If you are a young person looking for support, or know one who is, here is an updated run-down of the many amazing GLBTI youth groups across the country. AUCKLAND Rainbow Youth Rainbow Youth is an Auckland-based organisation providing support, information, advocacy and education for GLBTI people aged between 13- 28, as well as their family and supporters. Its drop-in centre on K’ Rd is open Monday to Friday, 10 – 5pm, but is sometimes closed during these hours if staff have to leave the building, so call first of you are making a special trip. Rainbow Youth Centre (09) 376 4155 281 Karangahape Road, Newton, Auckland Central (Opposite NZ Post Shop/Artspace, between Heroes Comics This is a group for young people aged 13- 24 who are lesbian, gay, transgender, takataapui, bisexual, pansexual, curious, unsure or questioning. If you would like to meet other people who are like you, hang out, go on trips, or just talk to someone who will listen, then get in contact. It’s based in Rotorua at a secret location. Email: thetwowaycloset@hotmail.co.nz Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thetwowayclosetyouthgroup HAWKE’S BAY GayOK, Napier and Hastings GayOk is a queer support group focusing on youth, currently networking with other organisations in the region, including schools, and other organisations across New Zealand. It’s located in Parkvale, Hastings and operates from the Direction centre in Hastings and the Family Planning centre in Napier. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gayok/ MANAWATU-WHANGANUI Closet Space Whanganui Closet Space is a Youth Group run in Whanganui to help, aid, support LGBTQ* youth aged 12 – 24 years and their friends. It provides a fun, relaxed environment to hang out, watch movies and talk about issues that affect LGBTQ teens and their families … and eat yummy food!!! Meets every Thursday from 4-6pm. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Closet-Space-Whanganui/234994883202703 Closet Space Palmerston North Closet space is a social recreational support group for Palmerston North youth who are queer, queer friendly and questioning their sexuality Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/119993591380832/ WELLINGTON School’s Out School’s Out is a group for queer teenagers, and their friends. It has regular meetings in Lower Hutt, Kapiti and Wellington Central, where the group shares food, has some laughs, plays games, has great discussions and guest speakers. It’s a great chance for youth to meet others like themselves; supporting each other in coming out or in any other challenges they may be facing, in a positive, welcoming, safe space. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56361337607/ Tranzform Wellington This is a group for people under 30 who identify as transgender, fa’afafine, whakawhine, tangata ira tane, intersex, two-spirits, genderqueer, non-gendered, questioning and their allies. The meetings are held in a safe venue and much is done to keep the atmosphere feeling safe, if you would like to change into more comfortable clothing before the meeting a facilitator will be at the venue 30 minutes in advance. Meets fortnightly at 4:30PM. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345956545456761/ NELSON/TASMAN Q-Youth Q-Youth is a Nelson based organisation that provides support, information, advocacy and education for queer young people, their friends and families. We offer services in the Nelson/Tasman region. Our groups and events are open to all young people up to the age of 27 as we are a queer/straight alliance. Currently looking for a new centre so check Facebook for info on where groups are being hosted. Contact clare.q.youth@gmail.com, or text 0220750740 for more info.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72311749717/ Q-Youth runs a number of groups: Under The Rainbow This is a social support group for high-school students and anyone up until the age of 27. Holds weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 4-6pm. Change-Makers This is a project orientated group. Anyone is welcome, held every Tuesday from 4:30-6:30pm. Gender Queery This is a social support group for those who identify as transgender, fa’afafine, whakawhine, tangata ira tane, intersex, two-spirits, genderqueer, non-gendered, questioning and their friends and families, but we welcome anyone who is interested in discussing all things gender in a safe space. This is currently being held monthly, during the Tuesday session. Contact Coordinator for the next meeting date. CANTERBURY Q-Topia q-topia is a social support network for queer youth (or youth who are questioning their sexual identity) in the Canterbury region aged 14-25. It runs regular social events and aims to have a lot of fun. It meets weekly, events include going to cafés, movies, picnics, ten pin bowling, go-kart racing, watching DVDs or simply hanging out. q-topia provides a social support group for queer youth that affirms and appreciates the diverse qualities of participants. By providing a safe and interesting space for queer youth to meet others, q-topia aims to provide an environment where those who attend the group can safely explore issues and be supported in having pride in who they are. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/29185621451/ OTAGO: Same Difference, Dunedin Same-Difference is Dunedin’s queer youth network for young people under 20. It aims to provide a comfortable and positive environment for queer or questioning young people in Dunedin, creating opportunities for new friendships, and providing a forum for discussion about stuff that is important to them. Same-Difference is run by PFLAG South and is associated to Youthline Otago. Among its gatherins are a relaxed meet-up every third Friday of the month in a semi-discrete inner city café, and a discussion group providing a confidential and safe environment to share issues and gain support. TXT: 0274968847 Email: samediffdunedin@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samedifferencedunedin SOUTHLAND SGnLS, Invercargill Not specifically for youth, but caters for young people. A queer support group in the Southland (Invercargill) area, designed to empower and inform the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities of Southland, and those questioning their sexuality; and to promote the acceptance of diversity of sexual identities and the normalisation of same sex relationships. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glbtsouthland GayNZ.com staff - 31st August 2013