Kiwifroot, a new support and social network for gay, lesbian, takatapui, bisexual, and transgender youth aged up to 25 and living in Te Tai Tokerau is to be launched on 21 March. Supported by QT, a collaborative initiative between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Northland District Health Board, Agender Northland and the New Zealand Police, Kiwifroot is designed to better support the needs of non-heterosexual youth throughout the Northland region. “If you're not straight, it can be difficult to be open about your sexual orientation in a rural area,” says Jordon Harris, Kai Mahi/Health Promoter for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. “There's not a lot of support for non-heterosexual youth outside of big cities, and a lot of young men and women feel unsafe. We're hoping we can turn that around with Kiwifroot.” Kiwifroot will initially take the form of an email/mail-based network moderated by adult facilitators, with the aim of building community, sharing information, encouraging member involvement and answering questions. A phone and email contact person will be available for information and support. “For young gay, bisexual and takatapui men, sharing information about condoms and safe sex is especially important, as they are at risk of contracting HIV if they're having unsafe sex,” Harris explains. Once the network is established, Kiwifroot will begin to organise events specifically for non-heterosexual youth, and be involved in wider community events promoting visibility and inclusion for gay, lesbian, takatapui, bisexual, and transgender people. “We're encouraging anyone who works with young people anywhere in Te Tai Tokerau to come along to the official Kiwifroot launch in Whangarei,” Harris says. “We look forward to seeing you there.” The Kiwifroot launch is at the NARNIA Cafeé, corner Kamo Rd Ref: NZAF (m)