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 also found solace in his faith and is now a community chaplain for the catholic church and speaks about the intersectionality of religion and homosexuality.
Trigger Warnings: Coarse language, sexual assault, homophobia, negative family reactions to coming out
This episode is quite heavy, so discretion is advised. If anything in this episode is triggering for you, then please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines at the bottom of this description.
This podcast is released every Tuesday and 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
Wayfinder, Interviewer & Editing : Helene Thomas
Episode Introduction: Deb Chumbley
Pridefinder Midsumma Team
Ashlee Hints: Community Engagement Manager
Bec Cooen: Project and Program Manager – Victoria's Pride
Danae Reid: Regional Community Engagement Coordinator
Felicity McIntosh: Marketing & Communications Manager
Martin Broadley: Programming Administrator
Want to know more about Pridefinder?
www.midsumma.org.au/victorias-pride/pridefinder-podcast/
Want to know more about Helene Thomas & The Wayfinder?
Want to be a part of the Pridefinder Podcast?
We hope to continue collecting stories from regional LGBTQIA+ folk as part of the Pridefinder project each year.
If you’d like to have the Pridefinder visit your community, then please email engagement.coord@midsumma.org.au to register your interest!
Music Credits
Intro/Outro “10c Coffee” by Clamshell
“Plum Blossom” by Kokura Station
“Sage the Hunter” by Landsman Duets
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/
