In this podcast Thomas Hamilton and Sam Shore talk about the history and aims of Rainbow Youth in Auckland. This podcast was funded by a generous donation from Roger Smith.
Summary
The abstract presents a summary of an interview with Sam Shore and Thomas Hamilton conducted by Wai Ho, discussing the history and functions of Rainbow Youth, an organization centered in Auckland, New Zealand. Established over two decades ago, Rainbow Youth caters to queer young individuals under the age of 27, with a unique model where the organization is run by youth for youth. The interview covers the diverse services offered by Rainbow Youth, including educational outreach in schools and universities, teacher training, advocacy, and providing information to young people. The facility, located at 281 K Road, serves as a drop-in center offering internet access and libraries, as well as functioning as a safe space that fosters a sense of community.
The organization's governance is spearheaded by a youth board that oversees the operation, which is further supported by three paid staff members, including a dedicated educator who enters schools to raise awareness and provide support on queer issues. Rainbow Youth emphasizes the involvement of volunteers and young members in shaping and leading the organization, which includes facilitating various groups catering to different needs and interests.
Rainbow Youth's work culture is highlighted, discussing how team members and regular visitors interact in a casual, flexible environment. The young people are given a strong sense of ownership of the space, influencing decisions such as office organization, reflecting the organization's core value of community engagement. The importance of mutual respect within the space ensures that everyone, irrespective of their background, feels comfortable and respected.
Challenges such as combating homophobia in schools and creating inclusive education are addressed, with a call for government support to mainstream education about sexuality and gender identity. Rainbow Youth highlights the pervasive issues of homophobia, bullying, self-harm, and substance abuse among queer youth. The interview emphasizes the need for comprehensive research and a national body to represent queer youth interests effectively.
Rainbow Youth's commitment to intergenerational communication and cultural diversity is echoed, with young members actively seeking knowledge from older community members. Events like the Intergenerational Forum at the Charlotte Museum serve to bridge age gaps and foster a shared understanding of queer community history and current issues.
The outreach efforts of Rainbow Youth include maintaining an online presence and educational resources for broader accessibility. Rainbow Youth acknowledges the various ways individuals engage with their services, including walk-ins to the center, Internet searches, and word-of-mouth.
To encapsulate, the interview with Sam Shore and Thomas Hamilton offers insights into the operations, history, and community impact of Rainbow Youth. The organization's youth-led model, advocacy work, and emphasis on inclusivity highlight the essential role it plays in the lives of young queer individuals in New Zealand.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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