LGBTIQ+ Health Australia Presents: The Latest

In this episode, we speak with Jain Moralee, CEO of Twenty10, about the impacts of the social media ban on young LGBTIQ+ people. Drawing on Twenty10’s frontline work, Jain reflects on what young people are saying in the wake of the ban, particularly the loss of connection, affirmation and access to trusted information at a critical time in their lives. Jain shares a question raised by a young person that cuts to the heart of the issue: why are young people being punished for the actions of a minority who bully online, while the enormous social media organisations themselves are not being required to take responsibility for the safety of their users? The conversation explores how this sense of unfairness is compounding feelings of exclusion and powerlessness, and why policy responses must better balance protection with participation, accountability and care. The episode also looks at what meaningful alternatives can look like, including the importance of safe, well-moderated spaces designed with young people, rather than imposed on them. Jain outlines how Twenty10 is responding, and what young people need right now from governments, platforms and the broader community.   Twenty10 proudly runs a series of free, accessible events across in-person and online formats for young people aged 12 to 25. These programs create safe, affirming spaces for connection, support and shared learning. For more information about Twenty10’s youth services, groups and programs, visit: https://twenty10.org.au/youth-services-groups-and-programs-in-person/ Twenty10 also uses Padlet to share information, updates and resources with young people. From there you can also access Twenty10’s new online space for LGBTIQA+ folks aged 16 & under: https://padlet.com/twenty10   This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 32: Jain Moralee appeared first on The Latest.

In this episode of The Latest, we’re joined by Professor Nadine Ezard, one of Australia’s leading voices in harm reduction and public health. With more than 30 years’ experience, Professor Ezard is the inaugural Director of the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCRED) at UNSW and Clinical Director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. We explore how stigma and structural barriers continue to shape drug and alcohol services – particularly for LGBTIQ+ people. Professor Ezard speaks candidly about the persistent gaps in data, treatment models, and the visibility of specific communities – including trans, bisexual and intersex people – in both research and care. From the “double stigma” of being LGBTIQ+ and having a substance use disorder, to the role of community-led responses, she calls for smarter, more compassionate approaches to drug education, and for a shift away from criminalisation toward evidence-based public health. We also unpack methamphetamine, GHB, and ketamine use in queer communities – and how understanding the difference between use and disorder is critical to reducing harm. Professor Ezard highlights the power of peer-led models, outlines key policy changes that could have the biggest impact, and shares a sneak peek into upcoming trials – including a world-first clinical treatment for methamphetamine withdrawal. This is an episode full of practical insights, compassionate care, and a call to centre lived experience in our health responses. It’s a must-listen for anyone working in LGBTIQ+ health, harm reduction, or community care.   Take home naloxone: saving lives through free access This episode contains reference to the Australian Government’s Take Home Naloxone (THN) program – a national initiative providing free access to naloxone for people at risk of opioid overdose and those likely to witness one. What is naloxone? Naloxone is a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, including those involving prescription opioids like oxycodone and morphine, as well as illicit opioids such as heroin. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, helping restore normal breathing until emergency medical assistance arrives. Naloxone can be administered via nasal spray or injection and is safe to use even if an opioid overdose is not confirmed. About the take home naloxone program Launched nationally in 2022, the THN program aims to reduce opioid-related harm by removing cost and access barriers. Under the program, naloxone is available free of charge and without a prescription at participating pharmacies and other approved sites across Australia. Who should carry naloxone? Anyone who uses opioids – whether prescribed or illicit – or who may witness an overdose should consider carrying naloxone. This includes family members, friends, carers, and frontline workers. With the increasing presence of potent synthetic opioids in various substances, broader access to naloxone is more important than ever. Where to get naloxone Naloxone is available at participating pharmacies, alcohol and other drug treatment centres, needle and syringe programs, and custodial release programs. To find your nearest provider, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website: (health.gov.au). How to use naloxone Naloxone is user-friendly, with clear instructions provided with each product. Training resources, including videos and modules, are available through the Australasian College of Pharmacy and other organisations. Remember, after administering naloxone, it’s crucial to call emergency services (000) immediately, as the medication’s effects are temporary. Further information For more details on the THN program, including resources and training materials, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s official page: (health.gov.au).   This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 30: Professor Nadine Ezard appeared first on The Latest.

The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. In this episode of The Latest, we are joined by Dr Chris Davis, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Clean Slate Clinic, a pioneering telehealth service that offers medically supervised alcohol detox from the comfort of home. With a background in general practice and extensive experience supporting people with drug and alcohol challenges, Dr Davis shares his commitment to making alcohol detox more accessible, safer, and free from stigma. He highlights the importance of ensuring that marginalised populations, including LGBTIQ+ people, have access to care that respects and understands their unique experiences. Dr Davis also speaks candidly about his personal journey, growing up in Northern England in the 1980s amidst internalised homophobia and his own struggles with alcohol moderation. He sheds light on the confronting reality that it can take, on average, 18 years from the onset of risky drinking to seeking professional help. This powerful conversation offers both insight and hope, demonstrating that it is possible to regain control and rebuild wellbeing at any stage. For anyone who wants to seek help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS). These are state and territory-based services that offer telephone counselling, information, referral and support. You can call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015. For local numbers, search ‘ADIS’ and the jurisdiction you’re in. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Pivot Point is a one-stop-shop for LGBTIQ community members who are looking for support in relation to their alcohol or drug use TouchBase is a national website providing information on alcohol and drug use as well as mental health and sexual health for LGBTI communities. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 28: Dr Chris Davis appeared first on The Latest.

The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. This episode of The Latest is a nostalgic celebration of lesbian and trans hotness, punk defiance and radical visibility. We’re joined by artist and activist Tiger Salmon, co-founder of Wicked Women, Australia’s first erotic zine by and for lesbians and trans people. First published in 1988, Wicked Women didn’t just disrupt norms, it seduced them, bringing community together, out of the shadows, and improving mental health by creating a powerful sense of connection, self-worth and pride at a time when queer lives were routinely ignored. Tiger’s recent project, Wicked Reboot, breathes new life into archival images from the zine, bringing their raw, sexy power into the present and inviting a new generation to see themselves reflected in queer history. Through this conversation, we celebrate the radical joy and political power of lesbian and trans desire, and the lasting legacy of those who dared to show it off. If this podcast has raised any issues you can contact QLife which provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTIQ+ community members across the country. Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au to access webchat. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 26: Tiger Salmon appeared first on The Latest.

The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat to Robyn Lambird, an Australian wheelchair racer and model. Robyn won a bronze medal in the Women’s 100m T34 at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, becoming the first out non-binary athlete to compete at the Paralympics, and won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Paralympics. Robyn was also the first person in a wheelchair to be featured in one of Target’s active-wear campaigns. They have modelled for Tommy Hilfiger, Bonds and ModiBodi. In chatting with Robyn, we discover their personal journey, their unique challenges as a non-binary athlete with a disability, and how their advocacy work has led to increased visibility for LGBTIQ+ people with a disability in the sporting field. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 24: Robyn Lambird appeared first on The Latest.

Content note: This episode may cover topics you find uncomfortable or triggering. Support is available: QLife provides Australia-wide, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au, every day between 3pm and midnight. The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat to Scott, Penguin Keeper at Sea Life Aquarium about their same-sex penguin couple, Sphen & Magic. Sphen and Magic began developing a strong bond in 2018 and became inseparable before breeding season. As breeding season fast approached, the couple started collecting ‘pebbles’ to create a nest in their spot, and now have more pebbles than any other couple! Swapping duties daily, while one of the parents is doing their best to incubate the egg, the other is patrolling the perimeters of the nest, warding off any potential pebble thieves or over-inquisitive neighbours. The team at Sea Life Sydney fostered a real egg to them from another couple who had two. In October of 2018, the two successfully hatched baby Sphengic! Today, the couple is still going strong and has paired up for a third breeding season! This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 22: Sphen & Magic – Sea Life appeared first on The Latest.

Content note: This episode may cover topics you find uncomfortable or triggering. Support is available: QLife provides Australia-wide, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au, every day between 3pm and midnight. The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat with Natasha Stretton and Lily Hayward who are part of the Walkern Katatdjin project team at Telethon Kids Institute, based in Western Australia. Natasha is a Research Support Officer, with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Population Health, and Human Geography and Planning. Lily is a Noongar Yorga, a Research Assistant at Telethon Kids and is studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Linguistics. They both joined The Latest to discuss the importance of the national research project, Walkern Katatdjin, which aims to understand and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOY’s services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 20: Natasha Stretton and Lily Hayward appeared first on The Latest.

Content note: This episode may cover topics you find uncomfortable or triggering. Support is available: QLife provides Australia-wide, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au, every day between 3pm and midnight. The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat with Kathryn Gill, Australian soccer player and the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Professional Footballers Australia. Kathryn became the first female to be appointed to the PFA Executive Committee in 2014. We talk about Kathryn’s career, her work as Director of Pride Cup, as well as legislation and guidelines informing trans inclusion in sport. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOYs services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 18: Kathryn Gill appeared first on The Latest.

Content note: This episode may cover topics you find uncomfortable or triggering. Support is available: QLife provides Australia-wide, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au, every day between 3pm and midnight. The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and well-being hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat with Maria Thattil, Miss Universe Australia 2020, contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, media personality, writer, speaker, and digital creator. Maria joins us on The Latest to talk to host Triana about bisexual representation and advocacy as well as her recently released book Unbounded. The two delve into Maria’s past, her family life, and why she felt so empowered to come out publically. They discuss the challenges facing the bisexual community and what steps the individual can take to advocate for change even if that’s just amongst their personal circles of influence. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOYs services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 16: Maria Thattil appeared first on The Latest.

Content note: This episode may cover topics you find uncomfortable or triggering. Support is available: QLife provides Australia-wide, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au, every day between 3pm and midnight. The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and wellbeing hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. On this episode, we chat with Jelly O’Shea, the Community and Communications Manager for Intersex Aotearoa. She also holds an executive role on the IPSA (Intersex Peer Support Australia) Board, among other positions. Jelly shares details on her work with intersex advocacy. She discusses issues related to the intersex community, discusses medicine and health policies, cultural impact, and much more. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOYs services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 14: Jelly O’Shea from Intersex Aotearoa appeared first on The Latest.

NOTE: A transcript of this episode can be found HERE The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and wellbeing hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. In December the Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society or ARCSHS, and the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University, released a report entitled “Violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of LGBTQA+ people with disability: a secondary analysis of data from two national surveys”. The report is a sobering reminder of the significant challenges and disparities that LGBTQA+ people with disability experience, especially when other intersections of marginalisation are considered. On this episode of The Latest, host Triana Butler is joined by Associate Professor, Adam Bourne (he/him), the Acting Director of ARCSHS, and Margherita Coppolino (she/her), a disability and inclusion consultant. This podcast episode explores themes and issues that may cause distress. If this episode raises any issues, you can contact QLife which provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support. QLife services are free and available over the phone or on webchat: call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au. Alternatively, you can contact the Blue Knot National Counselling and Referral Service for support on issues surrounding the Disability Royal Commission on 1800 421 468 or visit blueknot.org.au. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. For more information about JOYs services, visit joy.org.au/services The post Episode 12: LGBTIQ+ Disability Research Report appeared first on The Latest.

The Latest in LGBTIQ+ Health and Policy is a podcast that brings you the health and wellbeing hot topic discussions that matter to LGBTIQ+ people. Pride and Pandemic is a study conducted by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, in conjunction with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, exploring the experiences of the LGBTIQ+ community during the pandemic. It will explore mental health and wellbeing impacts, and personal, interpersonal and community strategies to mitigate these impacts. This podcast was produced by JOY Media – Australia’s Rainbow Community Media Organisation. The post Episode 10: Pride & Pandemic appeared first on The Latest.