Building steppingstones to a better future

Joanne Lockwood is joined by broadcaster and presenter Rachel Oliver, a dual UK–Australian national who describes Australia as home and reflects on the winding path that brought her back to the UK. Rachel shares how a background in nursing and an unexpected TV appearance opened a door into radio and podcasting, where she now writes and produces her own shows.

At the heart of the conversation is Rachel’s “stepping stones” idea: how today’s trans people inherit progress built by earlier generations and, in turn, create a safer, fairer future for those who come next. Joanne and Rachel discuss what it can feel like to live under increasing scrutiny, why debates about legal recognition and self-identification matter, and how non-binary people are still constrained by binary documentation systems.

They also explore the personal side of transition and authenticity: the long period many people spend resisting or repressing who they are, the relief that can come with medical transition, and the shift in perspective that follows when privilege changes. The episode closes with practical reflections on navigating the world as a trans person, including travel safety and the everyday anxiety that can arise in public spaces like toilets, alongside a wider call for solidarity across the LGBTQ+ community and for allies to stay engaged.