Karl reflects on his personal journey with alcohol, the moments that led him to re-evaluate his relationship with drinking, and the impact sobriety has had on his mental health, creativity, and sense of self. Together, we explore the pressures around alcohol in LGBTQIA+ culture, the complexities of stepping away from it, and the importance of finding support, boundaries, and compassion along the way.

This is a candid, thoughtful discussion about vulnerability, resilience, and choosing yourself; offered with openness and generosity, for anyone navigating similar questions around mental health, substance use, or wellbeing.

🌈Learn more about Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester at:

https://www.mindinsalford.org.uk/services/rainbow-mind/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Rainbow Mind Podcast, Stephen is joined by the brilliant Ali Bromley — forensic psychologist, Big Brother winner, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent and queer visibility — for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about identity, representation, and mental health.

Ali opens up about her time in the Big Brother house, sharing what it was like to navigate the public eye as a neurodivergent lesbian and how she stayed grounded in compassion throughout. Her reflections offer a powerful perspective on the importance of visibility and what it means to be truly seen.

We also explore the intersections of neurodivergence and queerness, and how these overlapping identities can impact mental wellbeing — from emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity to anxiety, depression, and the need for more nuanced conversations in mainstream media.

With warmth, clarity, and courage, Ali brings a vital voice to this ongoing series of conversations — reminding us that compassion, in all its forms, is essential to understanding and supporting both neurodiversity and queerness.

🌈 Learn more about Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester at:

https://www.mindinsalford.org.uk/services/rainbow-mind/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the premiere episode of The Rainbow Mind Podcast, we’re joined by cultural icon Dr Cheddar Gorgeous — acclaimed drag artist, academic, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist — for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about queer identity, gender, and mental health.

Cheddar reflects on their journey with drag as both art and activism, and how it has shaped their relationship to gender, vulnerability, and self-expression. Comfortable using he, she, or they pronouns, Cheddar challenges rigid definitions of identity and invites us to explore life beyond the boxes society places us in.

We also dive into masculinity, the realities of chemsex and addiction in the LGBTQIA+ community, and the impact of social media on connection and mental wellbeing.

With candidness, humour, and heart, Cheddar helps us kick off The Rainbow Mind Podcast in a way that sets the tone for everything to come.

🌈 Learn more about Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester at:

https://www.mindinsalford.org.uk/services/rainbow-mind/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of the Rainbow Mind Podcast! 🎙️

In this debut episode, hosts Emily and Stephen introduce you to Rainbow Mind — a queer-led mental health service born from a powerful partnership between Mind in Salford and Mind in the City, Hackney & Waltham Forest.

You'll learn about who we are, why we exist, and the work we’re doing to support LGBTQIA+ mental health with radical compassion, inclusivity, and connection. From therapy and peer-led groups to creative spaces and movement sessions, this episode explores the range of services we offer and the values that drive us.

Whether you're here to listen, connect, or get involved, we’re so glad you’ve joined us.

🌐 Learn more: mindinsalford.org.uk/services/rainbow-mind

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.