Well, Well, Well

Finding Belonging Through Volunteering – National Volunteer Week

Joel sits down with volunteers Phoebe and Leo to explore the power of giving back to the community in light of National Volunteer Week. Phoebe shares her journey from a university student seeking purpose to a researcher supporting LGBTQ+ women’s health. Leo discusses finding a safe haven in Melbourne after living in regions where queerness is criminalised. We discuss how volunteering acts as a kind of “mental gym” that breaks down social isolation and fosters genuine human connection across diverse backgrounds. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell [http://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 [http://thorneharbour.org] and samesh.org.au [http://samesh.org.au]

Women Deliver Conference Reflections

After the 2026 Women Deliver conference in Melbourne, we discuss what real inclusion looks like – does it mean simply inviting diverse voices to an existing table or dismantling the structure itself? Rachel and Jordan in Melbourne are joined by Nikki Sullivan in Adelaide to explore the tension between tokenistic representation and the power of strategic coalition building across identity lines. We also explore the presence of colonial and military frameworks within a feminist space, the unique visibility of intersex voices, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed identity politics toward issue-based alliances. 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

Connect: HIV Self Test Vending goes National

We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services. Connect’s innovative approach of offering free, discreet, and convenient testing through strategically placed machines has proven remarkably successful, with pilot data showing strong community uptake and overwhelmingly positive user feedback. The national rollout now spans multiple states and territories, with local project officers ensuring the program adapts to regional needs and community preferences. Jack, Jordan, and Joel also reflect on Thorne Harbour Health’s internal knowledge sharing FRIDA conference. 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

Regional Communities Missing Out On Vital Hepatitis Care

Regional communities face unique challenges when it comes to Hepatitis, other blood borne viruses (BBV), and sexual health, including access to services, workforce capacity, stigma, and visibility. In light of this, LiverWell and Thorne Harbour Country are running a forum focused on strengthening healthcare workforce practices in Bendigo and surrounding communities. This forum aims to take a practical approach, recognising that factors like regionality, sexuality, gender, culture and migration status all shape health outcomes. On Well Well Well, we speak often about stigmatising experiences for LGBTIQA+ communities and people living with HIV in healthcare settings. In much the same vein, healthcare workers admit to treating patients negatively that have engaged in sex work, are living with Hepatitis, or have injected drugs, according to LiverWell. We’re joined this episode by Jon Kok from LiverWell to break down the reality of stigma for these cohorts, how intersectional identities can present additional challenges, how LiverWell’s ‘StreetShot’ art project with Minus18 can help to visualise these issues, and why regional voices are essential to the solution. 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

Inquiry into LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes

Over 35 arrests have been made by Victoria Police regarding LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes and coordinated online attacks against gay and bi+ guys. These incidents, often facilitated by dating apps, have prompted a formal parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes across the state. This episode features detailed insights from Victoria Police, Equality Australia, and La Trobe University’s ARCSHS on current reporting trends and safety protocols. Learn exactly how the inquiry process works, why community evidence is vital for future policy, and how to make a submission before the May 1 deadline. 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