Can you tell us why you were excited to take on the role of QLD Events Coordinator, and what you're most looking forward to?

When I saw the QLD Events Coordinator role, it felt like a meant-to-be-moment. As a later-in-life queer mum, I know how important it is to have spaces where LGBTQ+ families feel seen and connected.

I’m excited to create events where kids see families like theirs, parents find their village, and we all get to celebrate our beautiful community. This role is so aligned with my heart, and I’m grateful to be part of something that truly makes a difference! 

You came out as a lesbian later in life, how has that journey changed your life, and what has been the most surprising or rewarding part of it?

Coming out as a lesbian later in life completely reshaped my world in ways I never could have imagined. It wasn’t just about who I love, it was about stepping into my most authentic self after years of trying to fit into a life that never quite felt right. The most surprising part?  How free I feel now. Even through the hard parts, the grief, the big changes, the uncertainty, there’s been this deep sense of alignment that I never had before. And the most rewarding? The incredible connections I’ve made. From finding love in a way I never thought possible to building a community of women who truly get it, it’s been life-changing.

It’s not always easy, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

You have a pretty active social media account where you help people navigate coming out later in life, what seeded that journey for you and what have you learned from it?

It all started because I was the one desperately searching for stories like mine. When I was questioning my sexuality, I went down endless rabbit holes, reading anything I could find from other women who had come out later in life. I’d send my ex husband  blog articles, trying to articulate feelings I couldn’t yet put into words. I just wanted to know I wasn’t alone. That’s why I share so openly now, because I know how isolating and confusing it can feel. What I’ve learned from this journey is that so many of us have walked similar paths, even if we thought we were the only ones. And the power of community? It’s everything. Seeing women find clarity, courage, and connection through my page has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

You have four children, was coming out as a lesbian challenging to explain to them and your family? Do you have any advice for others in a similar situation?

Coming out to my kids was one of the things I worried about most, but in the end, it was one of the most beautiful parts of my journey. We’ve always had open conversations about queer family and friends, and at one point, we even discussed me being a surrogate for my queer male best friend. So queerness was never an unfamiliar concept in our home.

I kept things simple, age-appropriate, and honest, focusing on reassuring them that our family was still strong and that they were loved unconditionally.

For anyone navigating this, my advice is to give yourself grace. Lead with love, be patient with yourself and others, and remember, your happiness and authenticity matter just as much as anyone else’s feelings.

How do you reflect on the way you've talked to your children about their family structure as they’ve grown older?

As my kids have grown, our conversations about family structure have naturally evolved too. From the very beginning, I’ve made sure they know that families come in all shapes and forms, and that love is what truly makes a family. Of course, kids have loads of questions, some serious, some funny, and some that make me pause for a second before answering! But every single one has been met with honesty, openness, and love. I’ve always encouraged them to express their thoughts and feelings, reassuring them that no matter what changes in our family dynamic, they are safe, supported, and deeply loved.

As they get older, these conversations continue to grow with them, and I’m grateful that we’ve built a foundation where they feel comfortable asking anything and knowing that our family, just like any other, is rooted in love.

What are your plans for bringing the QLD Rainbow Families community together, are there any exciting events or initiatives on the horizon?

Oh, there are so many exciting things in the works for our QLD Rainbow Families community! We’ve got some brand-new rainbow playground meetups coming, fun-filled picnics in the park, and of course, rainbow discos to get everyone dancing. Plus, you’ll be seeing Rainbow Families at as many local Pride events as we can possibly get to!

The goal is to create spaces where families can connect, kids can play, and we can all celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community. I can’t wait to bring these events to life and see all of our incredible families come together. Stay tuned, there’s so much more to come! 

Why is having a strong community so important when you’re part of a rainbow family, what have you found has made the transition smoother for you?

Having a strong community as a rainbow family is everything! It’s not just about support, it’s about belonging. Knowing there are other families who just get it, who share similar experiences, and who can offer advice, encouragement, or just a friendly chat at the playground makes such a difference.

For me, finding and building that community made the transition so much smoother. It helped me navigate the tough moments, gave my kids a sense of normalcy and connection, and reminded me that we’re not alone in this. Representation and visibility matter, and having spaces where we can all show up as our full, authentic selves is truly invaluable. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating more opportunities for rainbow families to connect and grow together! 

Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a parent, and how did you navigate them?

Being a parent is hands down one of the hardest (and most rewarding) jobs I’ve ever had. From the sleepless nights and constant broken sleep, to juggling school drop-offs while trying to time toddler naps just right, it’s a rollercoaster from day one. And then there’s that bittersweet feeling when they finally start school, like you’re both gaining freedom and losing a little piece of their babyhood all at once.

With four kids, ranging from 6 to 16, I feel like I’ve been in every stage of parenting at once, helping with high school assignments while making sure my youngest isn’t smuggling cars into his backpack. Every season brings new challenges, but for me, navigating them has always come back to finding balance, leaning on community, and accepting that sometimes, “good enough” is actually perfect.

Looking back, some of the biggest challenges were the ones I never saw coming, but they always taught me something in the end.

Are there any resources or support networks that you found particularly helpful during your journey?

Honestly, there weren’t a lot of “official” resources when I was going through my own journey, which is a big part of why I started creating them myself. There’s a real gap when it comes to support for women coming out later in life. For me, social media played a huge role, lesbian TikTok was a game changer. Seeing other women share their stories made me feel less alone and helped me put words to feelings I had buried for years.

I also spent a lot of time reading blog articles and personal stories from other late bloomers. Even though I couldn’t always find the exact answers I was looking for, just knowing other women had been through it too was reassuring. Because I couldn’t find the kind of space I needed, I created my own. My Facebook group, The Late Blooming Lounge, now has over 5,000 women from all over the world who are questioning, coming out, and supporting each other.

There are some forums and books out there, but mainstream resources are still pretty limited. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my journey, to be the representation I so desperately needed when I was in the thick of it.

One general parenting resource that had a huge impact on me, though not directly related to coming out, was the Good Inside Parenting Membership by Dr. Becky. I did the course last year, and while it’s not affiliated with LGBTQ+ topics, it completely transformed the way I parent.

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and yet we’re never really given a guidebook. This course helped me navigate tough moments with my kids, especially during such a big life transition. I’ve recommended it to so many parents because it’s valuable no matter your child’s age.