Emil shares how cultural stigma around mental health in the Filipino community made it difficult to ask for help and delayed their journey to accessing support. They explain how finding a queer, culturally affirming psychologist helped them feel understood, highlighting the importance of inclusive care and encouraging others to seek support when they need it.

Carlos reflects on growing up queer in a conservative mining town in Chile, where a lack of representation and stigma affected their self-esteem and made it difficult to seek support. They share how finding community, staying active and accessing inclusive mental health care have helped them build resilience and feel more connected to themselves and others.

Sang shares how growing up as a queer Chinese-Cambodian Australian shaped their sense of identity, belonging and mental health, particularly while navigating racism, cultural expectations and limited representation. They reflect on the importance of finding community, embracing both their cultural and queer identities, and seeking trusted support to foster connection and wellbeing.

Bridget reflects on growing up in a multicultural Greek and Indonesian family, where conversations about mental health were often shaped by cultural stigma and language barriers. They share how community, food and collective care have helped them feel connected, while highlighting the importance of culturally inclusive mental health support.

Boudie shares how growing up in Egypt and later migrating to Australia shaped their mental health journey, from struggling to find understanding and support to navigating isolation in a new country. They reflect on the importance of culturally responsive care and feeling seen without having to repeatedly explain their identity and experiences.

Hao reflects on growing up in China and navigating expectations around gender, sexuality and identity, while learning to embrace being a queer woman on their own terms. They share how challenging societal pressures and finding confidence in themselves has strengthened their sense of identity and wellbeing.

Masa shares how growing up in Japan influenced the way they view mental health, sexuality and the importance of maintaining harmony with those around them. They reflect on the challenges of discussing mental health and being gay in a culture where stigma remains, while highlighting the value of supportive friendships and more open conversations.

Jordan reflects on growing up in a Greek and Macedonian family, where resilience and hard work often took precedence over conversations about mental health. They share how seeking support for depression and anxiety helped them better understand their experiences, highlighting the importance of recognising mental health challenges and reaching out for help.

Sasja shares how growing up in a Muslim Malay family in Singapore shaped their experience of gender identity, faith and mental health, and reflects on the challenges of finding acceptance from both their family and community. They describe how reconnecting with their faith, building a strong chosen family and seeking professional support helped them navigate anxiety and embrace who they are.

Latoya reflects on growing up between New Zealand, Samoa and Australia, sharing how cultural attitudes towards gender diversity, family and mental health shaped their experiences. They highlight the strength of community, the unwavering support of their mother and the importance of creating space for more open conversations about mental health.

Filippa shares how moving from Sweden to Melbourne helped them embrace their identity and find a strong sense of belonging within the queer wrestling community. They reflect on navigating the pressures of gender expectations and the male gaze, highlighting how supportive, inclusive spaces have strengthened their confidence and wellbeing.

Fidan reflects on growing up in Cyprus and Türkiye, where stigma surrounding mental health made it difficult to seek support despite experiencing challenges from a young age. They share how finding an affirming mental health professional after a harmful experience helped them better understand themselves, underscoring the importance of inclusive, evidence-based care.

Featured Dish: Palusami (coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves, accompanied by boiled green banana).

Featured Dish: Babi Asam (pork in tamarind sauce).

Featured Dish: Varaoa Karo (sweet coconut bread).

Featured Dish: Arepas (traditional Colombian flatbread).

Featured Dish: Dhall Tarka (chickpea curry).

Featured Dish: Oka (Raw fish salad).

Featured Dish: Kwati (Nepalese Bean Soup).