Queer Life Stories - podcast cover

Queer Life Stories

Garry Wakefieldrss.com

Queer Life Stories is a podcast that shares the lived experiences of everyday queer people. Our main focus has been on Tasmania, Australia with some stories coming from the Australian mainland (and hopefully some international stories later on).

Tasmania has had a turbulent history of LGBTIAQ+ rights, being the last Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997, 25 years after the first Australian state in 1972. Tasmania went on to become a progressive gay rights state sharing early support of marriage equality and having some of the best anti-discrimination laws in the world. When laws change, community takes time to learn and adapt.

Queer Life Stories will be talking to people that identify across the LGBTIAQ+ spectrum, families, friends and allies to capture the histories that might otherwise be lost and forgotten. We want to also explore life for the LGBTIAQ+ community now in regional, rural and city areas.

Most episodes of our podcast will focus on an individual, telling their story.

Queer Life Stories is produced by a single volunteer via North West Pride - an LGBTIAQ+ community group based in the North & North-West of Tasmania. We hope you enjoy and please subscribe, rate, review and follow if you can to help support this podcast.

If you'd like to get in touch, find Queer Life Stories or North West Pride on Facebook or email us at nwpride@outlook.com

Take care of yourself, and each other.

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Episodes

Episode 28 - Jack

Queer Life Stories is back with our last episode of our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. Our guest this week is Jack who speaks about growing up queer, living overseas, getting into an unhealthy drug scene and finding love and community. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out. This podcast is produced by North West Pride. You can contact Garry and the Queer Life Stories team by...

Aug 22, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Episode 27 - Roen

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. Our guest this week is Roen who speaks about understanding and embracing their queer identity and also their intersectional diversities. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out. This podcast is produced by North West Pride. You can contact Garry and the Queer Life Stories team by emailing: nwpride@outlook.com F...

Aug 15, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Episode 26 - Phoebe

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. Our guest this week is Phoebe who talks about growing up, coming out, finding love and family & finding purpose in community. Phoebe is also known as her alter-ego, Barry Bothways. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out . This podcast is produced by North West Pride . You can contact Garry and the Queer Li...

Aug 08, 202441 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Episode 25 - An Intersex Discussion w. Simone-Lisa & Dave

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. This week's episode is something a little different. I'm joined by Simone-Lisa and Dave and we have a conversation about what I in the LGBTIQA+ acronym means and explore some of the stigma and misconceptions around intersex variations. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out . This podcast is produced by North ...

Jun 20, 202438 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Episode 24 - Corey

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. Our guest this week is Corey who reflects on growing up on the West Coast of Tasmania and finding community in a new location. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out . This podcast is produced by North West Pride . You can contact Garry and the Queer Life Stories team by emailing: nwpride@outlook.com Follow Qu...

Jun 14, 202434 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Episode 23 - Mike

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. This week's episode features Mike who speaks passionately about art and pop culture while reflecting on the challenges of discovering and exploring sexuality while navigating personal survival and a culturally difficult period of history. Please note that this episode contains mentions of sexual violence. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the in...

Jun 07, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Episode 21 - Jess & Lauren

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. This episode features Jess & Lauren who speak about their recent acceptance of the lesbian identity after having their own heteronormative marriages and children prior to meeting. Lauren also speaks about growing up in the Mormon religion and the influence and impact that has had on her journey. Lauren is also a co-host of her own podcast, From God to Gay, with co-ho...

May 24, 20241 hr 26 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Episode 20 - Andrew (aka Pussay Poppins)

Queer Life Stories is back with our second series - exploring stories from the LGBTIQA+ community here in Tasmania, Australia. This episode features Andrew, maybe better know as Pussay Poppins! Andrew talks about growing up Catholic, moving to Tasmania and finding a passion and purpose in drag performance. Queer Life Stories: The Second Series is made possible with the incredible support of Working It Out . This podcast is produced by North West Pride . You can contact Garry and the Queer Life S...

May 08, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Episode 19 - Abbie

Queer Life Stories is back with some fresh stories from the LGBTIAQ+ community here in Tasmania. With COVID restrictions easing in Tasmania, I've been able to get out and about and meet some people to capture their stories again! In this episode, Abbie talks about growing up in the Mormon church, finding her birth parents and coming out as a queer person. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Please, re...

Mar 31, 202156 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Episode 18 - Maddison

Queer Life Stories is back with some fresh stories from the LGBTIAQ+ community here in Tasmania. With COVID restrictions easing in Tasmania, I've been able to get out and about and meet some people to capture their stories again! In this episode, Maddison talks about self-identifying as transgender and what that process has been like for her and those around her. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Pl...

Mar 19, 202127 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Episode 17 - James

Queer Life Stories is back with some fresh stories from the LGBTIAQ+ community here in Tasmania. With COVID restrictions easing in Tasmania, I've been able to get out and about and meet some people to capture their stories again! In this episode, James talks about self-identifying as transgender and what that process has been like for him and those around him. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Pleas...

Mar 04, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Episode 16 - Andrew

We've been away for a while, but this is the first of three new episodes recorded during the COVID-19 crisis. Andrew is based in Melbourne, Victoria and he shares his story of growing up, family and coming out. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Please, reach out if you're interested in telling your story. :) Thanks for listening....

Oct 03, 202038 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Episode 15 - Rudy

Another episode recorded remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Rudy is based in Melbourne, Victoria and he shares his story of growing up and coming out as trans non-binary and his experiences. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Thanks for listening.

Aug 08, 202054 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Episode 14 - Gray

Another episode recorded remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Gray is based in regional Victoria and he shares his story of growing up in a volatile family, having a heterosexual marriage before coming out, surviving domestic abuse and trying to find love in retirement. You can contact Queer Life Stories by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or you can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram ....

Jul 31, 202031 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Episode 13 - Bridget

Another episode recorded remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Bridget is based in Melbourne and she shares her story of growing up struggling with mental health and finding herself as an adult. You can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Queer Life Stories is interested in hearing from YOU - If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com. Thanks for listening....

Jun 10, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Episode 12 - Tanner

This episode is the first to be recorded and released during the global COVID-19 crisis the world is experiencing. Tanner is a writer based in Adelaide who shares his story of self-discovery, surviving abuse and family. You can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Queer Life Stories is interested in hearing from you - If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com or find us on Facebook and Instagr...

May 23, 202047 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Episode 11 - Lia

This episode is released in time to recognise International Transgender Day of Visibility, featuring Lia who grew up in North West Tasmania. Lia speaks about her journey to self-discovery and living openly as a trans-woman in Tasmania. You can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Queer Life Stories is taking a short break - We'll be back in a few weeks with some new Tasmanian stories. If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch,...

Mar 29, 20201 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Episode 10 - Margie

This is last of 3 episodes based in Adelaide, South Australia. Margie grew up in Sydney, the daughter of holocaust survivors before moving to Adelaide where she discovered her sexuality, worked in the arts, started the Feast Queer Arts Festival, found love and started a family. You can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . Queer Life Stories is taking a short break - We'll be back in a few weeks with some new Tasmanian stories. If you would like to share your story of growing up ...

Mar 07, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Episode 09 - Sarah & Sue

This is another episode based in Adelaide, South Australia. Sarah and Sue, known in Adelaide as "The Girls", talk about growing up, discovering their sexuality, meeting each other and making a life together. The Girls talk about working in an LGBT+ inclusive space in Adelaide and what they hope to add to the city. You can follow Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram . If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlo...

Feb 22, 202053 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Episode 8 - Peter

This is the first of a few episode based in Adelaide, South Australia. Peter grew up gay with strict Catholic parents in Malaysia, a Muslim country before coming to Australia. He speaks about coming out, balancing a relationship with his parents and finding love in Australia. Peter also founded Rainbow Roo - an online LGBT+ Pride T-Shirt store and advocacy site. Check it out! If you want to see the photo Peter talks about in this episode, visit Queer Life Stories on Facebook and Instagram - You ...

Feb 06, 202042 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Episode 07 - Noel

This is Queer Life Stories' first interstate episode, featuring Noel who grew up in Victoria and is most recently living in Bendigo - which is where I found him. In this interview, Noel speaks openly about growing up in a boarding school, surviving the AIDS crisis in the 80's while watching family and friends pass away and finding community in regional Victoria. If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com or fin...

Jan 25, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Episode 06 - Adrian

In this episode I'm joined by Adrian, who has lived in the North West Coast of Tasmania his whole life and talks about growing up gay, finding community and creating his own event, Bears by the Bay (find it on Facebook). If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for listening.

Jan 18, 202027 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Episode 05 - Francene

In this episode I'm joined by Francene, a transwoman who has lived in Tasmania most of her life and spent many years hiding who she truly is. Francene talks about some of the hardships and some of the highlights of her self-discovery and transition. If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. This will be the last episode for 2019 - Queer Life Stories will be back in early 2...

Dec 21, 201932 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Episode 4 - Adam & Jaeyden

In this episode I'm joined by our first couple to be featured on the show, Adam and Jaeyden. Adam grew up in Toowoomba and Jaeyden grew up in Devonport - both of them had challenges growing up in regional areas and found each other online before meeting in person. They share their hardships and what they went through to be together. If you would like to share your story of growing up LGBTIQ+ or would just like to get in touch, please email NWPride@outlook.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram...

Dec 13, 201937 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Episode 3 - Trent

In this episode, I'm joined by Trent, a gay man who grew up on the West Coast of Tasmania before moving to the North-West and finding love. If you would like to be on Queer Life Stories to share your story of growing up LGBT+ or would just like to drop us a line - You can get in touch by emailing NWPride@outlook.com or find us on social media, Facebook and Instagram, just search Queer Life Stories. Thanks for listening.

Dec 06, 201921 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Episode 2 - Rianon

In this episode, I'm joined by Rianon. Rianon identifies as bisexual and is in a long term same-sex relationship. Rianon and her partner went through the IVF donor program in order to become parents and now raise their twin boys in North-West Tasmania. You can get in touch by emailing: nwpride@outlook.com or find us on Social Media - Search Queer Life Stories. Thanks for listening.

Nov 23, 201920 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Episode 1 - Paige

This is our first proper episode of Queer Life Stories. I'm delighted to be able to share this episode on the same weekend as Ulverstone's TasPride event, 'Out in the Park'. Held annually, is one of very few LGBT+ events held in the North-West coast of Tasmania and is supported by local service providers and the Central Coast Council. In this episode I'm joined by my friend and colleague, Paige. Paige is 24 years old and grew up in Tasmania, spending time on both the North-West and West Coast of...

Nov 16, 201924 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Introduction to Queer Life Stories

Send us a Text Message. Hi, My name is Garry Wakefield and this is Queer Life Stories. Queer Life Stories is about capturing and sharing the lived experience and history of LGBT+ people across Australia. This introduction is about why I started the Queer Life Stories podcast and what I hope it can achieve. Thanks for listening! Support the Show....

Nov 12, 20197 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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