Rhani (she/her) & Emma (she/her) are a queer couple who live in Castlemaine and both work at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health.
In this episode, Rhani and Emma share the story of how they both moved to Castlemaine in heterosexual relationships with kids and how their lives have changed as they discovered their queerness. They also speak to the diverseness the LGBTQIA+ community that they encounter with their work and how they deal with wondering whether they are 'queer enough' as they haven't faced some of the same struggles as other members of the community. They discuss some of the challenges that are present for their community, including access to affirming health care, but ultimately they have found a place that feels like home and is welcoming and safe overall.
There are no significant trigger warnings for this episode, but if you find anything distressing then please seek support from a loved one or one of the helplines listed 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: Josephine Scash
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
“Plate Glass” by Glass Obelisk
“Sage the Hunter” by Landsman Duets
“Latecomer” by Cafe Nostro
“Di Breun” by Architect
“Acoustic guitar melody fingerstyle #1” by Garuda1982
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/
