Juniper Muller (they/she)

Juniper Muller is a queer, nonbinary, psychologist with experience in gender, sex, and sexuality. A passionate client activist and advocate, Juniper practices from an anti-oppressive, trauma informed, intersectional feminist framework. Their background in research and community activism informs their therapeutic work, and vice versa. Juniper is a proud and active member of queer communities in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. They changed their name to Juniper Muller from Josh Muller, so you may have heard of them by that name.

What does ‘nonbinary’ mean to Juniper ?

For me, it means I identify my gender as different to the one I was assigned at birth (transgender), and do not ascribe my own identity or expression exclusively to the gender binary (Man/Woman). I use the pronouns ‘they/them’ and also ‘she/her’. I’m happy to answer any respectful questions about this aspect of myself, though mostly therapy is about you, not me.

What does ‘queer’ mean to Juniper ?

Queer is a word which has been used as a slur against our community in the past, and was reclaimed by activists and community in 1990s. I use the word queer to describe myself as purposefully political, ambiguous, and with an approach of questioning what it means to be ‘normal’. It is a word that means many things to many people, and is sometimes used as an umbrella term rather than an acronym such as LGBTQIA+ (an acronym growing each year, with better understanding and community acceptance).

My Passion

I aim to work at multiple levels to help people live rich, full, and meaningful lives. LGBTQIA+ people often experience poor mental health and wellbeing, though this is due to stigma and discrimination in society. Working individually with people to help improve their lives is important, but only in conjunction with work to change society through advocacy and activism. To this end, I present at conferences, make submissions to government, engage in community building, and support activists across different spaces including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, sex workers, disability activism, etc.

My Joys

I love caring for my cat (inside) and chickens (outside). I look after myself, by cooking up a storm. I read a variety of fantasy and sci-fi, manga, classic literature, and non-fiction. Podcasts are a joy, with some of my favourites being Gender Reveal Podcast, Dear Prudence, Maintenance Phase, and Why Are People Into That. I love music, from folk metal to Ethiopian Jazz, and a bit of Dorian Electra, and I play the piano. I play games (board/video/roleplaying), love dancing, and being in nature!

Qualifications and Professional achievements