Danielle Laidley

Danielle Laidley is one of Australia’s most prominent transgender advocates. A former AFL player and one of the league’s youngest ever senior coaches, Danielle has a unique perspective and insight on the challenges and mental burden trangender people often bear, especially under public scrutiny.

Danielle’s powerful 2022 memoir ‘Don’t Look Away’ explores the lived experience of gender dysphoria, and how her transition holistically changed her life for good. Danielle has also worked in leadership and management capacity with the Australian Department of Justice, and now tours the country speaking on diversity and leadership.

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@daniellemaylaidley07

Steven Oliver is a descendant of the Kuku-Yalanji, Waanyi, Gangalidda, Woppaburra, Bundjalung and Biripi peoples. He rose to prominence with ABC’s ‘Black Comedy’, with other TV credits including ‘Faboriginal’ and ‘Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky’. Steven’s poetry is published in national and international poetry journals such as Ora Nui, Australian Poetry Journal, Solid Air, and Admissions. Steven has also hosted Sydney Mardi Gras for the ABC, toured with his own cabaret show, and performed from the Sydney Opera House to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Steven will share CARRY ALL MY HURT AWAY, a poem about the challenges of being in the public spotlight and the resulting impacts on mental health.

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@clarebowditch

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@clarebowditch