafe to be out at work or to hold hands with her partner in public. Prior to the birth of her daughter in 1995, Gillie became a member of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. She also helped publish Lilac magazine – a monthly lesbian newsletter connecting the Tasmanian community. It was nearly 25 years before Gillie moved back to WA to be closer to family.

There have been many different chapters to Gillie’s life, and her work life includes various careers including being a non- executive board member, a commercial lawyer, and being the owner and ‘faerie guardian’ of The Faerie Shop in Salamanca Place, Hobart – all at the same time! Since returning to Perth, Gillie has worked in a range of roles primarily across housing and health, and in board governance roles.

Gillie is now transitioning into a new chapter, where she and her sisters are the oldest members of their families.  Gillie has lived with disability for many years, and after a lifetime of feeling different, she was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. In April 2023, Gillie found out that she is autistic, and this has made a profound and positive difference to her life. Gillie was able to share that news with her mum, just before she passed. While Gillie is not usually one for being in the limelight, she took part in this podcast in the hope that by sharing her story, it might make the someone else’s journey a little bit easier.An intergenerational discussion about queerness with five queer elders.

5 fierce advocates from the community discuss disabled culture and queerness.

“I think being disabled let me be queer in an easier way. I wasn’t scared of being different, I wasn’t scared of not fitting in because I didn’t fit in. I’m so thankful to my disability for that experience. I love what being disabled has given my queerness.”

On today’s episode, we hear from five fierce advocates from the queer and disabled community. Hannah, Jack, and Georgia from the YPN sit down with Anneka Bodt, Crystal Nguyen, and Grace King in a powerful and enlightening discussion about disabled culture and queerness.

For more info on our guests: youthpridenetwork.net/queerandpodcast.

Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au

This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

———

Crystal Nguyen kick-started her performance career at 15 placing 6th in the inaugural season of Vietnam’s Got Talent. Crystal (who lives with Brittle Bones Disease) is an actor, singer, and theatre-maker who has collaborated with organisations such as UNICEF to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding disability and self-expression. Crystal’s stage and screen credits include BESIDE (Perth Festival 2021), The Complete Show of Waterskiing (Laura Liu 2022), Teenage Dick (Dan Graham 2022) and Erotic Stories (Madeleine Gottleib 2023). Crystal represented WA in the Midsumma Pathways Program 2022-2023 for outstanding queer and disabled artists. When not acting, Crystal enjoys swimming, most of the time in real life, and other times on her Animal Crossing island.

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Grace King is a singer, actor, and voice over artist living in Perth, Western Australia. She brings passion, dedication, and her lived experience as a totally blind person to all that she does. Her previous roles include Iolanta with WA Opera, Kate Hainey in Fremantle’s Dark Corners and co-lead in playtime with Grace and Fergus Fringe 2019. She has also performed in festivals, educational videos and community and private events.

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Social justice, human rights, and equal opportunity are just some of the mammoth things that new committee member Georgia is passionately advocating for. A proud, queer, greyhound-owning, disabled person, Georgia works with politicians and decision-makers to ensure that all young people have access to trauma-responsive, person-centred, holistic care that empowers and enables them to build their vision of a meaningful life. This important work recently had Georgia as the sole consumer representative in a highly successful 10-person Ministerial Taskforce into Public Mental Health Services for Infants, Children, and Adolescents. The task force investigated the current pressures and demands on the state’s public mental health system and came out with a comprehensive report with 32 recommendations. All of which have been endorsed and committed to by Health and Mental Health Minister Amber Jade Sanderson. The short and long-term recommendations are currently being implemented!

Georgia never stops advocating for equal opportunity but does enjoy taking their greyhound to the park, absolutely SERVING in a jumpsuit, and buying more books to add to the pile of books they are yet to read.

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Jack has been a member of YPN for just over two years and, as well as being an LGBTIQA+ and Disability Advocate, performs in Auslan for the Queer Deaf band Alter Boy. Jack learned Auslan from TAFE, completing his diploma in 2020. Currently working as the project officer for the “Make Queer Spaces Accessible” project,

Jack is passionate about the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Disabled identities. Jack started his disability advocacy 9 years ago and has relished every minute since combining it with his queer advocacy in 2019.

Jack enjoys reading, embroidery and knitting, he can often be found travelling by bus to feed his pet snake, John, who lives in a nicer house than Jack does

7 fierce advocates from the community discuss cultural identity and queerness.

On today’s episode we hear from seven fierce advocates from the community that are queer people of color. Dulasi, Chey, Meghana, and Dylan (aka drag performer “Maven”) from the YPN have a yarn with Ngatokotoru Tomokino (AKA the drag queen “Moesha”), Kim Thatcher, and Emily Branson (AKA performer/DJ “Jamilla”) in a powerful and enlightening discussion about cultural identity and queerness.

Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au

This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders, sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

—-

Kim is a non-binary Maori lesbian whose ancestors from the many tribes who call the East Coast of North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand) home. They are currently obsessed with Pokemon Go and will always want to see pictures of your cat. They are studying education and social science and hope to continue to show up, advocate for, and be a role model to young people of all diversities.

Emily is a West Australian Music Award winning electronic producer, DJ and artist who performs under the name Jamilla. Her lyrics are honest and politically charged, often writing songs about her experiences as a POC woman or her queer identitfy. She has toured around Australia and internationally with live music and DJs around Perth as her full time job. Emily was born in England with Trinidadian heritage and has lived in Australia since she was a child. She identifies and pansexual and uses she/her pronouns.

Dulasi joined YPN in 2021 and is part of the Policy Team, in keeping with their interest in research and actionable change. They are a medical student and therefore will be studying forever, but is driven by their involvement in queer health advocacy and pushing for better queer education in medical schools/universities across WA. They are also passionate about youth mental health, climate justice and advocating for refugee health. As a Sri-Lankan queer person living on Whadjuk Noongar Land, they are committed to actively decolonizing themselves and the work they do. In their spare time, Dulasi volunteers at LGBTIQA+ youth drop-in spaces in Boorloo (Perth). Their hobbies include cooking, napping and being part of crustacean appreciation groups on social media.

Dylan is an enthusiastic member of the YPN committee. A queer person of colour, a fashion design student, a passionate LGBTIQA+ youth advocate, and a fierce upcoming drag performer, they’ve hit the ground running at YPN, working hard to make WA a better place for LGBTIQA+ POC.

A finalist at the 2021 WA Youth Awards for Creative Contribution, Dylan is passionate about using art and drag as a vessel for advocating for LGBTIQA+ people and people of colour. Whether it be while whirling spots as their drag alter ego, or while wearing their hoodies crooked to fashion school, Dylan is always advocating for queer youth to reach their full potential.

Walking the entire 2021 Pride Parade with the YPN float in a pair of heels (without complaint), Dylan has become an integral member of the YPN team.

Chey is the Project Officer for the YPN, a queer person of colour, and an absolute style icon. Her dedication to queer advocacy is extensive and ongoing and manifests through volunteer work, research projects, and youth consultancy.

International relations and political science honours graduate with a thesis in inter-Korean relations and human rights from an ontological perspective, Chey is a dedicated researcher and collaborator. The brains behind YPN’s “Me and My Doctor” resource and the Youth Services resource, she has worked for a number of think-tanks, research centres, and non-for-profits. Intersectionality, inclusion, and ensuring the safety and success of all BIPOC (black & indigenous people of colour) are at the forefront of all Chey’s work both at YPN and beyond.

An integral part of the YPN team, Chey’s leadership is steering the committee towards exciting and important projects, all while she consistently serves fierce fashion looks.

YPN Committee member Meghana is an active and dedicated queer advocate both in their work at YPN and outside of it. A queer person of colour, Meghana is currently studying a double degree Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology at UWA. Psychology and mental health are areas that they’re passionate about and they channel this through their queer advocacy work as the Pride Officer at UWA. They help to bring about change for queer students and staff and bring awareness to queer issues in the broader community. In their spare time they enjoy connecting with their community and playing Table Top Role Playing Game