For our final episode of Season 7, we’re thrilled to welcome clinical psychologist and lived-experience speaker Lumen Gorrie (they/them) to speak with us about gender diversity. Lumen is a queer, trans, multiply neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled person based in Naarm. They’re passionate about neurodivergence, gender, queerness, disability, accessibility, and (in their words) “neuroqueering the heck out of things!”

In this expansive conversation, Lumen shares what neurodivergence means to them, their path to self-discovery, and how gender, neurodivergence, and identity intersect. We explore gender-affirming care, inclusive language, and the impact of stereotypes—plus Lumen’s personal reflections on gender dysphoria, eating disorders, and reclaiming identity.

This week, Monique chats with Avril Fazel about living in regional, rural, and remote areas as a neurodivergent person. Avril lives on the lands of the Kuungkari, Bidjera and Inningai peoples, between the rural towns of Blackall and Tambo in outback Queensland. She identifies as an intersectional feminist with lived experiences in mental illness and neurodivergence, and her social discourse is influenced by her backgrounds in education, community work, and being a local grazier.

Together, Monique and Avril explore Avril’s journey to an Autism diagnosis at 50, the challenges of accessing services in remote areas, the relationship between neurodivergence and rural living, and the beauty of community and nature. Avril also shares her experiences as a teacher, how she supports neurodivergent learners, and what her current special interests are.

This week we’re speaking to Patricia Gallagher about domestic and family violence. Patricia is a neuro-affirming registered psychologist, EMDR Accredited Practitioner with EMDRAA, and a Board Approved Supervisor, with over 16 years of experience across diverse settings. Patricia’s niche is in working with women affected by domestic violence, family violence, and childhood trauma; supporting them to heal and rise above the ashes of shame and trauma.

In this conversation, we explore what neurodivergence means to Patricia, the definitions and forms of abuse including covert abuse and coercive control, the cycle of abuse, barriers to leaving, and the shark cage exercise for boundary building. Patricia also shares her approach to supporting recovery and offers practical tips and resources for those currently experiencing abuse.