Season 2 of The Pridefinder Podcast launches on Friday, January 17, 2025!
Pridefinder – The Rainbow Road Trip was a travelling podcast project commissioned during the 2023 and 2024 Midsumma Festival as part of the State Government's initiative, Victoria’s Pride.
Join us as we continue exploring the unique stories of regionally living LGBTQIA+ Victorians. Produced by Helene Thomas (https://www.thewayfinder.com.au/), this season deepens the journey, highlighting new voices and experiences that resonate with authenticity, courage, and pride.
Tune in to hear powerful stories of hope, resilience, and community as we celebrate diversity across Victoria’s queer community.
Catch new episodes every Friday to Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform, and join us in celebrating the beauty and strength of regional LGBTQIA+ voices in Victoria.
Original jingle and underscoring music written, composed, recorded and produced by Mieke Louise, a queer singer/songwriter and advocate from regional Victoria. You can find out more about Mieke's coming music releases on their instagram @miekesmusik (https://www.instagram.com/miekesmusik)or on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/track/6lfpTye1oCn6vvLdQSKYn7?si=f3c370e2103b472e)
Merle (she/her) is a 75-year-old activist, athlete, and proud lesbian living in Bendigo, Victoria.
In this episode, Merle shares her incredible journey of resilience, from leading strikes for equal pay in the late 1960s to competing in the Gay Games in Amsterdam and Sydney. Growing up in Echuca, she lived the life expected of her—marrying a man and raising children—before finally embracing her true self. Merle reflects on the challenges of coming out in a time when being openly gay was dangerous, the discrimination she faced in Melbourne’s lesbian scene, and her decades of advocacy for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. With a lifetime of stories, activism, and hard-won victories, Merle’s journey is a testament to the power of visibility and standing up for what’s right.
Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, discrimination, and discussions of past legal persecution of LGBTQIA+ people.
21 Aug 2025
Rhys - Wangaratta
Rhys (they/them) is an arts therapist, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and board member of LINE Wangaratta, working to create safer spaces in regional Victoria.
In this episode, Rhys shares their journey of self-discovery and self-love, reflecting on the significant changes they’ve made since their last appearance on the podcast. They open up about the deeply personal decision to change their name as part of reclaiming their identity, setting boundaries, and healing from past trauma. Rhys also discusses the evolving work of LINE Wangaratta, the challenges of social change in regional communities, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the face of local resistance. With a focus on resilience, community care, and the power of language, Rhys’s story is one of transformation and hope.
Trigger Warnings: Childhood trauma, name change related to past abuse, and discussions of discrimination.
7 Aug 2025
Shelley - Yallourn North
Shelley (she/her) is a proud trans woman from Yallourn North, Victoria, who is finally living life on her own terms.
In this episode, Shelley shares her journey of self-acceptance, coming out as a trans woman at 51 after decades of suppressing her true identity. She reflects on growing up in the 70s and 80s, facing relentless transphobia, and the deep losses she endured, including losing long-term friends and family members after coming out. Despite these challenges, Shelley stands strong today, embracing the joy of authenticity. She discusses her experiences with resilience, self-love, and the importance of community support in regional Victoria.
Trigger Warnings: Transphobia, discrimination, family rejection, depression, and discussions of suicide.
Who has been a guest on Pridefinder: The Rainbow Road Trip Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Clinton
Hailey
Liam
Cass
Sav
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
72,421
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
69
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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