Pride in Respect Podcast - Episode 4: Queer Young People, Family Violence and Healthy Relationships

In this episode of the Pride in Respect Podcast, host Dr Jack Farrugia is joined by Marcus Roberts and Dani Wright-Toussaint for a thoughtful conversation about LGBTIQA+ young people’s experiences of family violence, intimate partner violence, growing up, coming out and learning what safe relationships can look like. Marcus is the Principal Counsellor in WAAC’s Freedom Counselling Program, supporting LGBTIQA+ young people across Western Australia. Dani is the Youth Services Manager for Mental Health Programs at Perth Inner City Youth Service, supporting young people who have experienced family violence, intimate partner violence, homelessness and mental health challenges. Together, they explore how family violence can show up for LGBTIQA+ young people, including rejection, being kicked out of home, being denied or controlled around gender-affirming care, financial control, pressure around disclosure, isolation from peers and the impact of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, cisnormativity and heteronormativity within families and relationships. The conversation also looks at the blurry line between care, control and harm. For young people, it can be difficult to identify when parental concern or relationship behaviour becomes controlling or unsafe, especially when it is framed as love, protection or “wanting what is best”. Marcus and Dani speak about how healthy relationships are learned, why queer young people need affirming spaces and role models, and how families can create safer environments by listening, learning, making room for mistakes and not placing the burden of education on young people. This episode is a compassionate and practical discussion about safety, autonomy, connection and the importance of helping LGBTIQA+ young people feel seen, respected and supported. In this episode, we discuss: How family violence can affect LGBTIQA+ young people The impacts of rejection, homelessness and unsafe family environments Control around gender-affirming care, medication, money and disclosure How power and control can be disguised as love or protection Why healthy relationship education matters for queer young people The role of queer spaces, peer connection and affirming role models How homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and cisnormativity shape family dynamics Why parents, carers and adults need to do their own learning How families can create safer environments for young people to come out and be themselves Services available through Freedom and Perth Inner City Youth Service If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 family, domestic and sexual 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 in Respect Specialist FDV Support Service on 0481 080 201. For more information, resources and support links, visit ⁠prideandrespect.org.au⁠. 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 proudly produced by Pineapple Fingers. Visit ⁠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 support. 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.