“Finding your Tribe” with Jane Marsden

Click Here to Watch Interview with Jane Marsden

May 17 marks IDAHOBIT — the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. It is a day that reminds us of the importance of visibility, advocacy, safety, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ people and communities.

To mark the occasion, Dr Nick Marsden had the privilege of speaking with Jane Marsden, known to him as “Aunty Nane”, a lifelong advocate and activist within Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community. Nane has spent decades championing inclusion and connection through her work with organisations including Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Star Observer, and The Aurora Group. During Sydney World Pride, she was recognised as one of Australia’s “Rainbow Champions”.

In this conversation, Nane shares her experiences of growing up feeling different, navigating depression and identity, and eventually finding community and belonging. One of the most powerful reflections from this discussion was this idea that “you find your tribe and you grow, and you allow yourself to flourish.”

For psychologists, counsellors, educators, and mental health clinicians, this interview is an important reminder that supporting LGBTQIA+ young people involves much more than focusing on the individual alone. Young people exist within broader systems – families, schools, peer groups, sporting clubs, online spaces, and communities – all of which can either support or undermine a sense of safety and identity.

This conversation explores the importance of considering the environment surrounding a young person and asking questions such as:

• Does this young person feel safe to be themselves?
• Do they experience acceptance and belonging within their family, school, or peer group?
• Who are the people and communities helping them feel seen and understood?
• What barriers might exist to connection, affirmation, or support?

Nane also shares thoughtful insights into the protective role of community, connection, and representation for LGBTQIA+ youth mental health. Her reflections highlight how powerful it can be for young people to find spaces where they feel accepted, celebrated, and able to flourish authentically.

This interview offers valuable reflections for anyone supporting young people in Wollongong and the Illawarra and serves as a reminder that affirmation, belonging, and community are not “extras” – they are central to wellbeing.

Link to interview here.