A Waikato based queer youth organisation needs community help to keep its Hamilton base open, as its running out of funds to cover its rent. WaQuY (Waikato Queer Youth) is already running on a completely voluntary basis, with is coordinators working for free. It’s now at risk of losing its hub on Collingwood St, which many of its youth see as a second home. It desperately needs to raise money to cover rental costs. WaQuy has been helping GLBTI youth across the Waikato region since 2007. Coordinator Nate Bramwell is well aware of its benefits, as he enjoyed the group’s services as a youth. “There is sadly a gap in our society for youth who don't fit in the norm,” he says. “As a queer youth I struggled to even find people who knew that it was like to be LGBTI and where on earth to refer to for support. “What I found in WaQuY and what we fight to provide for future youth is so important because it’s not a place you have to explain yourself, you are just embraced as who you are and are free to hang out and get support where you need it.” A meeting is being held tonight as the wider local GLBTI community brainstorms ways to help fundraise. It’s at Link House, 2 Dawson St, Hamilton East at 6PM. You can help by making a donation to Waikato Queer Youth, SBS Bank, 03-1355-0625952-00.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 8th May 2013 - 2:55pm