RainbowYOUTH will mark its 25th birthday next month, and is inviting all those who have been involved over the years to come along and celebrate. The organisation was formed in Auckland in 1989 by a group of young people, who initially named it Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth (ALGY). It’s since had a name change and moved locations a number of times, becoming one of the largest youth-run, youth-led charitable organisations in New Zealand. “I’m proud to be heading up RainbowYOUTH, a youth-run and youth-led organisation, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary,” says General Manager Duncan Matthews. “Over the last 25 years, hundreds of people and countless volunteer hours have gone into building RainbowYOUTH, and supporting queer and trans young people in Auckland and around the country. At this milestone, we are encouraging Alumni to reconnect with RY, and come together with community to celebrate the successes from the last 25 years, and look forward to the next 25.” ASB is coming to the party, providing the ASB Cube as the location for the 19 November gathering. The theme of the evening will be ‘25 Years, 25 More’. It will include taking a look back at the group’s past, as well as towards its future. Past and present members will speak about their time with the organisation and reflect on its growth. The event will also serve as a launch platform for several new developments, including the new Alumni Network and new RainbowYOUTH website and mobile app. The evening will also include performances by GALS and Auckland rapper RANDA. RainbowYOUTH is calling for past and present members to get in touch if they would like to attend the event, or if they have any stories and memorabilia that they would like to share. They can get in touch by emailing info@ry.org.nz or by joining the Alumni Facebook group
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 20th October 2014 - 9:31am