RainbowYOUTH has launched a new project 'I'm Local' which aims to combat homophobia and transphobia in rural areas of New Zealand. The lgbtiq youth support, advocacy and education organisation’s services have been chiefly contained in the Auckland region over its 25 year history, due to budget constraints. Thanks to funding from the US Embassy, the Waitematā Local Board and the ANZ Staff Foundation, it’s expanding its focus. ‘I’m Local’ is headed by RainbowYOUTH’s communications manager Toni Duder. It came about after she thought about her own experiences growing up as a lesbian in the small Northland town of Dargaville. “I remember I had no clue what my feelings were or how to deal with them until I went to boarding school in Auckland. My mum and I often reflect that I probably wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t of gone to Auckland. It’s tough for someone growing up different in small, rural communities.” RainbowYOUTH says such personal experiences of lgbtiq people who have grown up in rural areas have made it abundantly clear they are severely lacking in support, education and visibility. The project will focus on organisations where rural youth may spend their time, such as schools, libraries, medical centres and mārae, with RainbowYOUTH offering to provide free information, resources and posters to be displayed. It will raise awareness of sexuality and gender diversity in rural communities, provide accessible, factual and affirming guidance on sexuality and gender diversity, and direct locals to explore the video testimonials from other queer and trans rural people via the ‘I’m Local’ YouTube campaign. ‘I’m Local’ has already kicked off in Northland. “It’s really exciting for this to be actually happening,” Duder says. “Because of limited funding, we’ll be trialling it in Northland to see how it goes and hopefully with more support and granting of funds, we’ll be able to extend the project throughout the rest of the country.” For more information visit the project's website here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 22nd May 2014 - 1:44pm