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Danielle Laidley PART 1 - Her Private Struggle
Season 7 ยท Episode 11

Danielle Laidley PART 1 - Her Private Struggle

The Imperfects ยท Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg

March 30, 20251h 4m

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Show Notes

Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman.

An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic.

Danielle’s story, in its entirety, is so incredibly important that we had to split it over two big and special episodes.

In this first part, we are introduced to phase 1 of her life: the footballer, the husband and the coach and with an addictive personality that caused her to become tough, fierce and obsessed with footy.

Danielle discusses with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh the strict compartmentalisation of the different parts of her life during her AFL career, and the terrifying risks she took to satisfy the cravings to be her authentic self.

You can watch the entire interview (Part One and Part Two) on YouTube, here – https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2 

๐Ÿซ– Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

๐Ÿ“– Things to read

๐Ÿ“บ Things to watch

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ If you want to join out patreon A Little More Imperfects, go to www.patreon.com/theimperfects

โ˜Ž If you need support after listening to this episode, these are a few great places to start:

  • QLife - 1800 184 527
  • Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Topics

Transgenderauthenticitycourage Ghostpaintingpridesuicidesuicidal thoughtstrans communityAFLgender dysphoriasecretlovelove storytraumapublic outingresiliencenail polishVulnerabiliteaMick Fanningpresencebrain tumourempathychildhoodidentitycricketfootballbrotherdisconnectionquietintrovertlong hairconnectionteenagedepressionanxietysportbalanceshameCaroline CosseyWest Coast Eaglesmasculinityaddictionobsessioncompartmentalisationfearpedestalbehaviourrole playingdiagnosisburdensubstance abusechildrenfamilyforgivenessparentinggriefalcoholcocaineresponsibilityself-sabotageworkaholicpsychologistsleepvulnerabilitytransitionmediachange of legislationtraining packageeducationcareembracerawjealousyenvygender diverse youthrainbow communitycommunityresourcesThe ImperfectsHugh van CuylenburgJosh van CuylenburgRyan SheltonDanielle Laidley