Rainbow Youth want your stories of growing up LGBT in New Zealand, for a new anti-bullying campaign. The respected LGBT young people's organisation is hoping to produce a series of billboards for the Auckland area highlighting that homophobia and transphobia are forms of bullying all too common in local secondary schools. "We're looking for stories written by young people about their experience of growing up queer to be included in the new awareness campaign due to launch later this year," says Rainbow Youth's Executive Director Thomas Hamilton. "The billboards will compliment a new area of our website that will include your stories of identifying as queer at high school and your experiences - positive or negative. "We're looking for someone who's experienced transphobia and/or homophobia at school and who is comfortable to share this with New Zealand through our website and possibly a print resource." Contributors will ideally be 'out' as LGBT, comfortable talking about their sexuality and experiences of bullying or homophobia/transphobia, and okay with people recognising them and being associated with Rainbow Youth. Interested people can send their brief stories (no more than 300 words long) via email to billboards@rainbowyouth.org.nz. JOB VACANCY Rainbow Youth is also currently seeking a new Education Coordinator - a 20-hour a week, six month role. Exceptional presentation skills and the ability to network with principals, teachers and guidance counselors are essential to be successful in the role. "You will be aware of the prominent issues facing queer youth in Aotearoa, and will also have experience engaging young people and facilitating groups of young people under the age of 27," say the Rainbow Youth Executive Board. Please email thomas.hamilton@rainbowyouth.org.nz for further information and a job description.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 10th April 2009 - 4:15pm