Well, Well, Well

The City of Yarra is partnering with VicHealth to kick off Dry July with Somewhere Sober – a place for connection and conversation around the relationship between queer social spaces and alcohol. This is a relaxed, welcoming event for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies who are sober, sober-curious, or simply keen to explore social spaces that don’t revolve around drinking. For a primo showcase of sober (and sober-curious) LGBTQIA+ comedians and artists, check out the event on the City of Yarra website 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 [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

This week on Well Well Well, we’re joined by Alex Lopez and Derryn Pert from Pelvic Health Melbourne to talk about all things pelvic health — what it is, why it matters, and how it shows up differently for different people. We’ll explore the unique concerns across our LGBTIQA+ communities, including for gay and bi men, lesbian and bi women, and trans and gender diverse people.  

This week on Well Well Well, we explore the power of play and life-saving health interventions. Dr Phoebe Toups Dugas from Monash University joins us to discuss how games can be more than just entertainment—they can be spaces for identity exploration, community building, and inclusion for trans and queer players. We dive into what makes a game truly inclusive, how queer and trans gamers are shaping the future of game design, and why representation behind the scenes matters. Then, we turn our focus to harm reduction with Linda Cowan from Thorne Harbour Health, who breaks down everything you need to know about Naloxone—how it works, how to access it, and how this simple intervention can save lives in the face of Australia’s ongoing overdose crisis. TGD Gaming Resources:  Published Papers: Designed & Discovered Euphoria: Insights from Trans-Femme Players' Experiences of Gender Euphoria in Video Games Analyzing Trans (Mis)Representation in Video Games to Remediate Gender Dysphoria Triggers Games Discus

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 [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Find

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-la

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at thorneharbour.org and in South Australia at samesh.org.au.