From Struggles to Strength: The Journey of Get Out
The journey to creating Get Out wasn’t just about filling a gap in the LGBTQIA+ community; it’s a deeply personal story of growth, struggle, and rediscovery. Growing up, high school wasn’t easy — I felt isolated, often like an outsider. Bullied and struggling to find my place, I left Tasmania for Sydney as soon as I could, desperate for the freedom to finally be myself. Sydney brought the validation I craved, yet it was addictive in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I started changing parts of myself to fit in, slowly drifting further from who I really was. The performance of “being liked” became exhausting, and as I lost touch with my true self, I turned to substances to cope.
Eventually, I realised I had lost years worrying about fitting in, held back by medications, looking for love in all the wrong places and weekend escapes that never actually addressed my more profound struggles. Returning to Tasmania felt like a reset, but coming home had its challenges. Reconnecting was hard, because it felt like I’d left some of myself behind. Visits back to the mainland became guilt-ridden attempts to hold onto connections, but I always felt stuck between who I was and who I wanted to be. This limbo weighed on me heavily until it all became a bit too much. I needed a complete break — a stint in a remediation centre helped me understand that true wellness and fulfilment come from within.
After this stint it became quite clear that it wasn’t the psychologist appointments or medications that made any difference; it was the group therapy, physical activity, and sober, genuine connections that began to reshape my life. These experiences helped me see that what I needed was freely available — supportive community, accountability, and shared purpose. Get Out was born from this realisation: the desire to build a community where finding authentic connection, encouragement, and purpose could be easier, especially for those who, like me, may feel disconnected or overlooked.
Earlier this year, I took a step that would shape the course of Get Out in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Joining the Community Collective sparked something in me, pushing me to take risks and dream bigger. The sessions reminded me of the power of community and the courage that comes from sharing your vision with others who believe in it. I was encouraged to apply for their Elevate program through a chance connection with Amy Fogarty at Enterprize Tasmania. Despite not feeling entirely ready, I leaped, knowing that real growth rarely happens within our comfort zones. I could never have anticipated how transformative the experience would be.
The journey through Enterprize Elevate startup program was intense and humbling, challenging me to refine Get Out’s mission and my commitment to seeing it through. Standing in front of 200 people at Demo Day, delivering my final pitch, I realised that this was no longer just an idea but a movement I am wholly dedicated to. This wasn’t just a pitch — it had become my life’s passion, born from the very experiences that tested my resilience and commitment.
Get Out is still in its early days but already holds so much promise. Starting with our Monthly Wellness Challenge, Celebration Fridays and #SundayMess gatherings, we’re laying the foundation for a community that genuinely uplifts each other. Unlike traditional social media or dating apps, Get Out focuses on fostering meaningful connections that truly support mental health and well-being. While there’s still a long way to go, I am incredibly proud of the journey and all the hard work that has brought us here.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this. Get Out is more than just a platform; it’s a vision of what a community can be. I’m committed to seeing this journey through, no matter where it leads, because I believe in the power of authentic connection. Why? Well, when I was at my lowest, it was connection that helped me find my way back to myself. Now that I’m here, I want to help others do the same. We’re just beginning to write this story together, and I’m so excited to see where it takes us.