4 Me & Emerge; LGBTIQA+ Young People

Knox City Council supports the rights and aspirations of all community members regardless of their culture, faith, gender identity, biological sex characteristics, sexual orientation and linguistic diversity. We are committed to addressing and preventing discrimination and exclusionary practices affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and or questioning, asexual and many other terms (such as non-binary and pansexual) (LGBTIQA+) community members to ensure a safe and inclusive community for all.

Council aims to proactively respond to issues impacting LGBTIQA+ people in the community and the organisation. Council Plans incorporate both strategic intent and practical actions to support the LGBTIQA+ community in Knox.

Council participates in a number of events that celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community, including Midsumma Festival, Pride March and IDAHOBIT Day.

For an inclusive list of LGBTIQA+ services, information and resources on health, social, sporting, visit LGBTIQA+ Community.

LGBTIQA+ Groups for young people are included below;

Free 2 Be Me provides a fun and safe space for young people aged 11-14 who identify as LGBTIQA+ or are questioning, with sessions running fortnightly after school hours. Young people can join at any time.

For a flyer visit Free 2Be Me

4 Me is a support program for rainbow young people aged 15-18 years who live, work, study or hang out in the City of Knox. In a safe environment, young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ or are questioning will be able to explore their relationships with themselves, others and their community. It’s a fortnightly 12 week program held over 32 weeks. Young people can join during the first few weeks of the program, however may need to wait for the next intake if the group is too far into the modules.

For a flyer visit 4Me

Emerge is a monthly support group for people aged 18-25 years who may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, gender diverse or questioning.

In a safe and supportive environment, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others in the LGBTIQA+ community and discuss things like coming out, transitioning, sexual health as well as friends, family and relationships. Best of all, you’ll build your confidence and have fun! Young people can join at any time.

Knox City Council Youth Services has been involved in Midsumma Festival, Carnival, Pride March and IDAHOBIT Days on an annual basis!

For a flyer visit Emerge

This Group is for LGBTIQA+ people aged 16-25 who are keen to develop new skills and are passionate about advocacy.

You’ll participate in monthly meetings, undertake training and get involved in community education activities such as fundraising and public speaking at functions and schools. Young people may choose to transition into this group either after some time in the Emerge social group or after completing the 12 week 4Me Program.

For a flyer visit Rainbow Youth Action Group

If you are interested or need further information:

contact Knox City Council Youth Services, Madeleine Power t; 9298 8000 or madeleine.power@knox.vic.gov.au

Flyers for each group can be downloaded on the links at the bottom of the page.

The following is a list of booklets and websites that are aimed at parents, family members and friends of young people, other information can be sourced by visiting LGBTIQA+ services, information and resources ie: health, social, sporting etc visit LGBTIQA+ Community.

This guide has been developed by The Equality Project, Australia. All content is open for use by other bodies, organisations and political parties.

From 2014 to 2016, the policy team of the Australian Equality Party (AEP) consulted with several organisations,
experts, peak bodies and global political parties to assemble a policy roadmap to LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

This roadmap became Australia’s most extensive LGBTIQA+ political policy document, covering themes as diverse
as parenting, LGBTQA+ conversion practices and ideology, and LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers.

Although the AEP de-registered in 2017, the party’s leaders opted to share this extensive policy strategy with all Australian political parties and like-minded organisations so that the knowledge and recommendations contained in the strategy would inform the development of stronger LGBTIQA+ platforms in each party.

The guide is subject to continuous improvement. Please contact the Equality Project if you would like to make suggestions or provide advice about its content.

This resource has been developed in partnership between the LGBTI Legal Service, Legal Aid Queensland and the Queensland Human Rights Commission, in consultation with the Queensland Children’s Gender Service, young people, parents and educators.

This guide is for schools and provides guidance on matters that arise in the school environment.

The resource can be found by visiting the Queensland Human Rights Commission

This booklet has been produced by the SSAFE (Same Sex Attracted Friendly Environments) in Schools Project, Family Planning Victoria; funded by the Victorian Premier’s Drug Prevention Council and VicHealth.

Making Sense includes Information for parents, families and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people.

The Making Sense booklet is written primarily for parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender young people who live in Victoria. If you are a friend or other relative, or your child is no longer a young person, or you live outside Victoria, you will still find it helpful. It aims to answer some of your questions, and to help you make sense of some concepts and issues that you may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with. It is designed to support you and to help you through the range of emotions you may be feeling.

Download the 'Making Sense' booklet (PDF).

This booklet was produced by the Pride & Diversity Project with funds provided by the Monash School Focused Youth Service.

Why write this booklet?

The booklet was originally conceptualised with young people in mind. However, people from all ages and backgrounds can utilise this booklet and learn about understanding and empathising with a same-sex attracted young person.

Keeping families together is a handbook for families and friends produced by PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbian and Gay people).

PFLAG

Download the 'Keeping Families Together - PLFAG' booklet (PDF).

The first question often asked after we’re born is “Is it a boy or a girl?” The assumption is that a child will fulfil one of those two distinct categories. But we are not all born ‘standard male’ or ‘standard female’. The reality is that humans are more complex. There are many shades of grey between male and female.

The 'GQ: Gender Questioning' booklet is for people aged 16 to 25 who are questioning their gender - for people who feel like the gender assigned through sex doesn’t fit.

'GQ: Gender Questioning' booklet may assist to help figure out some very confusing stuff.

Download the 'GQ: Gender Questioning' booklet (PDF).