Pride in Respect Podcast - Episode 2: Older LGBTIA+: Silence, Survival & Structural Isolation

A quick note on terminology: For this episode, we use the term LGBTIA+ when referring to older community members (generally 50+). This reflects the language many people in this cohort are most familiar and comfortable with, particularly given that terms like “queer” have historically been used as slurs. We recognise that no single acronym can fully capture the diversity of genders, sexualities, bodies and experiences across our communities. You may also hear different acronym variations used across this episode or series. Our aim is to be as responsive as possible to language shifts across contexts, communities and generations.

In this episode host Dr Jack Farrugia speaks with Kedy Krystal and Paul about the experiences of older LGBTIA+ people and the ways family, domestic, sexual and intimate partner violence can show up across a lifetime.

Together, they explore how criminalisation, homophobia, transphobia, religious rejection, stigma, shame and service discrimination shape the lives of older LGBTIA+ people and create barriers to safety, support and connection later in life.

Paul shares powerful lived-experience reflections on hiding who he was, losing friends after coming out, surviving intimate partner violence, navigating shame and learning to trust his instincts. Kedy brings decades of experience in the FDV sector and speaks to the urgent need for aged care, health, legal and support services to better understand and respond to older LGBTIA+ people.

This conversation highlights why it's important to recognise elder abuse, listen to older LGBTIA+ voices and create safe pathways for people to speak about abuse without fear, shame or erasure.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The lifelong impact of criminalisation, homophobia and stigma, and why shame & silence can make it harder to seek help
• The fear many older LGBTIA+ people feel about aged care and support services
• How intimate partner violence can be hidden or normalised in LGBTIA+ relationships
• The importance of chosen family, community connection and safe services
• How we can better support older LGBTIA+ people to live with dignity, safety and respect

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

For 24/7 family and domestic violence counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

LGBTIQA+ specialist FDV support is available through the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212.

In Western Australia, contact the Pride in Respect Specialist FDV Support Service on 0481 080 201.

For more information, support links and campaign resources, visit www.prideinrespect.org.au

About Pride in Respect

Pride in Respect is a community partnership between Living Proud, GRAI, Transfolk WA and WAAC, generously funded by the Department of Communities.

This podcast was produced by Pineapple Fingers. Visit www.pineapplefingers.com.au for more information.

If this conversation was meaningful to you, please subscribe, share the episode, or pass it on to someone who may need it.

The Pride in Respect podcast is recorded on Whadjuk Noongar boodja. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation and their Elders past and present as the traditional custodians of this land. We also honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ people, including Brotherboys, Sistergirls and trans mob, and recognise their resilience, strength and deep connection to Country.

Episode 1: Disrupting Invisibility, why LGBTIQA+ violence goes unrecognised

In the first episode of the Pride in Respect podcast, host Dr Jack Farrugia is joined by Kai Noonan, Director of Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Prevention at LGBTIQA+ Health Australia, and Bree, a survivor-advocate who shares her lived experience of domestic and intimate partner violence.

Together, they explore how family, domestic, sexual and intimate partner violence exists in LGBTIQA+ communities, including the ways it is often misunderstood, overlooked or not recognised at all. This episode unpacks the myths and assumptions that can make it harder for people to recognise and identify abuse, seek support, or be believed.

Bree reflects on her own experience of coercive control, isolation and recognising abuse over time, while Kai offers deep insight into the patterns, warning signs and systemic barriers that continue to affect LGBTIQA+ people experiencing violence. The conversation also highlights the importance of visibility, inclusive services, community education, and the role all of us can play in interrupting violence and supporting others safely.

This is a powerful and compassionate opening episode about breaking the silence, challenging stereotypes, and making sure LGBTIQA+ people experiencing violence are seen, heard and supported.

• Why violence in LGBTIQA+ communities is often overlooked
• How coercive control, isolation and emotional abuse can build over time
• The myths and stereotypes that stop people recognising abuse
• Bree’s lived experience of domestic and intimate partner violence
• Why inclusive, affirming support services matter
• What friends, family and communities can do to respond safely
• Why visibility and awareness are critical to preventing violence

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

For 24/7 family and domestic violence counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

LGBTIQA+ specialist FDV support is available through the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212.

In Western Australia, you can contact the Pride and Respect Specialist FDV Support Service on 0481 080 201.

For more information, support links and campaign resources, visit www.prideinrespect.org.au

About Pride in Respect

Pride in Respect is a community partnership between Living Proud, GRAI, Transfolk WA and WAAC, and generously funded by the Department of Communities.

This podcast was proudly produced by Pineapple Fingers. Visit www.pineapplefingers.com.au for more information.

If this conversation was meaningful to you, please subscribe, share the episode, or pass it on to someone who may need it.

The Pride and Respect podcast is recorded on Whadjuk Noongar booja. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation and their elders past and present as the traditional custodians of this land. We also honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ people including brother boys, sister girls and trans mob and recognise their resilience, strength and deep connection to country.