Our Stories

In this episode, Paul shares his lived experience of hiding his sexuality in the face of family hostility, while simultaneously navigating an increasingly violent same-sex relationship. Feeling both isolated and invisible, Paul reflects on the challenges of trying to find suitable, trusted support and the defensive need to develop different masks for work, family a…

In this episode, Ali* shares his lived experience growing up in a culture where the personal safety of members of the LGBTIQA+ community is constantly at risk, and how the joy he found moving to Australia and being able to be his true self, was undermined by an abusive partner. He reflect on how the perpetrator was able to exploit Ali's cultural heritage to create …

In this episode, Deb shares her lived experiences as a long-term survivor-advocate and a proud queer person of colour. She reflects on the insidious nature of intimate partner violence, the lack of appropriate support services, and how shame, racism, cultural expectations, religion, internalised homophobia and fear of coming out all intersect and create layers of s…

Julia shares her lived experience of long-term coercive control, family violence, post-separation abuse and the ways abuse can continue even after a relationship has ended. Julia also reflects on how identity, stigma, small-town visibility and assumptions about sexuality can be used as tools of control in LGBTIQA+ contexts. Her story is a powerful reminder that le…

Jak shares his lived experience as a proud Gandangara Koori man and the unique challenges faced by people sitting at the intersectionality of Aboriginality, same-sex relationships and domestic violence. Reflecting on the crucial role that culture and community play in providing support, and the importance of prioritising personal safety, Jak also describes the re…

Ari shares their lived experience of navigating challenging relationships, power dynamics, loss of control, gaslighting, isolation and recognising red flags, while at the same time exploring their own gender identity.  Through reflection, Ari speaks to the importance of respecting boundaries and the need to maintain respectful communication within a healthly relat…