Markus (he/him) is a trans man and peer support worker who grew up in Ballarat.
In this episode, Markus shares his experience of growing up, exploring gender and transitioning in Ballarat. He has such a humble and warm tone while expressing empathy for all people, even though he's been through his fair share of struggles. Markus has also experienced homelessness and shares how being gender diverse can make this difficult time even more tricky, as there wasn't a neat box to put him in. He is passionate about now giving support to others as his own lived experience arms him with a unique understanding and empathy.
Trigger warnings: Homelessness, mentions: self-harm & suicide
If you find this or anything else from the episode distressing, then please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines listed at the bottom of the show notes.
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: Danae Reid
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/pridefinder
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
“Idea” by Kai Engel
“Darkest Thursday” by kjartan_abel
“Salue” by Kai Engel
“Smoke” by Joseph McDade
“Plate Glass” by Glass Obelisk
“Late Night Reading" by Cold Case
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/
