Podcast producer successful at Victorian Pride Awards

By Taylah Baker

Feb 7, 2023

**Proud as punch:** Cris Stevens-Todd, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Media award.

When walking past the Regent Theatre in Melbourne on Friday night, one might have mistaken the glamour and extravagance for the Oscars.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Victorian Pride Awards 2022 on February 3 was an equally unforgettable night, which recognised the work of LGBTQIA+ organisations and individuals across the state.

Representing the Goulburn Valley was narrator and producer Cris Stevens-Todd, who won the Outstanding Contribution to Media award for his podcast titled Think About It? Did It!.

Mr Stevens-Todd released a successful 10-episode series, in collaboration with GV Pride, Shepparton.

Each episode focuses on the life and experiences of a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in the 40-plus age group, living in regional Victoria.

“It’s important to get these stories and experiences out so people coming through can know and understand the road that’s been paved,” he said.

“It’s enabled a life without trauma and homophobia ... there’s still aspects of it today, but it was a different time back then.”

The podcast also touched on the 40th anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria.

The award left Mr Stevens-Todd lost for words.

“It’s more of a feeling I get, which is hard to put words to,” he said.

“Just to get shortlisted was an absolute privilege ... and the win wasn’t just mine; I was proud of the people that told their stories, without them it wouldn’t be possible for this to happen.”

Think About It? Did It! was released as part of GV Pride’s OUTintheOPEN Festival in November last year.

**GV Pride:** Committee and members Christy Culton, Nicole Wells, Cris Stevens-Todd, Damien Stevens-Todd, president Deb Chumbley and Georgina Poort.

GV Pride was a finalist in the Preventing Social Isolation category for its programs and services in advocacy, social support, volunteer engagement and leadership planning through its OUTintheOPEN Festival.

GV Pride secretary and OUTintheOPEN festival co-convener Damien Stevens-Todd said the recognition for the organisation’s achievements felt like a win itself.

“GV Pride has worked very hard for 17 years in the region to ensure LGBTQIA+ people are able to feel safe and visible, and to be proud, recognised and represented,” he said.

“These kinds of awards elevate the work being done.

“It’s a real win for the region.”