"How do I tell my parents?" "Are they going to hate me?" "I'm in love with my gay best mate what do I do?"… these are just a few of the questions LGBT help service OUTLine NZ expects to receive on its new text message service, launched this week. People can now text in with their questions to 3535 - costing 20 cents per message - and get an automated response recognizing they have contacted OUTLine NZ, followed up with a reply to their question within 24 hours by an OUTLine volunteer. OUTLine NZ's general manager Lesley Belcham says the new is a good way for youth questioning their sexuality and gender identity to find out information and support around the coming out process, and keep up to date with events and social happenings in their area. "Connecting with our youth today requires us to go that extra mile and communicate in their method of choice, their cell phone," she explains. The service is offered in conjunction with Out There!, a joint initiative between the New Zealand AIDS Foundationand Rainbow Youth which is dedicated to promoting the diversity of gender and sexuality identity among queer youth in Aotearoa. "This collaborative effort is giving a chance for GLBTT organisations to work together in a meaningful way to promote the emotional wellbeing of our community, particularly our youth," says Belcham. "The launch of the text service this year and our free chat counselling service last year has really put OUTLine NZ at the forefront of helping the GLBTT community." OUTLine NZ can also receive calls from around the country on 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463), and also has a web-based chat service available. More details are on the link below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 12th February 2009 - 11:10am