From Patient to Pharmacist

How my personal experiences with transition, substance use, and discrimination fueled my passion for advocacy in pharmacy.

Foreword:

It’s such an incredible privilege to follow the season finale of Women in Pharmacy—especially after Caroline Diamantis’ powerful episode. What an act to follow—wow! I’m truly honoured to be kicking off the brand new season on Early Career Pharmacists' (ECP) Pharmacists and to share my journey with you all.

I’m beyond thrilled to let you know that I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on the Your Pharmacy Career podcast, hosted by my dear friend—and phenomenal pharmacist—Krysti-Lee Patterson. I’d absolutely love for you to have a listen!

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey, my lived experience with substance use, and why cultural competence and inclusivity are so essential in pharmacy practice.

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Transition, Identity & Finding Purpose

💬 "Can you share what it was like navigating your own transition and what this meant for you?"

Transitioning was a deeply personal and transformative journey. It wasn’t just about hormones or changing how I looked—it was about aligning who I was inside with how I moved through the world. There was a lot of fear, especially around how people would react, but ultimately, it was about choosing to live authentically. And once I did, everything started to fall into place.

💬 "You’ve said that your experience with the healthcare system as a transgender person was a major factor in you becoming a pharmacist. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?"

For me, many of my first experiences seeking gender-affirming care were actually positive ones, and that left a lasting impact on me. One time I went to the pharmacy near my workplace to fill my prescriptions. At this time so early on in my transition, I had only been socially transitioning–which means I had been using she/her pronouns and dressing more feminine, and ultimately had not started any medical transition yet. Side note: When I look back at those photos I remember I thought I was so hot! Not even noticing that my five o’clock shadow had already been creeping into view.

When I approached the counter, the pharmacist called me over using my surname and then asked, ‘Was Denzyl your preferred name?’. That small moment completely changed how I saw my own transition. It made me realise that becoming a more authentic version of myself didn’t always require legal changes or major milestones—sometimes, it was as simple as a pharmacist taking a moment to acknowledge me for who I was.

Of course, not every experience was as affirming. As I continued navigating the healthcare system, I also encountered pharmacists and providers who lacked the knowledge or sensitivity to support trans patients. At times, I felt like an inconvenience rather than a patient. But that contrast—between what healthcare could be and what it too often was—became my motivation. I wanted to be the kind of pharmacist who created those moments of recognition and care, because I knew firsthand how much they mattered.

💬 "There’s still so much misunderstanding and bias in the healthcare system. What do you wish more pharmacists and healthcare providers understood about caring for transgender patients?"

That we are just patients like anyone else. Providing gender-affirming care isn’t a niche skill—it’s basic patient care. Pharmacists don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to listen, respect their patients' identities, and make an effort to educate themselves. A little effort goes a long way in making trans patients feel safe and respected.

💬 "What did it feel like when you finally started hormone therapy and began presenting socially as a woman? How did that change your perspective on healthcare?"

Starting hormone therapy was life-changing—it was like finally being able to breathe after holding it in for years. It wasn’t just about the physical changes; it was about finally seeing myself in the mirror and feeling a sense of alignment between who I was inside and how the world saw me. But at the same time, it was bittersweet, because I knew how much time I had lost.

I transitioned in my early twenties, and now, as I approach thirty, I carry the lived experience of growing up hiding—spending my teenage years and early adulthood suppressing who I really was. That kind of prolonged distress takes a toll on mental health, and we see that so clearly in research today. Transgender people who are forced to wait for care experience significantly worse mental health outcomes, and I know firsthand how true that is.

That’s why I feel such a deep compassion for my younger self and for trans kids today. I know how different my life could have been if I had access to affirming healthcare earlier, and that’s why I believe so strongly in protecting trans youth. Puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming care are not just medical treatments; they are suicide prevention. They give trans kids the chance to grow up without the weight of dysphoria crushing them. If we truly care about their well-being, we have to make sure they have access to that care as early as possible.

Overcoming Challenges – Substance Abuse

💬 "You’ve been incredibly open about your struggles with substance abuse. Can you take us back to that period of your life—what led you down that path?"

That period of my life was difficult because I was struggling with so many layers of identity, rejection, and uncertainty about my future. Before transitioning, I felt disconnected from myself, like I was just going through the motions without really existing in the world as me. Substance use became a way to quiet that inner conflict and, for a while, it worked—or at least, I thought it did.

It wasn’t just personal struggles either. Queer spaces, especially nightlife, often revolve around drinking and drug culture because historically, those were the only places we had to be ourselves. When you mix that with the stress of navigating a healthcare system that isn’t always welcoming, it’s easy to see why so many LGBTQIA+ people turn to substances as a coping mechanism.

What ultimately pulled me out of that cycle was realising I wanted more for myself. Pharmacy gave me a sense of purpose, a path forward. Once I found something worth building, I had a reason to take care of myself again.

💬 "Substance abuse is unfortunately a huge issue within the queer community. What do you think are the biggest barriers to getting support?"

One of the biggest barriers is stigma—both from outside the community and within it. LGBTQIA+ people already deal with discrimination in healthcare, and when you add substance use into the mix, it can feel like you’re being judged twice as hard. A lot of rehab programs and support services aren’t designed with queer people in mind, and that can make seeking help feel isolating.

Another barrier is the fact that for many people, substance use is tied to social connection. If your only safe space is a club or party scene where drinking and drugs are the norm, getting sober can feel like cutting yourself off from your community. There’s also the mental health aspect—many LGBTQIA+ people struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and if they don’t have access to affirming mental healthcare, substances can feel like the only escape.

That’s why harm reduction and compassionate care are so important. Instead of judging people for their substance use, we need to ask, what are they running from? What support do they actually need? That’s how we start making real change.

💬 "How has substance abuse within the LGBTQIA+ community, and for yourself individually, affected your journey?"

What ultimately helped me was finding a sense of purpose. Pharmacy gave me structure, but more importantly, it gave me a reason to care about my health again. And now, as a pharmacist, I see how crucial it is to approach substance abuse with compassion. Too often, healthcare focuses only on the addiction itself, instead of the reasons behind it. When we shift the conversation to why people are struggling, we can actually start making a difference.

💬 "For pharmacists who encounter patients struggling with addiction, particularly in LGBTQIA+ communities, what advice would you give on how to provide more compassionate care?"

Avoid judgment. So many people struggling with addiction already carry shame, and how a pharmacist interacts with them can make or break their willingness to seek help. Instead of focusing on the substance use itself, focus on the person—what they need, what barriers they face, and how you can support them in a way that aligns with their goals, not just what you think is best for them.

Advocacy & Cultural Competence in Pharmacy

💬 "You’re incredibly passionate about supporting both LGBTQIA+ and Indigenous communities in healthcare. Why are these two causes so important to you?"

Both communities face significant health disparities, often due to systemic issues within healthcare itself. Indigenous Australians continue to experience poorer health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Australians, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly transgender people, struggle with barriers to accessing safe, affirming healthcare.

For me, it’s personal. I’ve seen firsthand how easily someone can fall through the cracks when the healthcare system isn’t designed for them. As a pharmacist, I can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. I want to ensure that both Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ patients feel seen, heard, and supported when they step into a pharmacy. It’s not just about dispensing medication—it’s about creating an environment where patients feel safe enough to ask the questions they need to, where they know they won’t be judged, and where their identity is respected without hesitation.

💬 "You’ve spoken about your time at university and the influence of Aunty Trish Neal, the Awabakal community, and the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle. How did that experience shape your perspective on Indigenous healthcare?"

Before I got into pharmacy, I started my journey at the University of Newcastle through Open Foundation as a pathway into my degree. One of the teachers I had was Aunty Trish Neal, who taught Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. From the very beginning, Aunty Trish took me under her wing—she nurtured me at such a crucial time in my life when I was still growing into my identity as a transgender woman. I truly feel like Aunty Trish guided me from being a young woman, into a strong woman.

There was one presentation I gave—though I can’t recall the exact topic—where she allowed me to talk about Mardi Gras and the spectrum of gender. I used Indigenous drag queens like Jojo Zaho and Felicia Foxx to help explain that gender and sex are not the same thing. Aunty Trish encouraged me to have these conversations, to challenge perspectives, and to educate others. She gave me the space to be myself and grow in confidence.

To this day, I’m still in contact with her. When I became a pharmacist, she was the most excited person for me. I still remember telling her that I had finally done it, and she cried—not just because she was proud, but because she could now gloat that one of her children had become a pharmacist. That moment meant the world to me because in the queer community, we talk a lot about chosen family. Not all of us are lucky enough to have supportive immediate families, but we find those who lift us up and care for us in different ways. For me, that was the entire Wollotuka Institute, Aunty Trish, and later, I found another chosen family in the Pharmacy Department with David Newby.

💬 "In your work as a pharmacist, what are some of the biggest gaps you see in how the healthcare system treats Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ patients?"

The biggest gap is a lack of cultural competence, particularly in pharmacy. We receive training on so many areas of healthcare—diabetes management, antibiotic stewardship, cardiovascular disease—but when it comes to marginalised communities, we’re expected to figure it out ourselves. That’s not good enough.

Many Indigenous patients experience medical racism—whether that’s having their pain dismissed, facing negative stereotypes, or simply not feeling welcome in healthcare spaces. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ patients, especially transgender people, face barriers in accessing gender-affirming care. Even something as simple as being misgendered at the pharmacy can be distressing enough to make someone avoid seeking care altogether.

Patients shouldn’t have to educate their healthcare providers on how to treat them with dignity and respect. As pharmacists, we need to take the initiative to be better informed.

💬 "If you could change one thing about how healthcare providers approach marginalised communities, what would it be?"

I’d love to see a shift from inclusivity as an afterthought to inclusivity as standard practice. Healthcare shouldn’t be something that people feel they have to fight for—it should be accessible, affirming, and welcoming from the start.

When we talk about gender-affirming care, for example, it’s often framed as something “extra” or “specialised,” when really, it should be as routine as any other aspect of patient-centered care. The same applies to Indigenous health care—cultural safety shouldn’t be an optional module in university; it should be deeply embedded in how we practice.

Founding Queer Pharmacists of Australia

💬 "You co-founded the Queer Pharmacists of Australia group last year. What inspired you to create this space?"

I realised that there were a lot of LGBTQIA+ pharmacists out there, but we weren’t connected. Many of us were facing the same struggles—whether that was experiencing discrimination at work, lacking mentorship, or feeling like we had to downplay parts of ourselves to fit in. It became clear that there was no dedicated space where we could come together, support each other, and openly discuss the unique challenges we face both as professionals and as patients in the healthcare system.

That’s why myself and Eleanor, with two lovely moderators who joined in shortly after, Alex and Erin, created Queer Pharmacists of Australia in 2024. Our motto reflects exactly what we stand for: “Queer Pharmacists of Australia was created as a safe space for pharmacists across Australia who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community to connect, share, and discuss topics relevant to queer healthcare within the pharmacy profession.”

Our goal is to foster an inclusive, supportive, and protected environment where LGBTQIA+ pharmacists can discuss and explore healthcare issues affecting our community—whether that’s navigating workplace challenges, advocating for gender-affirming care, or simply finding others who understand what it’s like to exist in this profession as a queer person. Members are encouraged to share resources, knowledge, and best practices for providing affirming and equitable care in pharmacies. This space also serves as a network for support when facing adversity in the workplace due to identity.

One of the most important steps we took in forming QPOA was making it exclusively for LGBTQIA+ pharmacists. If you do not identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella (i.e., are heterosexual), we kindly ask that you seek out one of the many other pharmacist groups that already exist. This was an intentional and necessary decision, not out of exclusion, but for protection. Many LGBTQIA+ pharmacists are not out in their workplaces or wider professional circles, and this space allows them to engage without fear of being outed. Additionally, maintaining a closed space helps safeguard our discussions from bad-faith actors and online harassment—issues that unfortunately remain prevalent in queer communities.

I have since launched a Substack as an extension of the group, where we actively encourage publications from LGBTQIA+ pharmacists and allies. The goal is to refine and organise the discussions we’ve been having, making them more accessible for those looking to integrate these insights into their daily practice and expand their knowledge of LGBTQIA+ healthcare topics.

💬 "What has the response been like so far from pharmacists and pharmacy students?"

Overwhelmingly positive! The response has shown just how much this kind of community was needed.

We’ve had students reach out, saying that for the first time, they feel like they have role models in pharmacy. We’ve had experienced pharmacists who are excited to see this kind of advocacy happening. Even allies within the profession have expressed how much they want to learn and do better. It’s been really encouraging to see this level of engagement.

💬 "For LGBTQIA+ pharmacists who feel isolated or unsupported, what message would you like to share with them?"

You are not alone.

Even if your current workplace doesn’t feel welcoming, there is a whole network of us out here who see you, who understand you, and who want to support you. You deserve to thrive in pharmacy just as much as anyone else. Find your community—whether that’s through QPOA, LGBTQIA+ professional networks, or even just connecting with others online. We’re here for you.

Advice & Reflections on Career & Life

💬 "What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?"

That authenticity and resilience go hand in hand.

Living authentically isn’t always easy. There are times when you’ll feel like you have to prove yourself twice as hard, or when you’ll face pushback simply for being who you are. But when you fight for the space to be yourself, you open doors you never imagined possible—not just for yourself, but for others who come after you.

I remember being in my fourth year of pharmacy, struggling as I moved from one workplace to another, constantly hearing the same narrative—I was too queer, too loud, too much. The microaggressions from senior pharmacists were wearing me down, and I was already questioning whether I had lost my passion for pharmacy before my career had even begun. Then I reached out to PSA Early Career Pharmacists, and wow—the support I received was incredible. It felt like a giant bear hug out of nowhere.

I still face microaggressions daily, but since leaving my internship position, I’ve found an incredible team at TWC Tuggerah, where my senior peers have been nothing but supportive. Last week, I attended my first TWC Masterclass Forum and found myself surrounded by pharmacy celebrities—at least in my eyes—which had me feeling both nervous and excited. But before I knew it, Kate Gunthorpe, Brenton Hart, and Dan Hillier were welcoming me in as if I’d been part of the team for decades. It was such a beautiful experience. I truly feel lucky to have colleagues and mentors in pharmacy who have helped me grow.

💬 "What advice would you give to young pharmacy students who may be struggling to find their place in the profession?"

Find your people.

Whether that’s through QPOA, student networks, or mentorship, having a support system makes all the difference. Pharmacy is a profession that needs diverse voices, and that includes yours. You don’t have to fit into a rigid mold to be successful—your unique experiences and perspective bring value.

💬 "What’s next for you? Are there any future projects or goals you’re working towards?"

Right now, my focus is on growing QPOA and continuing to push for more inclusivity in pharmacy. I also want to do more writing and advocacy work, particularly around transgender healthcare and cultural competence in pharmacy practice. There’s still so much work to do, and I want to be part of driving that change.