Fri 29 Apr 2011 In: Our Communities View at Wayback View at NDHA
Qtopia rocking Pink Shirt Day Christchurch's queer and transgender support youth groups ‘Q-topia' and ‘Forge' have suffered more than their share of hardship from the two Christchurch earthquakes. Both quakes destroyed their headquarters and all resources. After September, seeing the definite need to get back in operation and support their members a new location was found, progress was being made, and everyone was happy. February 22nd saw the groups right back at square one. The lunch-time quake was devastating, they lost everything. This time they counted themselves lucky that it was only material possessions lost with close shaves for many. Given the destruction and the impact on so many lives it was imperative that the group reform as soon as possible. With the majority city now completely inaccessible a new location was found, with great thanks, to Christchurch Family Planning and within a month the groups were supporting young people again. Q-topia/Forge are now reaching out to the queer community nationwide, we need your help. Plans were in place to attend the upcoming ‘Kazam! National Youth Hui' in Auckland. With the cancellation of Christchurch Pride Week in May, Q-topia has lost it's major fundraiser for the year, the groups were counting on this event to fund the trip. As things currently stand there is not enough funding to send the groups to attend the hui on June 3rd-6th. “We are calling on our queer family nationwide to help us get our groups to Auckland, by sponsoring flights for one person each, or donating whatever possible. If the groups ever needed the break away and to attend this valuable training it is now, with your help I am sure we can get them all there.” says administrator Anne Nicholson. Meanwhile Q-topia continues to take action, they are running their own fundraiser in association with Number 8 Films, screening ‘Violet Tendencies' at Hoyts Riccarton on Thursday 12 May at 8pm. Look for ticket details on Facebook. Some suggested ways you can help could be: • Run a fundraiser in your community • Hold a collection at an existing fundraiser • Ask all your friends, family and workmates to each contribute a set amount • Sell some unused stuff on trade me Since both the September and February quakes Q-topia and Forge have been thrilled by the level of support shown by the Christchurch community. Nicholson said “without the support of the White Elephant Trust and more recently Family Planning, we would have struggled to continue to do this fantastic work each week. We are very grateful to White Elephant and Family Planning for helping us through these tough times, working alongside them is helping to strengthen all of our organisations.” More help is needed though to get through this very difficult time. The problems normally faced by queer and transgender youth are magnified during times like these. Lives are upturned and forever changed. Stresses are intensified and it is now more important than ever to be able to provide a safe and supportive environment. Christchurch has done what it can, now we are asking the rest of New Zealand for help. For further details on supporting the groups or the Violet Tendencies film night, contact Anne Nicholson on 027 228 6159 or tiggial@hotmail.com Qtopia/Forge - 29th April 2011