Here, we de-stigmatise gay loneliness and help you feel authentic connection.
Here, we guide and support you through your loneliness.
This is a place for you - a gay man experiencing loneliness - to come and get the support you need, when you need it, wherever you are in the world.
We envision a society where we can freely talk about feelings of loneliness without shame, embarrassment or judgement - without stigma - and know how to get the type of authentic connection we need as gay men.
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We have a range of products to have you feeling connected as you live your life.
You're worthy of that.
Our connection services
Let's inspire LGBTIQA+ connection here
Our services are designed to support you in your work supporting LGBTIQA+ humans in your audience, workplaces and communities.
They're worthy of that.
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Image: Michael White Photography
I'm Phil McAuliffe. That's me in the picture. I'm The Loneliness Guy.
I created The Loneliness Guy in 2020 (and before that, The Lonely Diplomat in 2018) after I realised I was lonely as I approached my 40s. I googled for the answers but the only help provided seemed inadequate or only for old people. I felt that I could do something to support other gay and queer men like me. I created the resource and support I wish I had.
Are you a gay man who's exploring - or admits - that you may be lonely by coming here? Well done. I'm proud of you. I'm here to tell you that great things can happen from here.
Join me as we explore loneliness and the importance of authentic connection to self, to others and to our communities. This is how we work through our feelings of loneliness and needing more real connection in our lives.
Get to know me, my services or listen to the podcast are great places to get started.
Thanks for being here. Now, let's get on to de-stigmatising gay loneliness. Let's get you the help and support you need and deserve.
~ Phil
previous speaking events
October 2023
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Phil was a keynote speaker at the National Association of Women in Construction (ACT Chapter)'s Building Wellness Breakfast at the National Gallery of Australia on Tuesday 10 October 2023 for World Mental Health Day.
Phil spoke on the loneliness epidemic and sharing ways to combat it.
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a not-for-profit, peak body championing the diverse collective of great people doing great work in construction throughout Australia. NAWIC provides a forum for its members to meet and exchange information, ideas and solutions.
Its members can expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments, improve skills and knowledge and make a contribution to other women in the construction industry within Australia.
previous media appearances
June 2023
On Tuesday 6 June 2023, Phil shared some of his experiences of loneliness throughout his life as part of the 'Alone' episode of SBS' Insight program in Australia.
Phil also shared some of the wisdom he'd learned after getting support and beginning to listen to his loneliness and what it was telling him about the connection he was missing.
This included sharing some of his story of how loneliness influenced him coming out of the closet to live life as a proud gay man and how he treats loneliness now.
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Phil and his work
in the media
As a global loneliness thought leader, Phil loves spreading messages de-stigmatising loneliness and promoting authentic connection for gay men globally.
Here are some media appearances and programs Phil's appeared on and articles he's written.
Phil appeared as an expert on loneliness experienced while living his diplomatic life in this episode of 'The Forum' podcast on the BBC World Service.
Phil appeared on a story on SBS World News as a loneliness expert. He shared some of his loneliness experience and offered an insight to help Australians feel less lonely as part of Australia's first Loneliness Awareness Week.
Phil appeared on a story on SBS News podcast as a loneliness expert. He shared some of his loneliness experience and offered an insight to help Australians feel more connected as part of Australia's first Loneliness Awareness Week.
Phil appeared on Camilla Quintana's 'The Empowered Expat Woman Podcast' to talk about coping with loneliness when living abroad
Phil shared some of his entrepreneurial insights as a global loneliness thought leader with Canvas Rebel.
Phil shared some of his story of loneliness and the wisdom he gained from it on SBS' Insight program on Tuesday 6 June 2023.
Join Phil and DrummondCulture for episode 251 of Positive Talk. Join us for a beautiful conversation about owning loneliness and using loneliness to get the connection we need. From IG Live, Tuesday 28 March 2023.
Phil's loneliness story and the reasons for starting The Loneliness Guy and The Lonely Diplomat featured on the ABC Story Stream on Monday 6 February 2023
Phil and his work featured in an article on ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) News on 12 January 2023.
Phil joined Gayborhood host Ed Wilson for a chat about gay loneliness, shame, being a Daddy and how our harshest experiences in life can become your superpower.
Phil participated on The Roundtable with other loneliness experts. The Roundtable is a show on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National every Sunday morning.
Phil appeared on Michael Rhodes' podcast on helping men through divorce. It was a fantastic - and real - conversation.
I came out later in life. Calan Breckon from the Gay Men's Brotherhood asked me to join a panel of other beautiful men who also came out later in life to talk about it. Watch this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper here
My friend Mike Campbell wanted to know the cure for loneliness. So I shared it with him. Come and join us for this chat and find out what cures loneliness!
Join my conversation about loneliness and belonging with my friend Michael DiIorio from the Gay Men's Brotherhood
How Phil's work helps humans
experiencing loneliness.
Boy, am I glad I found this man.
Through Phil’s work alone, I have been able to realise my loneliness and, most importantly, say it out loud to myself and to the people who matter in my life - a major stepping stone in self-acceptance and self-discovery which has helped me to lead a more authentic life where I understand more what I as a human truly need.