Pride for me is partly about finding a context where I feel safe to be myself and explore, without perceived judgement or pressure. To be true to myself, to realise my feelings are not a scary thing and it’s a part of me. To be able to be alone when needed. Also being able to advocate for myself is a core strength. I’m a recent arrival to rural areas, having moved to Bendigo in Feb 21. This community has helped me to grow a lot. It’s close-knit, inclusive, with encouraging community members. I didn’t feel a sense of belonging in the massive queer community in Melbourne. There are too many options there, it was hard to find one where I could build long term connections. ‘TGD Bendigo’, while relatively new and volunteer based, has a few core members who are very welcoming and encouraging. I chose to leave China four years ago because I needed space away from the people that I grew up with in order to find my true self. While most Australians are more progressive on LGBTQI+ fronts than in China, it can still be hard here. In Bendigo, rather than moving away to find an established queer environment, some TGD folks have tried to improve our local social context, because they love it here. It’s a courageous thing to do.