LGBTIQ+ Young People

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Council provides a range of groups and resources specifically designed to support LGBTIQ+ young people and their families.

Groups

Youth Services co-ordinate the following support groups:

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Free 2 Be Me (for ages 11 – 14)

'Free 2 Be Me' provides a fun and safe space for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ or who are questioning. Sessions run fortnightly after school hours.

Young people can join at any time.

4 Me (for ages 14 – 18)

4 Me is a fortnightly support program for rainbow young people who live, work, study or hang out in the City of Knox.

In a safe environment, young people who identify as LGBTIQ+, or who are questioning, will be able to explore their relationships with themselves, others and their community.

Emerge (for ages 18 – 25)

Emerge is a fortnightly support group for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ or who are questioning.

In a safe and supportive environment, you will be able to connect with others in the LGBTIQ+ community and discuss things like:

coming out
transitioning
sexual health
friends, family and relationships.

Best of all, you’ll build your confidence and have fun!

Knox Rainbow Youth Action Group (for ages 16 – 25)

The Rainbow Youth Action Group is for LGBTIQ+ people who are keen to develop new skills and are passionate about advocacy.

As a member of the group you can:

take part in our fortnightly meetings
undertake training
organise events
get involved in community education activities, such as public speaking at functions and schools.

Parents of LGBTIQ+ young people

Our Parents and carers of LGBTIQ+ children and young people support group meet monthly to discuss the unique challenges and joys of raising LGBTIQ+ children.

It is an opportunity to connect with other parents and carers, share your experiences, and find out more local services that can support you and your LGBTIQ+ child.

More information

If you would like more information on any of these groups, email youth@knox.vic.gov.au or call our Youth Services team on 9298 8000 and we will get back to you.

You can also visit our LGBTIQ+ community page.

Resources

The following is a list of information and resources for LGBTIQ+ young people and their families. You can also find more by visiting our LGBTIQ+ community page.

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Trans@School

The Trans@School guide provides guidance on matters that arise in the school environment.

OMG I'm QTIPOC

The OMG I'm QTIPOC resource is for young queer, trans and/or intersex people of colour and their peers.

It explores the intersectionality of queerness, cultural identity and religion.

Minus 18

Minus 18 is a great website for all things LGBTIQ+ youth-related. There are a lot of supportive resources for LGBTIQ+ young people and their families.

Some great articles for parents and carers of LGBTIQ+ young people include:

My Friend is Gay

The My Friend is Gay booklet is aimed at peers of young people who are same-sex attracted. The purpose of this resource is to educate and inform about sexual identity and diversity. It recognises that young people often seek support from their friends before they seek support from an adult or professional.

Keeping Families Together

Keeping Families Together is a handbook for families and friends produced by parents and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people (PFLAG).

PFLAG holds monthly support meetings, has an information telephone line, and provides resources to educate parents and others on issues of homosexuality.

There are PFLAG groups all over the world, providing comfort and reassurance to help families stay together.

A guide to coming out for parents, families and friends

A resource for families of young people who have come out/shared their diverse sexuality or gender identity.

Rainbow Network Directory for LGBTIQ+ Young People

Search through Rainbow Network’s directory to connect with LGBTIQA+ groups and services all over Victoria.

Need help?

Email youth@knox.vic.gov.au and we will get back to you.

Or call our Youth Services team on 9298 8000.

LGBTIQ+ Young People

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