Youth Pride is an exciting development in Alice Springs for young people. Lead by young people with support from Headspace Alice Springs and NTAHC. Neily O’Connell, Youth Engagement Officer from Headspace Alice Springs provides an update on the group.
Why was Youth Pride started?
The Same Sex Attracted and Gender Diverse social group now known as ‘Youth Pride’ was born out of a partnership between headspace and the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council. We identified a gap in support for same sex attracted and gender diverse youth, lack of information on services and support options. We started this group to show young people that there is a safe space to be yourself and be heard and through social activities build friendships and gain support from peers.
What issues are lgbtiq youth facing in Alice?
Young people face a range of complex issues, mainly driven from stigma, homophobia and a lack of awareness and support within the community.
What is the aim of Youth Pride?
The group is a youth led initiative run from a committee of young people, we aim to challenge stigma and provide support to young people who are Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning their gender or sexual identity. We will do this through the creation of a resource pack and host monthly meetings to discuss local issues and plan the actions of the group.
How do young people get involved?
Meetings happen every second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday 14th July. Time: 4.30pm—5.30pm, at Headspace Alice Springs, 5/5 Hartley Street.
Get the flyer and contact details here
