Well, Well, Well

In this episode of Well Well Well, we shine a spotlight on the power of community-led solutions in HIV prevention, care, and support. We're joined by representatives from ViiV Healthcare, WAAC, Watipa, NAPWHA, Thorne Harbour Health, and the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre to discuss the 2024 Positive Action Community Grants. Together, we explore how these grants are funding innovative projects that make a real difference—whether that's supporting peer-led initiatives, improving access to care, or addressing the unique challenges faced by people living with HIV across Australia. Tune in to hear how grassroots organisations are driving positive change and what's next in the fight for health equity. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

We speak with volunteers about their experiences with Thorne Harbour Health in Melbourne and SAMESH in South Australia in light of National Volunteer Week. Since the founding of Thorne Harbour Health in 1983, volunteers have been at the heart of the organisation's work delivering vital health services. National Volunteer Week, as well as the LGBTIQ+ Organisations Volunteer Event (LOVE) at the Victorian Pride Centre, are great opportunities to give back and celebrate the incredible work that volunteers do. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

The team indulge in some LGBTIQA+ sexual health trivia in light of JOY Radiothon. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

In this episode of Well Well Well, we sit down with Dr Jillian Lau from the Doherty Institute to unpack the science—and the hope—behind HIV cure research. From breakthrough findings in the FRESH and RIO studies to local trials right here in Melbourne, we explore what a cure could look like, why community input is crucial, and how people living with HIV can get involved. Whether you're cure-curious or closely connected to the work, this episode offers a grounded, optimistic look at where the science is heading and the role community plays in getting us there. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Silver Rainbow Training helps aged care sector staff and management understand that diversity brings strength to their organisation. The training in South Australia provides guidance on how aged care practices can be more inclusive, incorporating aspects of person centred and trauma informed care. Jack speaks with Monty Khizam, Thorne Harbour SA's Silver Rainbow Training Officer about how the training is delivered, and how it aims to deliver better outcomes for older LGBTIQ+ people in aged care settings. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

The Abortion Project is a peer support network for people of all genders and sexualities who have had abortions. It aims to create a safe space where people with lived experiences of abortion can sit down, have a chat, and not feel constrained by pigeonholing their experiences into any binary. In their own words “We are here for the grey area, the uncomfortable and the diverse”. While abortion is often assumed to be a straight women's issue, it's something that plenty of people in the queer community have experienced. In fact, research suggests that queer people with uteruses are as likely or more likely to have had an abortion than cis-heterosexual women. Jordan speaks with co-founder Lily and lead facilitator Hannah about The Abortion Project, queerness, abortion and peer support. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

This episode we're celebrating Lesbian Visibility Day by speaking with two iconic lesbian women about how things have changed for our communities over the decades. First up, we'll hear from curator, photographic artist, and Vice President of the Australian Queer Archives, Angela Bailey. For those who don't know, the Australian Queer Archives house the world's largest and most significant archives of historical Australian LGBTIQ+ material. Ange's artistic practice centres on community and queer cultural heritage, and we're excited to hear her insider perspective on lesbian histories and futures on this continent. We'll also have a chat with Auntie Annette Xibirras, a Wurundjeri elder and Wemba Wemba woman, speaking to her experiences as a mother, a proud lesbian and Aboriginal person. Auntie Annette has been active in First Nations cultural heritage preservation for decades and has an incredible wealth of knowledge on this topic. https://queerarchives.org.au/ https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/library-up-late-midsumma

In this episode of Well Well Well, we're joined by Chris Williams and Oli McAuslan from Emen8—the national digital platform supporting the sexual health and wellbeing of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Chris, the Project Lead, and Oli, a content writer, take us behind the scenes of some of their recent articles exploring sexual health, pleasure, trans inclusivity, and queer lifestyle. From long-acting injectable PrEP and navigating sex with trans men, to prostate orgasms and summer fashion essentials—this conversation dives into how Emen8 is informing, affirming, and celebrating our communities through bold, sex-positive content. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:31 — 50.8MB) | Embed Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Deezer | RSS

Jack is in studio this week with new host Jordan from Thorne Harbour Health's LGBTIQ+ Women's Project. We speak with Jerome from DonateLife about organ and tissue donation for our LGBTIQ+ communities and people living with HIV. Chris and Maya from Switchboard also join us to discuss the Changing the Landscape campaign which aims to centre LGBTQIA+ lived experience stories and change the narrative around LGBTIQA+ suicide from one of identity-based deficit to one that celebrates resilience, mutual aid, peer support, community and acknowledges structural discrimination. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

Australia has new guidelines for anal cancer screening in people living with HIV—but what does that actually mean right now? We're joined by Professor Andrew Grulich from the Kirby Institute to unpack who should be screened, what's available today (like DARE exams), and why swab-based screening is still a few years away. We also explore the latest in treatment and where to find accurate, community-friendly info. This episode's for anyone who has anal sex, but particularly for people living with HIV. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

In this Trans Day of Visibility special, we hear from two heroes of the trans and gender diverse community. Joe Ball, Victorian LGBTIQA+ Commissioner, and Son Vivienne, CEO of Transgender Victoria, discuss the double-edged sword of visibility, anti-trans rhetoric from the US, and how trans people can be effective leaders. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Jack speaks with Bonney Corbin about LGBTIQA+ Abortion Doulaing. Bonney is the Director of External Relations and Advocacy at MSI Reproductive Choices, an organisation which provides access to contraception and safe abortion services in 37 countries around the world. They discuss what an abortion doula is, how to support an LGBTIQA+ person having an abortion and recent changes under the Trump administration impacting international access to reproductive healthcare. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

We speak with Glambassador and committee member for Bendigo Pride, Polly Filla, about the upcoming festival and why it's important for diverse communities in the country. Learn more at https://bendigopridefestival.com.au/ Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Jack speaks with community groups at the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade about their floats and the issues affecting their communities including: Gay Diabetes Building Pride Cosplays Out Of The Closet Harbour City Bears Sydney Stingers Jake Neville from the Melbourne Wranglers also joins us to discuss his experience at the event. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

In the lead up to International Women's Day we chat with the founders of Conscious Combat Club, Georgia Verry and Penny McKay. This brilliant initiative facilitates trauma-informed kickboxing classes for women and gender-diverse people impacted by violence and other trauma. We also chat about the upcoming Conscious Combat Club workshop which Thorne Harbour Health is running Saturday 15 March. So, if you're interested in joining us, tune in for how you can get involved! In the second half of the show, we speak with entrepreneur, activist and owner of the Moroccan Soup Bar, Hana Assafiri. Hana takes us on a fascinating journey on her life and what drives her to champion women from marginalised communities. We also speak about her memoir, Hana Assafiri – The Audacity to be Free.   More on the Conscious Combat Club … Their programs were designed in response to gender-based violence and have two streams: women's classes and classes for trans and gender diverse people. The waitlists for both are open and there is a scholarship program available thanks to the Victorian Women's Trust. Women's classes: https://www.consciouscombat.club/naarm Trans and gender-diverse classes: https://www.consciouscombat.club/trans-and-gender-diverse-trauma-informed-kickboxing To learn more about our advocacy and fundraising work, visit: https://rounds4respect.org/   To find out where to get a copy of Hana Assafiri's book go to: https://melbournebooks.com.au/products/hana-the-audacity-to-be-free-1    

In the second part of our Sexual Health 101 series we chat with Mark Thompson, Nurse Practitioner at Thorne Harbour Health. Listen in for a refresher on sexual health basics, including common STIs, symptoms, and testing. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

In the first of this sexual health 101 series, we chat with Rhian Graco-Ilves, Peer Educator at Thorne Harbour Health. Rhian talks us through Appreach and Outreach, Thorne Harbour's program that places sexual health experts on apps and in sex-on-premises venues. These 'sexperts' give practical sexual health tips to other community members. Listen in and learn how to put pleasure first when you're planning safe sex. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Inclusive Rainbow Voices is a community led, intersectional Disabled People's Organisation, by and for LGBTIQA+ people with disability. The organisation works at the forefront of local, national and international movements towards equity and justice for LGBTIQA+ people with disability. Cal Hawk speaks with CEO Katherine Marshall about: How IRV defines disability justice and how this informs the organisation's approach Some of the strong themes to come from community consultation in the past year The barriers to data collection specifically relating to LGBTIQA+ people with disability, and more. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

The Trans and Gender Diverse in Community Health (TGDiCH) Training Project equips health professionals with the skills to deliver inclusive and affirmative care while addressing stigma and discrimination. Joel Parker speaks with the program's team leader Alex Sturman about: Why a program like this is needed, and common challenges TGD people face when seeking care, Who the program is designed for and its main topics Shifts in attitudes or behaviours among participants of the program, and more. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Joan Nestle is a living icon. At 84 years of age her contributions to LGBTIQ+ communities have been numerous and immensely significant. She co-founded both the Gay Academic Union and the Lesbian Herstory Archives in New York, wrote seminal works such as A Restricted Country and A Persistent Desire and to this day, continues her work as an advocate and activist. Joan is part of the extraordinary line-up at this year's Midsumma writers' event, Wise Words – A Night of Intergenerational Storytelling, which features a line-up of some of Australia's most prominent and talented LGBTIQ+ women (trans and non-binary inclusive). 2025 line-up includes MC Sarah Ward, Joan Nestle, Mama Alto, Sez, Hana Assafiri, and Isobel Morphy-Walsh. For more information and to get tickets go to the Midsumma page here Please note, this episode of Well Well Well contains sensitive content.

We speak with community groups and organisations at Midsumma Carnival 2025: Meredith from Chillout Festival Juan from ACON discussing cervical screening campaign Own It Dale from Equality Australia Vera from The Lab, a mentoring program for Autistic young people Vic from Transcend Australia Malcolm from Melbourne Frontrunners Zahir from Melbourne Wranglers Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Victoria's mobile pill testing services is off to a successful start with preliminary data and insights from the Beyond the Valley music festival confirming young people are eager for information that could help keep them safe. To discuss what pill testing itself is, Victoria's pill testing trial, and more, we speak with Sarah Hiley, who is the Drug Checking Director at The Loop. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Joseph and James from Thorne Harbour Health join us to discuss Rewired which is a therapeutic group for Gay, Bi+ and Queer men who want to change their relationship with meth, in addition to Rewired 2.0 which is an ongoing peer support group. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Melbourne's pride festival, Midsumma, is just around the corner! Jack and Cal hear about the Gay, Bisexual, Queer + Community Periodic Survey from its coordinator, Tex McKenzie. Conference and Events Coordinator Chiron Hooson also joins us to discuss Thorne Harbour's presence at the festival this year. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

The CADET Trials are investigating whether a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication could provide a much-needed treatment alternative for adults with severe depression. Candesartan is a well-tolerated group of medications widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and could help people with depression in both major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Researchers are looking for people in Queensland and Victoria to take part in the 16-week trial to see if a daily dose of candesartan, in addition to usual treatment, reduces symptoms of depression and improves general quality of life. To discuss the potential impacts of this study, we speak with Professor Michael Berk, Director of Deakin's Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and Research Assistant Paul Cortissos. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Chris Williams from Emen8 joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories in LGBTIQA+ sexual health of 2024. He speaks with Jack and Cal about the return of Mpox, the PrEP supply disruption, injectable PrEP, Doxy-PEP, and HIV self-testing. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

With 2025 just around the corner, the team are in studio together for their 2024 reflections. Jack, Cal, Rachel, and Joel pick some choice moments from the year to discuss. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Sharna and Matt from Thorne Harbour Health SA join us to speak about how our diverse LGBTIQ+ communities can take care of themselves during the holiday break. They speak with Joel and Jack about how seeing biological families can be problematic for LGBTIQ+ folk, strategies we can employ to look after ourselves, the warning signs to keep an eye out for when turning to alcohol and other drugs, and more. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

In light of World AIDS Day on December 1, we're talking about Fairfield Hospital 40 years on from the first patient with HIV/AIDS being admitted there. The hospital closed in 1996 but it played a central role in the response to HIV/AIDS in Victoria. In our second of two episodes discussing Fairfield's impact, we're joined by Edwina Wright and David Menadue. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Melanated in Melbourne chronicles the lives of co-hosts Nicole and Ri'chard, two Black Americans living in Australia, as they navigate what it means to be a person of colour in the great Down Unda. Melanated in Melbourne intentionally amplifies the voices of historically disenfranchised individuals by primarily having LGBTIQA+ people of colour, both local and international, come on the show to share their unique stories, with guests ranging from psychologists to drag queens. Nicole and Ri'chard join Jack to discuss why they started the show, some highlights from the first two seasons, and what themes they intend to explore in Season 3 next year. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Podcasts have fast become a part of our everyday media consumption. In fact, the average person spends more than five hours a week listening to them. But could listening to podcasts lead to healthier habits? In the first study of its kind, University of South Australia researchers have explored just this, finding that podcasts can significantly improve health knowledge, increase exercise levels, and boost healthy eating. UniSA researcher Beth Robins joins Jack to discuss the findings, highlighting the potential of podcasts to promote positive health behaviours. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

In light of World AIDS Day on December 1, we're talking about Fairfield Hospital 40 years on from the first patient with HIV/AIDS being admitted there. The hospital closed in 1996 but it played a central role in the response to HIV/AIDS in Victoria. In our first of two episodes discussing Fairfield's impact, we're joined by Liz Crock and Bill O'Loughlin. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Jack and Rachel speak to Dr Zarha Stardust about her latest book, Indie Porn - Revolution, Regulation, and Resistance, which takes readers behind the scenes. Stardust finds politicians who watch porn in parliament, protesters leading face-sitting demonstrations, sex workers making COVID-safe pornography, and artists reverse-engineering porn detection software. https://www.dukeupress.edu/indie-porn https://pridecentre.org.au/event/indie-porn-launch/  

In early November, the Style and Spirit Exhibition was opened at the David Roche Gallery to explore the life and design ethos of an important but forgotten style icon while highlighting how HIV stigma contributed to his erasure. Chester Weinberg was the first fashion designer to die of AIDS related illness in 1985. Despite his importance and the prominence of his work, HIV stigma saw Chester literally written out of history books. In this episode of WWW, we'll head to the exhibition's opening and hear from co-curators Skye Bartlett and Timothy Roberts. We'll also hear from Ian Hunter MLC, who helped found the South Australian AIDS Action Committee in the mid 1980s. Ann Maccarrone, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager at ViiV Healthcare was there and speaks with Jack about the evening. We also hear from community groups at Picnic in the Park, which is part of Feast Festival, Adelaide's LGBTIQA+ Arts and Cultural Festival. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Rachel and Joel chat with Sue West from Flourish After 50 about her upcoming workshops for LGBTIQ women and Cal Haek and Chiron Hooson from Thorne Harbour Health join the panel to talk all thinsg World AIDS Day and introduce the innaugural Red Ribbon Run.

Cal and Joel chat to Benjamin Riley from ASHM about his Master's thesis: 'PrEP as a Memory Pill, Gay Men and Generational Imaginaries.' Ben's research focused on how PrEP created sexual freedom for a generation of men who had been living under the threat of HIV. Ben explores the unique perspectives of this group and discusses the differences between gay men who lived pre and post HIV. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Intersex Community Advocate and host of The I In Us on JOY, Paul Byrne-Moroney joins us to speak about his personal experience living with an intersex variation, the advocacy work he does for the community, and more. Toyah from Thorne Harbour Health and Michelle from Mind Australia also join us to speak about the Mental Health Locals in Victoria that aim to address barriers that our LGBTIQ+ communities face when accessing mental health support. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

October is time for the Victorian Seniors Festival. Rachel Cook and Peter Waples-Crowe chat to  Pauline Crameri from Val's LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care about what events they have coming up for the festival and the servcies they provide. We also chat with Dr Heather McCormack about a new study which shines a light on the barriers to sexual healthcare for young LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal people and how they can 're-imagine' their future. For more information on Val's click here and here  Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Logo provided by Val's Ageing and Aged Care    

This week Michael chats to Joenas, Mr Vicbears 2024 about the Underwear Charity Auction happening at the Laird Hotel to raise money for Pride Foundation Australia. Supported by Thorne Harbour, the event will see local bear-lebrities strip down to their jocks and auction their garments off to the crowd! Rainbow Connection Coordinator David Kavanagh also tells us about this program that connects older LGBTIQ+ people with younger volunteers for social connection. Resources Check out the event information for the auction here https://vicbears.org.au/event-5847709 Check out the silent auction ahead of the event https://airauctioneer.com/underwear-auction-hosted-by-mr-vicbears-2024 This week's podcast image supplied by Mr Vicbears 2024, Joenas This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. This episode originally aired Thursday, September 12 2024 on JOY. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions to wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at Thorne Harbour Health and in South Australia at SAMESH

In light of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we're talking all about mental health for our diverse communities. Bron Lawman tells us about the importance of integrating mental health support into other health services, such as HIV and sexual health care. As Thorne Harbour Health's Director of Therapeutic Services in Victoria, Bron has a wealth of experience as a mental health nurse, having worked across several services in both Queensland and Victoria. We also hear from Sharna Ciotti about the positive impact to come from the introduction of Thorne Harbour SA's Specialist LGBTIQA+ Mental Health Service, and the unique challenges our diverse communities face in South Australia. Sharna is the Manager of Therapeutic Services at Thorne Harbour SA and shares advice on other mental health professionals who are looking to work with LGBTIQA+ communities. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Dr Nneka Nwokolo is an expert in HIV and menopause, women's sexual and reproductive health, contraception, and more. She is the Global Head of Patient Affairs at ViiV Healthcare and is committed to being at the forefront of raising awareness and understanding of little-discussed but important issues, helping people to live their healthiest lives. Jack and Joel speak with Nneka about: What menopause is, the symptoms, and when it happens Treatment options for menopause, and why some are over- or under-prescribed How HIV and menopause change in the presence of the other Some common experiences that women living with HIV face when seeking a diagnosis and treatment for menopause, and more Ann Maccarrone, ViiV Healthcare's Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager also joins us as we discuss the recent ASHM and IUSTI Conferences. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.

Senior Financial counsellor and David Williams Fund coordinator, Lynda Horn joins us to discuss financial literacy and financial counselling for our diverse communities. Joel and Cal speak with Lynda about: What the David Williams Fund actually is What exactly a financial counsellor does How financial counselling fits into the broader health of PLHIV and LGBTIQ+ communities, and more Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there's something you'd like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.