Coming out as a trans person in a small, rural Australian town can be a challenging experience, often marked by misunderstanding and prejudice. However, as Harvey explains, it can also present an unexpected opportunity for education and connection.
In a candid conversation with Ben Hughes from the Listening Projects, Harvey shares the journey from being “the trans kid” at a country school to an unofficial educator, answering genuine questions from classmates who were willing to learn .
Ben Hughes – Founder & Chief Big Ears
“Harvey, off camera, you just told me another amazing story about yourself. I would love you to elaborate on that little bit and what happened to you.”
Harvey
Yeah, so I was talking about my experience coming out as trans in high school.
So I used to go to a very country school with a lot of not great people, lot of racists, lot of people, very set in their ways. And me, I came out as trans in year seven, and I was sort of known in my school as ‘the trans kid’, because most other people who were trans there weren’t very open about it.
But after this happened, I found that a lot of students would come up to me to ask questions, because so many students, being a country school, had never really been exposed to trans people, so I was sort of their first experience of meeting someone who was different, like that. And while I did get a lot of bullying for it, lots of hate and a lot of mocking questions, there were a few people who were genuinely interested in finding out things about trans people, because they had no other ways to know.
So I had kids who would normally bully me and harass me sometimes come up to me when I was alone and just ask genuine questions about what it’s like being trans and the experience I’ve been through, and just any question, even just questions about what being trans is. And even though all these kids regularly harass me, I was very open to answering these questions, because I know that they may not get many chances to meet diverse people, and me sharing my genuine experience and answering these questions honestly and without judgment might help them in future, not judge other people like me.
And yeah, this meant that a lot of kids who had gone from bullying me for who I am, were a lot more understanding of me and who I am and anything different about me.
And I think it’s great that a lot of people who have grown up being taught to hate people like me or hate anyone diverse have been able to grow as a person because they had the courage to come up and just ask.
Because I think it’s great to just be out, if we can just ask people instead of, you know, hushing away and being like, what’s wrong with that person?
Why are they like that? It’s good sometimes to just ask a genuine question. I don’t think there’s any harm in asking someone. They can always just say no if they’re uncomfortable, and I think it’s always best to be able to ask someone questions and then just live with your own assumptions of what you think of them.
The Listening Projects have two more events left for this year 1 October and 5 November.
The past two events have had around 50 in the room in August and 45 for September.
When: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Where: The Map Room, Du Cane Brewery, 60/64 Elizabeth St, Launceston
Time: 18:00 for an 18:30 sharp start, finishing between 20:00 and 20:30
Cost: It’s still free!
To help us get a headcount, we’d love for you to register here.
We create understanding and connections among people by encouraging diverse communities to meet through listening and empathy. We imagine a world where people listen, empathise and create communities. Imagine that world! This is why we do it.
Diverse, connected communities are crucial for creating understanding. Positive connections between people from different backgrounds can break down stereotypes and promote empathy. When individuals from diverse groups engage in meaningful contact they can develop friendships, and build a sense of shared humanity. This leads to more inclusive societies and stronger communities.
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