Navigating Disability

Thriving Outside of the Box: Storm Hassett on Queer Identity, Mental Health, and Reframing Disability

Kate Read and Jenn Abbott

What happens when the world tells you you're too different to belong—but you build a space anyway? In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we sit down with Storm Hassett: queer, neurodivergent, Indigenous leader and founder of The Identity Clinic. From navigating the complexities of foster care to founding a revolutionary mental health service for LGBTQIA+ people, Storm shares their story of grit, growth, and grace. We explore the intersections of queerness, mental health, and identity, and ask: what if disability is not about the person, but the environment?

Storm speaks candidly about coming out, the impact of OCD and ADHD, and why they don't identify as having a disability—yet passionately advocate for accessibility. This is a conversation about labels, self-acceptance, and rewriting the rules of what inclusion can look like.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, mental health, and marginalisation. Support is available through Lifeline at 13 11 14.

🌈 Shift your perspective and celebrate every shade of identity.