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Everyone, Um, just gonna start off by opening with a and this one is gonna be a song that I've rounded up two unexpected people to be a part of, um and yeah, we're just gonna I guess, begin just by, um Yeah, just starting off with this, um, that we usually sing with who is the organisation, and yeah, if you're keen on learning this song or please, um, come and chat to us because we know more about it or [00:00:30] come stand with us and read the words and sing with us. We start it off. Cut. Fuck, He [00:01:00] cute. K is I Hey, here, See? [00:01:30] Hey, Thank you. Awesome. OK, um um [00:02:00] um, everyone thank you so much for coming along tonight to our outer spaces. Info, evening slash meet and greet. We're really excited. Um, that we're able to host this and really thankful for both Evolve, who is, um, providing our space tonight and to our amazing people in the kitchen. Carlin Lee, um, who are have been preparing the food. So please dig in. It all needs to get eaten, so Yes, please do that. Um, the main for tonight of what [00:02:30] we're doing is that we basically wanted to give people a chance to come together and learn a little bit about what outer spaces is, what we're up to, and maybe ways that other people might want to help. So I guess I can give a I'll give a little bit of a history of outer spaces. Um, basically, how it began. What well, it began about maybe 17 years ago with schools out, Um, and it started off as a group based at Wellington High. Um, and through [00:03:00] the years it's been for schools that was facilitated as a social support group for young gay, lesbian transgender questioning young people, um, a safe space for them to be able to express who they are, meet other people, get the support that they need. Um, over the years again, there's been lots of different people who have helped out with that. Um, and we're really excited to be keeping that alive. Um, even though it's been usually on, you know, little funding, little resources, like a lot of different community sector [00:03:30] kind of projects. Alongside that as well, is transform. Transform is another group that, um, that started off with being a safe space for transgender and gender diverse young people. Uh, they kind of the The idea of them was that, um it would be a little bit of an older group. So that group runs up to 30 yeah, it still meets every fortnight here in this room, um, to be able to provide some support to young people if they're transitioning or questioning their gender. So over [00:04:00] the past two or three years, we before then we were, um we had a parent organisation called the Wellington Gay Welfare Group. And they were just an amazing group who originally, I don't know the full history. And there may be some people in the room who can speak more to that, um, not pointing fingers at anyone, but that basically that i It it started from a lot of gay activism and held the gay help phone helpline for a for a degree of years. Um, [00:04:30] and one of the other things that they looked after was our little schools out group as well. So But after a while, we were like, actually, I think it's time that we want to kind of move to become a little bit more, um, independent and really focus on our youth focused. So, um, we made the decision to set up an entity, um, and that the idea was to bring together a whole bunch of different projects that were focused around supporting LGBTI [00:05:00] Q young people in the Wellington region. Um, schools out in transform have always been about support and work on the ground. That's the main thing that we do. Um, we've run groups for quite a while, and some people don't know about them, but they've just been chugging along behind the scenes a lot of the time. And these groups, they ebb and they flow. And sometimes, you know, you can get you've had five people in a room and sometimes that last week we had about 30 people in a room. So, um, so it just a a again, it's always kind of changing. [00:05:30] Now we set up an independent, um, charity organisation called Outer Spaces. The name of this was, um, brought together by young people themselves. Um, and we basically wanted to provide a space to be able to, um, yeah, get all the legal stuff done so that we can do the awesome work that we were already doing running groups on the ground. Um, we had a We had a conversation of schools out with our friends at transform to begin with. [00:06:00] And we said, Do you want to embark on this journey with us? Because to us, it was really important that, um the needs of trans and gender diverse young people were absolutely at the forefront of what we were doing and anything what we're doing, um, and transform, We're like, yeah, we're real keen. So we began on a process to merge our organisations and create one overarching umbrella kind of organisation along the way. We also, um, we gained name in New Zealand and we have someone here tonight or some people here from tonight, um [00:06:30] which provides funding for young, transgender and gender diverse people to be able to, um, change their identity documents as we're just aware of all the barriers that young transgender people can face. And we also here have, um, a rep from the newly established Wellington Binder Exchange, which provides binders for young people, mostly who are trans masculine. So, yeah, I guess the whole purpose of Outer Spaces has really been about regional local support but bringing different people together to be [00:07:00] able to do it well. We recognise that most LGBTI Q young people are supported by other LGBTI Q young people. And we want to be making sure that we can start providing. We can provide spaces where they can get the support that they need. So what better way to do that than to do it together as much as possible. Now, I guess, right, We've kind of wanted to have a bit of a Yeah, I guess. Just invite people to be all together here rather than like a us just standing up and talking about everything. So to begin [00:07:30] with, what I was going to ask everyone to do is just like we would in any schools out or transform meeting. Start with a bit of a around and we're just gonna ask for This is the talking, Reginald. We pass them around the circle at our groups, and I mean, who who has Reginald Is the person doing the talking? Absolutely. So I guess I just want to pass this around, and if you can, it is If you want to pass, that's totally fine. um, But basically, if you just want to say what your name is, at the very [00:08:00] least and maybe also what has brought you here today or if you're repping an organisation and you wanna rep that does that sound OK? Awesome. But again, you're welcome to us. Um, my name is Charlie, and I'm here because I am the coordinator of the Wellington Binder Exchange as well as I'm a facilitator for transform. Uh, I'm Kate. I am here because I am involved with naming New Zealand. So you've already heard that [00:08:30] we're mainly about raising money for trans and non-binary people to change identity documents and names and all those annoying, little expensive things. And we, through me primarily also provide legal advice about how to do that. Um, so give us money. Ah, fundraise for us. Our next funding round closes at the end of May May 31st, So we'd [00:09:00] really like to never have to make a tough decision and always be able to fund everyone. It's my goal. I'm a I use a pronouns and yeah, I'm just interested in finding out more and maybe volunteering for those of you who don't know me My name is Sarah. I know I hate you. Um, I'm the current co chair at Wellington Get Welfare group, [00:09:30] and I'm a bit emotional because these are our babies and they've grown up and they've moved out, which is always good to get rid of the little ones, but, you know, Yeah. Always getting complaints. I haven't had one of those for a few years. I wonder why. Um, so it's really, really I can't even find the right words. It's just fabulous that, um, outer spaces have become what it has and that you've evolved and taken on new groups and stretching out a bit and [00:10:00] good luck and well done. Thanks. Uh, I'm Linda. Um, I'm I suppose I want to find out more about what the teenagers are up to since we we have one in our apartment at the moment. Sort of like spying on the teenagers. Um, and to support Sarah here with her work with, um gay Wellington. And [00:10:30] you just see what's going on in Wellington these days? I'm Jim, and I'm just here as an interested member of the community. Thank you. Hi. I'm autumn. I'm a member of transform and I've always loved what they do and what schools out do for people that need it. And I just really want to get more involved. Fine. Thanks. Um, I'm Larissa. Um I'm one of the board members of Outer Spaces. Um, also work as a guidance counsellor [00:11:00] at Wellington East Skills College. And we have an amazing, um, queer youth group there, which is going really well, and, um, yeah, really passionate about supporting queer young people. So, yeah, that's why I'm here today. Um, I'm Pat. And, um, I got an invite from Jack coming along. I'm part of the glamour phones, and I'm just here interested to see, um How you guys What? What goes on? I don't know much about it. And, um, how the older [00:11:30] community can help you guys, because I know you're always short of funds, so it's just come along just to get my brain thinking ticking and, uh, meet, meet everyone. Thank you. I'm be I'm a student at WELLTECH. Studying bachelor of youth development here with a couple of my lovely classmates. Um, so it's good to I know quite a few faces here, but good to see the [00:12:00] the turnout um, of yeah. Other support people and people who are wanting to learn more. Yeah. Hello, everyone. Um, I'm Taylor, and I'm currently studying, um, the bachelor of youth development with Bee and my friend here. Amy and I just thought it would be cool to come along and, you know, get more of an understanding of, you know, transgender and on all those type of things, because obviously [00:12:30] working in the youth sector, we're going to get young people from all walks of life. So, yeah. Just thought it'd be cool to come along and hear what everyone's got to say and get more of an understanding. Hey, I'm Amy. And pretty much what Taylor said in first year at BYD and gear get more knowledge, and yeah. Uh, hi. I'm Becca, and I'm a facilitator for schools. Out. Um, hi, I'm Frankie. I'm like his partner. [00:13:00] Um, I'm actually here doing kind of a little bit of a research project because I'm doing a public relations paper at uni, and for an assignment, we have to do, um, a communications plan to help out a not for profit organisation. And I chose skills out because I hear how cool. It is all the time from back here. And I thought it would be really cool to see if I can help out in any way or, you know, Yeah, I'm just really interested. So that's why I'm here. [00:13:30] Hi, I'm Mallory. And I'm here because my auntie made me come here. Yeah, I don't know how to follow that. Um, my name is Kirsten. I'm the manager here at Evolve, um, evolve for anyone who doesn't know, provides free health care and social support and counselling for young people aged 10 to 25. Um, and [00:14:00] it's our real pleasure to host the schools out and transform groups in the binder exchange here. Um, I've heard the word space a few times tonight, and often we talk. We hear, like, safe spaces and things, and and evolve is really striving to be that really, really safe space. Um I guess within a more mainstream organisation, and so that's kind of our thing. Oh, and I'm on the board of Outer Spaces as well. Uh, [00:14:30] everyone. I'm Jack. Um, I'm here because I think the group Sunday outer spaces are really important. And, um, and back in my day, It was a softball team. That was really the way that we came out, which then turned into a soccer team. It was very seasonal. Um, and I, I really want to know just what sort of support your groups need from people. Um, sort of older people like Pat and I getting on a bit, but we can probably help. [00:15:00] I'm Shelley. Uh, I'm probably the oldest person here, to be honest, but, uh, that doesn't necessarily mean that I bring any greater knowledge or experience, uh, to the table. Um, I've been watching our youth from afar, and, um, the queer youth impressed me immensely, uh, with their honesty and integrity, And I think they're an inspiration for us older folk. And, [00:15:30] uh so I'd like to be able to give back in some way and hopefully through tonight, we can find a way to do that. Uh, my name is Kathleen. Um, I have been involved primarily with schools out for the last, um, couple of years and increasingly with outer spaces, the kind of larger beast. Um, yeah. I'll speak a little bit about schools out in particular in a few minutes. I guess. Um, I am has, [00:16:00] um I'm a fairly new facilitator for schools out. Um, so I guess quite interested in seeing how I kind of like the umbrella of like, Outer Spaces works. So Yeah, that's me. Uh, I'm Logan. I've been meaning to get involved for quite some time now, but sort of a shy person, But tonight is the perfect opportunity. So, uh, hi, I'm Rex. I'm Cassie's partner. Came to support outer spaces and see what's up. Really? Hi, everyone. I'm Jen. Uh, it's [00:16:30] so wonderful to see so many people here. New faces and familiar faces. Um, I'm involved with transform for the last couple of years, so I'm sure I'll be talking about that soon. I'm with New New Zealand and outer spaces as well. Hi, everyone. I'm cable and thank you all for coming. Um, I am on the board of Outer Spaces. I'm the chairperson. Um, I've been involved with schools out for a few years. Um, ok, we're not gonna do OK. Um yeah, and I really love hosting these kinds of [00:17:00] events because we are we do tend to operate in the background a little bit. And II I like to get us out there and everyone else learn about us. So people realise that we're here. And, you know, we have so many amazing young people that come along. And I'd love to share that with everybody. You everyone, um, I'm on the board of out spaces, and, um, I've been around for a little while. [00:17:30] I used to work at NZAF when school's out. Me at NAF. So I got involved in, but yeah, it's, um, great to be here presently. I run legal exchanges, not into the crowd. I'm Lee. Um I work for the New Zealand A foundation, so I'm a current community engagement coordinator. Um, so I'm here to obviously help out and, uh, to see if we can contribute to outer space and vice versa. Really? And, yeah, to to engage with a lot of [00:18:00] people with you all. Um um and thank you everyone for that. So, um, if people, um, are sure my name is Casey has and I've been volunteering with schools out in outer spaces in its current form for about six years or so, and, um yeah, and I'm just It's really exciting to see where things have kind of grown and it's Yeah, it's just awesome. Um, And I'm also a youth worker here with a of youth service and work from [00:18:30] these offices, so I'm usually floating around here. Cool. So the rest of the plan is this isn't gonna be a really, really long, long kind of meeting tonight. We don't want to do that. What we do want to do is just provide a chance to have a quick fire kind of idea. Um, about what outer spaces does. And so I'm going to call on a few different people who are involved with each different project. Just give it a little bit more information. And if you have any questions about it, do ask like this is the time to be like, OK, [00:19:00] what is that about? We really don't want people to leave here and be like, What the hell is an outer spaces like? That will be the worst kind of thing that has just happened. So, ideally, this is the time to, um to talk to the people who are kind of helping to facilitate these projects and and yeah, and have some have some questions about that. So without further ado, I'm going to hand it over to to talk about transform, right? Um, yeah. So I've been involved with transform for three years. Um, I'm a trans person [00:19:30] myself. And Transform was super super important to help me work out what Trans was. Was I normal like to just be around other people that that got it. And it was just incredibly, incredibly supportive and wonderful. So after I got through the starting points of transition, I saw transform wasn't really meeting anymore. I was like, Transform has to care a meeting. It's really, really important. And every time that I help out with transform I a reminder that it is really important. Um, So what Transformers is that? We're a support group for trans [00:20:00] young people, and Young is between sort of 16 to 30. I There's a lot of issues on both sides because everyone has different needs and transitions at kind of different times. Um, we often we have, uh, every for every two weeks. We have, uh, support groups here, and we talk about some topic. We'll have guest speakers. We'll have food. Um, we'll have drinks. Um, well, no, not alcoholic. Of course. Um and we just hang out and we find out that we're just We're just We're [00:20:30] just people having fun. We're just got challenges, but we're learning through each other. Um, and we also hold, um, social events. So we do things like coffees, and we have, um, movie nights, and we've gone to the zoo once, and we've gone to the op shop three times. We just, like, pay for transport and we go go clothes shopping, and then we pay for food and pay for transport back. Um, we've also had, um we've hired out the Wellington pool a couple of times and just booked out the entire, like, an entire pool. And it's been just incredible. [00:21:00] Incredible experience. Um, yeah. Another part of transform is that we have websites, and we've been trying to put resources on there for the last year or two. And it's I think it's been helpful for a lot of people who can't come too long to transform who or who don't live in Wellington to learn the sort of resources that that are that are available. That's not part of what transform does. Yeah, I understand anything. Do I have any questions about transform? What they get up to? We normally have about 5 to 10 people [00:21:30] coming along each two weeks. Um, yeah, yeah, yeah. So Charlie is also a facilitator. Transformer? Do they come from all around the Wellington region, or are they mostly just Wellington based mostly just from Wellington. Um, I think, Yeah, some Some people, I think, do come in. Uh, So I think the furthest that I know comes in from Johnsonville. Um, but like coming in from palms north or something is [00:22:00] a bit too hard half, sir. Half? I think so. Yeah, mo. Most of them are university students. Um, well, I would say the good majority are so they're usually already in Wellington because of that 25. The other thing, um, as well about transform is they've done really amazing work in terms of the website. Do you want to talk a little bit more about that or so on the website, for example, we have We did a workshop where we just all got in a room and listed all [00:22:30] the really good and really not so good providers in Wellington like good hairdressers. Good dentists. Good GPS. Good. Um uh, exercise places things like that. So that was really cool. We also had a workshop where we we express what we thought our GPS should know and what our health professionals should know. So that's on the website as well. Um, we also have, uh what other resources do we have? There's a number of other resources like resources that link to other support groups around New Zealand around Wellington. [00:23:00] Um, we're starting to interact with the group that's starting up a Wellington Mothers network. They're trying to start up a new support group for mothers of Trans kids and another group which is trying to start up a support group for, um, partners of Trans people come so normally, what a volunteer transform does the the the hardest thing is just going to buy food for the groups. And then, um, we give you, give [00:23:30] you we give you a bit of training or we try to give you a bit of training to help facilitate the groups. Um, if you're really interested, you can organise your own events. So when a facilitators organised shop events like another facilitator organised, um, the pool events, um And, um, if you're really, really keen And if you're really confident in in how you interact with people, then you can start doing mentoring with, um, young people who are just starting out on the journey. It's incredibly rewarding. So we have, you know, this entire range of volunteer opportunities? [00:24:00] I guess so, and done an amazing job alongside people like Charney to make it happen. Is there any other questions for transform before we carry on? No, we're good. Sweet. So the next person that I'm gonna ask to speak is Kathleen sitting here beside me. Um, who's gonna give a little bit of an explanation about what schools out gets up to again? Don't be sure about the questions. If you wanna know something, you can either ask us now or you can also come up and ask someone afterwards. [00:24:30] Sweetheart, Hi again. Um, I even wrote notes and everything, Um, cool. So I'll talk a little bit about schools out. Case has already given a really good, um, like whole history of the organisation. Um, basically, what schools out is is it's a support group for young people. We're talking a bit younger than transform. We're usually talking, um, high school age. There isn't really a lower limit. And I think we've had, like, 12 year olds. Maybe I don't know what I'm looking at, but I think I think yeah, yeah. [00:25:00] So we kind of go from 13 until about 18. 19. And that's our kind of demographic. Um, yeah. And we have groups in, uh, we have one that meets here, Involve every week and one in lower hut. Um, so those are our two kind of areas? Um, yeah, and much like transform. It's kind of like an ongoing support group that also does big events and stuff like that during school holidays. Um, holiday activities we've kind of done like we've gone out to the movies together. We've had, like, sleepover parties. We've done things in parks with dogs [00:25:30] and Easter eggs. Um, we try and we like to try and get the groups together whenever we can, Um, so that kids from the two different regions can meet other people and see that there's a whole big world out there, and that's been really successful. And we've had kids who are still friends from the two different regions. Um, as a result of that, which is cool. We've even managed to link with, uh, project Youth, which is a group up in now, um, to bring them all the way down. So that's Yeah, that's something that we're quite keen on. Um, yeah, um, outer spaces, and especially schools out does [00:26:00] have an office here and evolve as well. Um, so we are actually physically based here, which is really, really useful. Um, so even when it's not group time, we do have a space where we have a whole lot of resources and books and movies and cool stuff like that. Um, yeah, I started off, uh, in the schools out just by coming along as a volunteer facilitator. Um, it is. I mean, our whole organisation is very much a volunteer by very much. I mean, 100% right now, a volunteer run organisation, um, [00:26:30] which has a really amazing culture around that. It's kind of a volunteering organisation in which every volunteer has the same voice and the same say as every other. Um, and I think that's kind of what I loved. And what made me stay was that, um when I became involved, I was really becoming a part of something. Um which is ridiculously meaningful in terms of how important those groups are. Um, because I am talking to a group of people who are mostly in the community. Have been working with the community for a long time. I don't really want to do a sales pitch right now. I'd rather [00:27:00] just talk quite candidly about where the groups are at, um, because you guys all know how important the groups are already. Um, so I think that it's important to acknowledge that outer space is even though, like, we've got a lot going on now. We've nearly even got a logo. Maybe one day, Um, and maybe a website. But we do have a We're, like, spreading out in terms of the different things that we're doing. But we asked, we have got no paid staff right now. Um, we are purely volunteer run. And even though our capacity [00:27:30] is hopefully growing, the need is growing much more. Um, our schools out groups have been getting 30 kids quite consistently, both in lower heart and in Wellington every single week. Um, and queer youth are really an incredible demographic, but one of the most high needs demographics in terms of support. And we have a team of volunteers trying to support that number of kids every single week. Um, as of this term, we've actually had to decide to put both our lower heart and Central Wellington group [00:28:00] on hiatus for the course of the term. Um, this is because we realise that we really need to take a break to train our volunteer facilitators as much as we can. Um, everyone who is volunteering to facilitate those groups is doing it because they love it and are passionate about it. And a lot of our facilitators have been doing it for a long time and are really incredible at what they're doing. But we kind of decided that we need to prioritise, uh, safe practise in terms of how we look after those groups. Um, [00:28:30] yeah. So right now what we are doing is just as of today, we've kind of had, like, little last group parties with both, um, groups to let the youth know what's happening to direct them to other support services for the course of the term, so that we can really, um, do a bit of a volunteer drive, train up our volunteers and then come back next term with a really incredible programme and incredible support system. Um, we can talk a little bit about more about the training that we have coming up. Um, which [00:29:00] is already in the works will be really amazing so that anyone who does want to get involved in any kind of youth work, but especially in the queer kind of sector, Um, that will be open to you. So it's good to We're gonna try and let as many people as we can know about that, because we want to get as many people skilled up in this area as we can. Um, yeah, and that's kind of it. So where we are, I'm happy to take questions and also hang around for a while afterwards by the food table if anyone wants [00:29:30] to talk a bit more about schools out, But otherwise do you want to talk a bit about training? What? That is? Uh, yeah, So as a part of the, um So the outer spaces, as Casey said, is a bit of a merger of a whole bunch of organisations, and at the moment, we're currently, um, establishing like a volunteer recruitment plan, which involves regular training. So we have one coming up really soon, and today is sort of a a day for you volunteers to come along and find out about us. But there are also lots of other volunteers that contact us via email and Facebook and stuff. So the training will be, um, on the 22nd [00:30:00] of May, the end of this month, and it's going to be like a really good 101 for like, we'll do some basic facilitation skills, some basic counselling skills and some really good self care and boundary skills. So we'll be collaborating with other youth services like Youth Client to run those trainings. And those are actually genuinely for everyone. Like if you wanna, we wanna offer it to people who just maybe just want to be in the area or want to start somewhere in youth work or social work or anywhere in human services, and they want to just go along to a good first course. They can go along. [00:30:30] They can find out more about us there as well. They get some really cool training. Um, but it's also a way for us to upskill all of our volunteers. Everybody that comes along is often not very experienced in the youth work community, which is fine because we want to offer training and really good start off points. So we have these beautiful people offering volunteer services for us and supporting our young people and being, like, really, really great and doing everything. But then we also want to be offering some really like cool training after so that they can take that onwards into the world wherever they want [00:31:00] to go in the future. With that, um so, yeah, that's on the 22nd of May, uh, probably here. We haven't decided on the venue yet. Um, it'll be from like, 12 o'clock. That stuff will get posted up, um, on schools like groups and on social media. And we'll advertise that or email lists. We'll have some email lists for people who want to find out about that as well. Yes. Can I just add to that as well? Some people kind of want to know a lot in terms of the groups, whether or not they're too old or whatever, you [00:31:30] know, kind of thing. We get there quite a lot, and I think it's really important that outer spaces as a whole. We we have quite, um, a commitment to intergenerational work to support young people. Um, we don't use a for youth by youth model for the reason that we see this Workers. Really, uh, we need to value, like our older generations who have been through this, and they want to be able to give back. So there's lots of different ways to support. And again, you're never too old to be able to support um, other spaces in the in terms of the actual groups themselves. [00:32:00] We do ask that people are able to relate well to young people. And there are 18 year olds who might not relate well to young people. So it's actually not specific to age. It's about being able to, um, I guess, yeah. Not be able to see 1 to 1, have respect and get along really well with young people. So I guess we don't have a complete age limit. Some, um, support boards do, but, um, yeah, we Yeah, that's just kind of open to us as people to decide. And for us to see how that [00:32:30] goes with the young people cool? Yes, of course. If you are thinking about, um, going through the training, I can just make 10,000. Um, when I started out with transform like I'd never worked with with young people before, I'd never done any sort of social work before. And the training just gave me so many skills. And I just gave you confidence to to be, like, to be who I am today, so definitely can end it. [00:33:00] Hm. Is there anyone who has any questions about schools out or any questions they might have come up? An emailing list was mentioned in regards to, um, finding out venue and the streaming programme. Um, how do we go about like getting on this list? Yep. So if you want to catch up with catch up with Katie here afterwards and we'll grab your contact details [00:33:30] So this training that we're running for people who might be interested is open to our existing facilitators, and it's also open to anyone who might be interested in helping to facilitate groups. Um, it's it's gonna be an open day of training. We just need an idea of numbers and then the what? It's gonna go over basic facilitation, basic counselling skills and self-care stuff as well. And anyone can come along to that. And then by the end of the day, we've [00:34:00] got to have a bit of an idea about who might be the people who might be, you know, really suitable for, um, leading those groups. But I guess knowing that it is a training, it is there, and it's just really helpful to know that stuff just in general for life. So anyone's welcome to come along to that. Any other questions? Thoughts Before we move on, can I get more of an idea of the other roles that you've got for volunteers? We're quite [00:34:30] quite the functioning beast at the moment. So we've got, uh, went out of spaces plans to come back in a new term. We've got new branding coming out. We've got new social media, um, website stuff. So if anybody's like real techy or on to their social media, there's opportunities there to do volunteering, um, funding. We need people to help fundraise to run campaigns. We need people to do communications. Um, graphic design. Uh, if if you have any accounting skills, that would be awesome. because [00:35:00] I'm just learning, um, employment skills. Yeah, There's also gonna be, um there will be times when there'll be spaces available on the board as well. So yeah, it definitely opens to board members or even people who want to, You know, our board meetings are technically public, and people can come along and and learn about what we're up to. And some opportunities might come from that. Yeah. Thank you. Anything any other [00:35:30] thoughts? Questions? Awesome question, by the way. Cool. So is Kirsten still in the room? Oh, Kirsten, do you Am I giving a little bit of a feel about evolve? And, um, I know you've talked a little bit already, but maybe about, um, the history of our relationship and we've had schools out and transform groups running here for a long time, actually, on the space and the space or particularly transform, actually transform back in the old building. Um, [00:36:00] when we moved into this building, we specifically wanted a space that would be easy, easily accessible to a range of different groups in the community. And that's been a big part of, um we're currently looking at moving and a big part of that our our thinking there is to make sure that we can continue to offer that. Um, as I said at the beginning, uh, evolve our whole whole organisation of nurses and doctors and youth workers and social workers and counsellors [00:36:30] are all really, really committed to, um, making evolve a really friendly space for LGBTI Q young people. Um and, um and we're still working out. You know what that means? Practically as well, in some ways, um, but certainly our relationship with outer space is is, um, a key part of that by having the office here by having the groups here, Um, by trying to formalise that by having, [00:37:00] um, as an involved staff member on the board of outer space is doing all of those sorts of things like that. Is that what you had in mind, Cassie? Yeah, definitely. OK. Does anyone have any questions or anything about specifically evolve about that happening? Kind of a swear word? Um, I was just gonna say we like volunteers, too, also, so, you know, um, move is not confirmed yet, but, um, [00:37:30] we're still looking for a suitable space. So if anyone's got a building in an extra 100 grand a year, just casually, just casually. I just really want to acknowledge, you know, um, how important the relationship with a has been. I think there's been a lot of stuff that we wouldn't have been able to do otherwise because we are mostly a group that's been run by volunteers and young people. And, um, it really means a lot that a [00:38:00] main Australian youth organisation who didn't need to take any concerns about trans young people seriously at all. Um did and Kirsten, from the very beginning stepped up and was like, Let's let's work on building a relationship and the fact that we're able to have an office here the fact that we're able to have a physical space and also be linked to a wider youth organisation, which means that at our groups are able to say if you need to see a counsellor, if you need to see a doctor, actually we're already in the [00:38:30] same building. Let's have a conversation and the safety that provides to our young people. So So yeah, so we're really, really thankful for evolve support and I say that weirdly because I now work for Evolve um, but from the beginning, Yeah. Strategic. OK, Yeah. Awesome. Any other thoughts or questions on Evolve? Are we all good there? Cool. Silence. Me All good in here. Um, the next person I'm going to be passing it on to is, [00:39:00] um is Kate who will be speaking from naming New Zealand. Yeah, I know. Um, so naming New Zealand sort of started when I think in my role as a community lawyer. I got asked, I think to talk to transform, but it could have been schools out. Um, yeah. To transform. Yeah. OK, cool. Um, about the legal issues and how how all that works and things. And [00:39:30] I at the end of the group, I asked like So is anyone thinking about changing our ideas? Like, why aren't people doing it? And a lot of people said money was an issue, so I thought I'm a capitalist at heart, and I love making money, so maybe I can make money for some people. And, um, because of my lawyering, I knew how to do all the ideas so I can provide it from that perspective. And we got talking with J, and she thought it was a great idea. So, yeah, that's sort [00:40:00] of how we began. And we're still very new. Um, so far, I think we've had three funding rounds. Is that right? Yeah. Three funding rounds we funded. Yeah, Some some number. So far, we haven't had to turn down anybody in the Wellington region. We've had enough money to fund every ID that we got asked for. We've done name changes, passports, um, funding to see your doctor to get the evidence for the birth certificate. Heaps [00:40:30] of filling in documents for me. Um, which has been awesome. Um, I think what I like about volunteering for naming New Zealand is like Cassie said, I was one of the 18 year olds who didn't relate well to other 18 year olds. And in naming New Zealand, I can still help out, because by fund raising and for filling in boring legal documents. So if you are one of those people who's not so great at relating to [00:41:00] you, perhaps naming New Zealand is a great place to be because you can still be really involved and run some cool fundraisers. We had this really great clothing sale. That fin club helped us sit up and Bella helped out. And and Kathleen, it was awesome. It was We raised so much money. Um, and that's really helped us a lot. And we've done Jin's arranged a whole heap of movie nights, and we're hoping to do more. So I think that that is sort [00:41:30] of where we're looking for volunteers is mainly in fundraising. Um, yeah. And, um, since everyone was talking about training in my other hat, community law is doing a youth rights training for community workers next Thursday. And if you're interested in that, it's all your rights. All the rights of young people dealing with police dealing with wins, training into six non-binary rights, specifically issues with skills. Come talk to me. I can give you a discount. Um, [00:42:00] yeah. Are they? Oh, yeah. Um, do you even made us a website? It's really cool. We've got some really great DIY. Let's like how to change how to do your passport, how to write a statutory declaration, all the forms you have to fill in for the birth certificate, um, some costs of different things, An idea of what's best to do first, if you want to save the most money. That sort of stuff. Yeah. [00:42:30] What is the URL, uh, naming dot NZ. Yeah, well, so do you wanna, um, speak to maybe a few any future plans for New Zealand? Oh, yeah, My dream dream. So I would, um I, I have a dream that eventually Well, I'm sure we all have the dream [00:43:00] that, um we might be able to fund bigger things in the future. So at the moment, we're just doing the quite cheap things with passports and things. But I'd love to be funding things like, um, hair removal and binders and hackers and wardrobe allowance and perhaps way in the future, surgeries when we're making that much money. But, um, those are my dreams. But hopefully how we can grow and maybe also expand into other cities because at the moment, greater Wellington someone's sort [00:43:30] of interested in Auckland with other cities like, we're hoping to get someone in the city to help out with fundraising in the city and also someone in an organisation to help out with performance. And that's how we can expand in China city. Just so young people in that city have someone that they can talk to someone who that they can get checks, no home, any other questions or anything about men in New Zealand and what they do. I do think it's, you know, it's a really [00:44:00] awesome initiative because again, it's just giving something practical to young people to be able to break down some barriers that they see. Um, we know that, you know, transitioning can be really, really expensive. And, uh, yeah, it's, you know, there's a lot of money that can be involved. And so it's really awesome to see a project that just goes away and helps to, you know, kind of try clear, just a couple of costs that people might not be able to do. But it could make a big difference in their transition and in their lives. [00:44:30] So awesome work. Cool. And then I'm going to hand over to Charlie, who's going to be speaking about the B exchange. OK, so this is what A is. Uh, it's basically a chest compression vest for generally trans masculine people to um, some of those guys do wear them as well. Um, to make their chest look masculine. Basically. Um, So I went with a company called G two CB, [00:45:00] cos they basically make binders for, uh, um made by trans guys for trans guys. Um, and this is really important, because otherwise people don't have access to binders if they're under 18 for a lot of reasons, because they're only available in the states cost up to $50 plus shipping. And you need your credit card. Um, so So basically, I wanted to create a way for youth to access binders. Um, and if they don't, they end up using tape. They end up using da bandages and with the state [00:45:30] of the healthcare system at the moment, they can't actually access surgery for way, way too long, so they'll be forced to bind for too long. So the binder exchange came out of an idea for that. But partly, um, a lot of older guys when they've had surgery, especially in the YouTube community, give away their binders. And it was something that we could have done in Wellington really easily. So I had been fundraising for a friend's top surgery. It Luckily his surgery was funded through the bond trust. So I ended up with about $900 so I was like I need to do this money. I need to put it into some something [00:46:00] good for my community. So basically, I ended up buying about 18 binders, and with Cassie's help, we were able to set up the exchange about a month ago at Evolve. So that is currently there's about 15 binders just sitting in the schools out. Um, obviously and yeah, really. The purpose is to make sure that people actually look after their bodies with that sort of stuff, because transitioning, like maybe in New Zealand said is super expensive. And if you're under 18 and [00:46:30] you don't have access because you live with your parents, it's really hard because generally the purpose of the binder exchange is gonna be targeted for those that are under 18 and still live at home with their parents. And they don't have access to binders themselves. Um, and part of it we we don't want to really involve cash. I mean, if donations come in, we're happy with that. But the main point of it is that sort of intergenerational connection. So when older guys have binders that they no longer need due to surgery or other [00:47:00] reasons able to donate them back. And that intergenerational thing within the trans community is really important. Um, I feel and creating those connections between older people and younger people. And I also, um, would like to extend the binder exchange for any sort of thing that trans people need in order to transition. So if trans women have things that would help other younger trans women transition that they no longer use, you're welcome to donate it. And then what I'd really like is just have a massive resources [00:47:30] of things that Trans people need to transition that are built on donations from older trans people. Basically, but it's it's brand new. We've only, um I've had about seven I've done with the Hubble. Cassie. We've donated about seven binders so far, But the thing is, the the donations probably aren't gonna keep up with how many people actually need them. Um, yeah. So does anybody have any questions? Um, [00:48:00] it's you can have a feel of that. So these ones, So there's kind of two main brands, so this one is made by G two CB, and that is that is made by train. Um, I think they're non binary. Trans people based in Maryland. In the States, there's also under works, and I'm quite sceptical of under works because it's made them. They're marketed for trans people, but they're they're designed for C men who basically get moved. Um, uh, man boobs because they get fat. So, [00:48:30] yeah, um, and because people were forced to buy them for, like, I was forced to buy them for 3.5 years, and my reps are really mounted because of that. Um, I think it's really good to kind of go with a company that actually, um, and try to access binders for people that actually are for trans people. Um, and it's completely free. So yeah. So I should have explained our target demographic better. So, um, who we're generally trying to give out to are people under 18 that still live at home with their parents and don't have any access [00:49:00] to income. But we are pretty lenient on that. So if you're a bit older and are unemployed, we'd be perfectly happy to help. I think it would be great if you can eventually make it nationwide. Yeah, so? So there is. There is who have recently suspended um, or donations because they don't have any funding. But part of it is that we wanted a space where people can try on the binders themselves so they can see what they're like. They have. And yeah, they [00:49:30] basically have a space so they can choose and just kind of get the feel for it without being forced. Because often these things are online and you don't actually have access to see what they're like before you buy them. Um, so that was a big point. And also because it's, um, connected to evolve. Um, it meant that if nurses or doctors were dealing with any young trans patients, they could just go in there and be like, Yeah, you can just take one and kind of just having because evolve has access to the trans community a lot better than just me on the Internet would, right? Yeah, maybe [00:50:00] the, um, with the the youth groups. So with the the young, the young CS women who perhaps have smaller size bras, if the bras are still in good condition, you know, and they're outgrowing them, maybe they could donate them for young trans women. So as long as the elastic at the back is still in good condition. Yeah, because that this is my big grand plans is just creating, um, if [00:50:30] how much of that office I want to take over, But, um, just creating resources for trans people because I just recently came back from Canada, and the pride room at at the university was there was just a mass of resources there for for trans people. There were shoes for trans women, like there were big sizes. And, um, I just kind of want to emulate that in a lot of ways. I just got a question. Um, how long do the binders last? And are there any [00:51:00] hygiene issues? Um, and that's that's part of the issue with, um because people get very dysphoric and they don't want to take them off. But part of it, when people pick up the binders, I do tell them that they need to not sleep in them because they will damage their ribs and the, um Oh, no, we're gonna Well, as long as they still bind, and I'm gonna soak them basically, I'm gonna I'm gonna wash them. Um, So I did get one donated yesterday or not donated [00:51:30] a guy who picked one up and the last at the back, the one that he had been wearing was basically a shot. So I couldn't take it because it was it didn't bind anymore. So if if a binder still binds, I'll take it. Um, I've had a nurse here. Uh, my my nurse from Revolve has offered to sew up the binders that have holes in them and stuff, so I was gonna see if we could potentially fix the one I have. So but, um, and as long as they are hygienic, I mean, as long as they can be washed, Unfortunately, the white ones kind of go a bit grey, [00:52:00] but that just happens because people wear them all the time. That didn't start white, though, did it? Nice. That's never been worn. So we have a whole bunch of new ones that are in there as well. Um, but it is basically, uh, you know, if your size is there, then it's there, and if it's not, it's not kind of thing. So, ideally, it'd be cool to be able to even be able to do orders for people who might not have, you know, your usual sizes. But right [00:52:30] now, people kind of know that it's, you know, just what is there. So it's 48 US at the moment, So they're those ones are 33. Um, I got free shipping on them because they did a mass order. Um, but the quality of those ones are really good, and they're just a lot more comfortable. Just I just really want to promote that company, because, um, I just feel like they're a lot better than what else is out there and because it's giving money back to trans people as well. And so it doesn't hurt people. [00:53:00] And again, it's, um we've had a few. I mean, it's still kind of gaining popularity. We we're actually not massively, um, letting everyone know about it because it is a case where, as Charlie said, we had about 15 that are in there. Um, but please, if you know people who are in need and are around under 18 or so or maybe a little bit older, do let them know, Um and I like, I can honestly say that it's quite amazing, you know, we've had situations where young trans people have come into nurse consults [00:53:30] and they've been, you know, one person in particular had been in hospital because their binder is too small. Um, and it was literally crushing their ribs. They had to go to hospital. And, um, But the flip side is is if they don't wear it, then they don't want to leave house because they're too anxious. So the better option was to wear the binder crush in their ribs. Um, and after a quick catch up, I was able to just hand over hand. They could try one out. We got a mirror, we got a measuring tape, everything that you need. And then you can actually fit [00:54:00] it on yourself. And then they get away with a brand new one completely. So again, it's just a really helpful, practical thing that can help young people out something really simple. But it makes a lot of difference. Like 50 bucks when you're under. Like when you're a youth is huge amounts of money, not to mention you, the credit card and stuff, and also randomly getting packages at your door. And you kind of don't want to tell your parents what it is any further questions on the exchange in terms [00:54:30] of your plans, like that idea that, um, that's pretty much just came from a conversation with given that I had over dinner and I transformed. Is there somewhere we could, like, get some communication going? Because, like some very odd reason, Like about a year ago, I acquired a whole wardrobe of mail, clothes and fashion accessories. Um, just sort of magically appeared there one day that weren't being used. So, um, and I didn't want to give them to the Salvation Army. So off you [00:55:00] you can. So So the best way to contact me through this is I set up a Gmail account, which is just all one word Wellington binder exchange dot at Sorry. Wellington Binder exchange at gmail dot com Um, I'm just not sure about how much space we have. Like, you know, you can look at stuff and these sorts of sizes and then you could, like, have a list and people go, Oh, wow, yeah, I think everybody is really good because we also do. We have done trips through transform that [00:55:30] they can just take up so much space. That's something else. We could do like externally. Definitely, we could have. Like, um, maybe like a day, this is this is another thing. Because when I was in the UK, um, the LGBT Centre in street in Edinburgh, they had, uh, like, some fair, and with that, they had, like, a massive clothing exchange. So we're we're basically transforming and transmitting spot close, so [00:56:00] that could be Could be something. Another thing that could happen, um, as an event at some stage. But I think I think it's a really good idea. Yeah, I know how to tie a tie, but quite well, actually. But, um, you know, I don't have the reverse skills so we can exchange skills as well that that could be something that is put in the pipeline to do. Yeah, because, um, there was a clothing. Um, I. I did have that idea, um, about last year and we ended up having heaps and heaps of clothes that were [00:56:30] put on sale at out in the park. But unfortunately, our park got cancelled, and then we just ended up having heaps and heaps of clothes. Um, because I never followed through on it, but it is It is something that we I reckon if we create a natural event where people just have like, a clothing swap would be a really good idea. Yeah, Yeah, and just kind of get it. Especially because I think that a generational thing with trans people is really important as well. Um, he supposed to dry it off as well? Yeah. [00:57:00] Cool. Awesome. Thank you so much to everyone who's, um, given a bit of a rundown of the projects. And as I said, pretty much all the projects are run by the people who are in this room, give or take. And, um, a lot of it is is initiated by young people like this would be a really cool idea. How can we make this happen? And I think the whole point about our spaces was to have an overarching organisation that can take care of the boring stuff. Get all of that done. So So we can allow young people to be able to do the things [00:57:30] that they need to do to be able to improve their communities. So, um so, yeah, so we're really glad to be able to do that. Um, what I'm gonna do is just going to finish up really soon. Um, except for Kathleen would like to speak. Please, go on. If I wanted to have, like, a really good lunch in a couple of weeks, like, where would I get one? Do you reckon? I just feel like I know. Yeah. Can you tell us just a little bit about that? There's a really [00:58:00] good lunch that you can get on Sunday May the 29th. And it's an event called Febru Lunch 2016 to distinguish it from one that was in 2013. And, um, what we're doing is is, um, we're taking over a restaurant called on the waterfront. Uh, there's space for about 100 people there, and, um, we're having the lunch. But we've also got people who are coming to entertain, [00:58:30] and we've got this amazing raffle happening as well. So the lunch itself is $35 for an adult or $15 for, um uh, Children under 13 or under. And, um, you can buy tickets for that by emailing me if you have. If you're on Facebook, you look up. Febru lunch 2016. It's got all the details if you're not on Facebook? Um, I don't know. What should I do? Speak to speak [00:59:00] to someone? Speak to someone I don't know how to deal with the outside of Facebook stuff. Um, so it there or not. Uh, but last time we raised $3000 which was really awesome. Um, this time we might not hit that mark, but we're definitely gonna try. And, um, yeah, you're everyone's invited to come along if you want to buy a ticket. So the last time funded our entire move into the, um we funded the whole [00:59:30] office. Everything. We got a new computer. We got loads of cool, like furniture donated, like we can show people the office afterwards. You're welcome to come and have a look. Um, funded it entirely, And it was just so shocking because we were like, Oh, this will be a good like, like, starting point, and then you can continue the front. Not all in one night. It was beautiful. We were crying. We cried a lot, actually. Now I remember it. Yeah, it was beautiful night. We were crying and stunning. Yes, Um, [01:00:00] really great event would recommend good food, and they and just really acknowledging and thanking Jack and all the people who contribute to, um to a who, you know, youth group is probably not gonna be, You know, their thing anymore. But, um, they're really wanting to give back to the younger communities. And we I don't think that, actually, schools that would exist at all or outer spaces would exist at all. We are not for the support of the older generation, so we really do appreciate it and and thank people for that. So thank [01:00:30] you. Awesome. So we're just gonna finish up now. Thank you, everyone. Oh, talking about fundraising. Um, Sarah and myself and a couple of other people We're fundraising to send our wonderful friend Bella Simpson to the World Conference in Bangkok November this year. So we've already had one event. Um, and if we if we can [01:01:00] raise more money, then we'll send more people. But, you know, if you see any events on Facebook, whether you want to attend or not, um, Conrad came to our our one last weekend. It was fabulous, wasn't it? Um, but it's I think the, uh So it's been the the committee, the people who organised the, um, Oceana [01:01:30] conference that was held at Otago University in, um, march this year. We feel really strongly that, you know, Bella goes and and represents us because she's been so involved with working with queer youth in Wellington and worked so hard. And, um, yeah, we just want to have a youth voice over there representing or for for New Zealand. Um, and hopefully we'll [01:02:00] get one or two other bodies as well, So Oh, yeah. And Jim was there as well. So yeah, last weekend, we had, uh, a tour around Des and John's Garden and, um, afternoon tea and we hope to organise some more events as well we saw was a transit. Yes, but how do we get money out of that for? I'll work on something. We get the evil capitalists together. No. [01:02:30] And, hey, this is this is actually an opportunity for you to meet other people and to be able to discuss what other projects are gonna be really cool. And outer spaces offers a handful of those. And there's lots of other amazing things that already happen and are going to happen in the future. So we do really, and We just want to know how we can support that in the best way. Are there any final questions before moving into kind of some nice clothing? No. Um, we will be milling around for a little bit, So feel free to come and talk [01:03:00] to somebody individually, if you would like to know more from them. Um, cable, um is the, um, chair of, um, outer spaces. And I'm just gonna hand it over to you to maybe just give some final words about stuff, any final information and maybe some final thank you or anything? Yeah. So I'm really appreciative of you. All. Stayed full time. Well done. I didn't see anyone except Kirsten leave. We'll talk to her about it like No. Um, yeah, this [01:03:30] was really cool. I'm really glad that we got a decent number. I saw it being posted everywhere on Facebook, so that was really amazing. Hopefully we'll be having these quite regularly as we begin to grow. Um, Outer spaces has some really amazing plans. I get quite overwhelmed. I get really into one thing, and then I'll be like, What about this thing? And then I'm jumping around, and then nothing gets done. Um, it's too much. And so, Yeah, we've got so many beautiful plans. And so I'm really excited for where we're going as a collective. Um, and I'm really stoked that binder exchanges [01:04:00] come on board as well. And we like we hope to be able to create an organisation where other people can have are inspired by something and would like to come on board with us and just help us grow. Um, and maybe you people are the people that will do that. Um, so we'll be hanging around if you're interested in volunteering. You want to find out more information? Um, maybe we'll go open up the office as well. Um, and some people can take you through there. You can check out a little library. Some of the youths art, um, a bin that we need to empty the bowl of lollies. There's [01:04:30] all sorts in there. Um, you can check out the binder exchange. Uh, thank you so much. It's an awful night out there. I don't really wanna leave. Um, there's so much food. Please eat it. And thank you. I love all of you. Yes, thank you again. Honestly, as we've said before schools out and outer spaces, would it be anything without a community that is around it and constantly supporting it? And I guess even if you come away from this being like, Oh, yeah, no, I'm not really keen on, you know, volunteering. I don't have any [01:05:00] time, Whatever. It's OK if we're really interested in building relationships with people and that's everyone in this room, and that's people beyond this room. Um, we I guess we just want to be able to have a way that we can be in conversation and keep talking with members of the community to be able to do this job. Really Well, um, finally just want to, um, thank, um, everyone here who's helped, um, or who's helped so far to get to this point? Really, it's been, I think, you know, a a lot of work to be able to, um, make the move to come [01:05:30] here and as um as was mentioned, you know, the young people that we are working with, you know, they have a lot of stuff on their plate, and we really want to be able to make sure that if there's one thing or a couple of things that we can help with. Then that's what we can do to make that, um, that plate a little less full. Although that's a weird analogy, because who doesn't want a full plate anyway? Um, moving on. I just also want to thank everybody who's helped out in, um, the kitchen, Um, and to our board members who are here and, yeah, just all of you for really expressing [01:06:00] an interest in this and taking the time out of your Thursday evening to come along and to learn a little bit more. Um, if you'd like to find out more information, ask us if you'd like to get involved in volunteering. Cable is the person to go and speak to, and we can give you more information there. So just like to finish up by saying, um, yeah, we're really thankful for everyone being able to be here tonight. We're thankful to those who have come before us and created the path that we can then keep picking [01:06:30] up and travelling forward on. Um, we're thankful to our older generations, and we're thankful to all the young people who have the faith and trust in us to actually enter a room and spend time with us and accept all the wonderful things that we want to do for them. They're amazing. Um, thank you all, and just gonna finish up with closing. And, um and please help yourself to the rest of the food and feel free to chat and mingle, and yeah, and just, I guess, celebrate what? The awesome stuff that we've been able to, um do tonight. Cool. Thank you, everyone.
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