Stories - May 15, 2026
Becoming Felix: Story of Identity, Connection and Acceptance
“If something brings colour to your life and makes you happier, you’re probably moving in the right direction.”
For Felix, it took more than 20 years to truly believe that.
For much of their life, Felix felt disconnected from themself — as though they were living a version of life that never quite fit. Growing up in regional Victoria, conversations around gender identity were rare, and the language to explain what they were feeling was almost non-existent.
So, like many people searching for where they belong, Felix spent years trying to become the person they believed the world expected them to be.
“I always knew something felt disconnected, but I didn’t have the words for it at the time,” they said.
“I spent a long time trying very hard to be a woman, but it just wasn’t me.
“For the longest time, I felt broken without understanding why.”
It was through self-reflection, supportive friendships and the courage to explore their identity that Felix slowly began uncovering who they truly were. And with that discovery came something they had never fully experienced before — freedom, connection and happiness.
Working at Intereach, Felix proudly identifies as non-binary transmasculine — a term describing someone assigned female at birth who identifies in a masculine way, though not necessarily as a man.
“Identifying as non-binary means you don’t fully identify as a man or a woman — or sometimes both, or neither,” they explained.
“There’s diversity in gender, just like there’s diversity in people.”
As Intereach marks IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, Felix is sharing their story to highlight the importance of inclusion, understanding and creating workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves.
“My happinehttps://www.idahobit.org.au/ss has increased so much since I stopped suppressing this part of myself,” they said.
Felix said Intereach played a significant role in helping them feel supported during the process of changing their gender identity and pronouns to they/them.
“Intereach genuinely cared. It wasn’t just for show,” Felix said.
Felix celebrates IDAHOBIT with fellow Intereach staff.
“There was no pressure, no rush — just open communication and support.
“I never felt like a burden or a problem.”
Felix was initially nervous about opening up, but found many clients surprised them with their kindness, openness and willingness to learn.
“At the end of the day, my gender is irrelevant to the work I do,” they said.
Felix said they were deeply conscious of maintaining strong relationships with their clients because this was more than a job.
“I knew it was work I could do, but I didn’t realise I would fall in love with it,” they said.
“I just love the people. Listening to their stories, insights and experiences and just connecting with them.
“I really like working out what is important to them and what I can do to make the most positive difference to their day.”
For Felix, working at Intereach is about far more than just delivering services – it’s also about connection.
“Sometimes it’s sitting down and having a cuppa, learning about their family and listening to who they are as a person,” they said.
While Felix understands not everyone will immediately understand gender diversity, they believe openness and conversation can help create a more inclusive world.
“Normalising small things like pronouns helps create a society where people can simply exist as themselves,” they said.
Intereach fosters an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels they belong.
“When people use they/them pronouns, it feels connected to me.”
For anyone questioning their identity or struggling to feel accepted, Felix hopes their story offers reassurance.
“Take small steps. You don’t have to rush,” they said.
“If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be: ‘You’re going to be okay. And there’s nothing wrong with you.’”
At Intereach, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, respected and empowered to be themselves.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2024–2027 is built around four key pillars — Build, Commit, Educate and Recognise — helping foster an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels they belong.
Learn more about our commitment to inclusion and belonging at Intereach Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
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