A support camp for GLBT youth in Northland run over ANZAC weekend has been a resounding success, say organisers. The camp, attended by 30 young adults aged between 16 and 24, was organised by the Northland Queer Takatâpui Support Group with assistance from the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Northland Health, and the New Zealand Police (Northland). NZAF health promoter Jordon Harris said it was good to see so many young people who "arrived with their heads down" lifting their heads up and gaining confidence over the weekend. "It very clearly demonstrated that a lot of young GLBT people out there have issues around isolation, loneliness, self care and health awareness that are not being met by their communities, as they should be," he says. "Camps like this clearly help fill that gap by being one the few places where non-heterosexual youth can get together and share and celebrate their lives in a positive, health affirming way." Attendees came from as far south as Nelson, and some were encouraged to go by their parents, saying the camp was inspirational and helped them feel “less hung up” about their identities. While some in the Northland community had expressed concerns about the camp, many more supported it, Harris says. Much of the expense associated with it had been covered by the Northland QT group through local fundraising, which was well supported.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 30th April 2005 - 12:00pm