In this episode of Through Their Eyes, Justin shares his experience of growing up in a conservative Christian environment, where he struggled to reconcile his sexuality with the beliefs and expectations surrounding him. He reflects on feeling different from a young age, learning to hide parts of himself to fit in, and the emotional toll of constantly questioning how he spoke, acted and presented himself to the world. For years, he carried the weight of feeling that something about him needed to change.

Justin speaks openly about coming to terms with his sexuality in his late twenties, after years of trying to suppress his feelings and praying for them to go away. He shares the challenges of building a life that appeared happy and successful while feeling disconnected from his authentic self, and the profound turning point that came when he realised his faith and sexuality did not have to be mutually exclusive. He also reflects on coming out to his friends, sister and parents, and the importance of the love and support that helped him feel seen and heard, even when acceptance was complicated.

Together with Leanne, the conversation explores the impact of religious exclusion, the mental health challenges that can come from hiding who you are, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves. Justin offers thoughtful advice to families supporting someone who has come out: approach conversations gently, ask questions with genuine curiosity, and listen before speaking. Above all, he reminds us that love, patience and understanding can help deepen connections and make it possible for people to live more authentically.

In this episode of Through Their Eyes, Nate shares his deeply personal experience of growing up in a conservative Christian environment, where the expectations placed on him created a growing divide between who he was and the person he felt he needed to be. He reflects on learning from an early age to play a role for his family, church and community, and how years of hiding parts of himself eventually left him feeling isolated from both others and himself.

Nate speaks openly about marrying young, building what appeared to be a happy and successful life, and still feeling that something was missing. He shares the process of first identifying as bisexual, coming out to his wife, and the difficult mental health crisis that followed as he continued to grapple with the gap between who he was and who he felt able to admit he was. He also reflects on the small moments of love and acceptance that helped him realise people could see and care for him, even when he wasn't ready to share his full story.

Together with Leanne, the conversation explores the complicated relationship between faith, sexuality and belonging, and the lasting impact that exclusion can have when it comes from communities that are meant to provide safety and acceptance. Nate also reflects on the burden of constantly masking and adapting to different environments, and the importance of eventually finding the courage and support to live more authentically.

In this episode of Through Their Eyes, Lu shares her experience of realising she was attracted to women, finding comfort in LGBTQIA+ representation, and eventually coming out to her parents at around 16. She reflects on the uncertainty and fear she felt beforehand, and how her mother’s immediate warmth and willingness to learn helped create a safe and supportive environment.

Lu speaks openly about what genuine acceptance looks like, the importance of being listened to, and why respectful questions can help families better understand each other. She also explores the stereotypes and expectations placed on LGBTQIA+ people, particularly around marriage and having children, and why happiness and safety should matter more than following a traditional path.

Together with Ronish, the conversation explores how parents can support their children while still learning and making mistakes along the way. Lou offers an important message to parents: it’s okay to get things wrong, but when your child corrects you, listen and make the effort to get it right. Above all, she reminds parents that coming out does not change who their child is and that they are still the same person they have always loved.