Minus18 focuses on improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through education, events, and support programs. They create awareness, provide life-affirming programs, and offer training to foster inclusivity.
Since 2011, Minus18 has supported over 80,400 young people and provided free online resources to more than 2.5 million people. They organise safe, supportive events and offer workshops to combat discrimination and build community.
We spoke to Maddy and Alicia from Minus 18 and asked them a few questions.
What does 'Pushing Forward' mean to you?
Maddy: Pushing Forward to me means pushing society standards forward in every sense of the world. Whether it's pushing traditional beauty standards, elevating minority groups, confronting patriarchal views, and doing the work to make it all happen. It is so important we build a more inclusive and beautiful world together. And we need to Push Forward to do that, we can't sit back and watch it happen by doing nothing.
Alicia: "Pushing forward" means leading the way for future generations, especially as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and continually creating inclusive spaces for us.
What keeps you motivated to continue pushing forward for the causes that matter to you?
Maddy: Volunteering with MInus18 has inspired me to fight for my LGBTQIA+ plus community even more. Young people are our future, young LGBTQIA+ people are our future and are going to change the world. And I get to see it first-hand through my volunteering. It is truly a marvellous thing to witness and I feel grateful to be helping support and push our community forward.
Alicia: I am motivated by seeing young individuals attend the Minus18 events we host. The joy and happiness we bring to the young community make us feel that we are making a real difference.
How can we support each other better as a community to push forward for change?
Maddy: Listen. Listen to others talk and have informed and educating conversations with no judgement.
Alicia: We can support each other by working together to create safe spaces for everyone and by showing kindness to all, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality.
How can we get more young people involved in pushing forward for change?
Maddy: Encourage further education in subjects that really interest them and provide them with support to be the exact people that they are.
Alicia: We can engage more young people by creating and promoting events that are welcoming and inclusive, like the events hosted by Minus18. By showcasing the joy and positive impact these events have on the community, we can inspire young individuals to get involved. Additionally, providing platforms for young voices to be heard.
What makes collective action so powerful for Generation SG?
Maddy: Everything is easier in groups and with support. Having people around you that believe in the same thing as you is so good for your mental health and provides community. Which is so important especially in today where so much community is online, it's important to have it in person too. We need to keep encouraging this and doing it as groups helps so much more.
Alicia: Collective action is powerful because, together, we can achieve so much more for our communities.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MINUS 18 HERE: https://www.minus18.org.au/
Find Minus 18 on socials: https://www.instagram.com/minus18youth/?hl=en
MEET MAYA
SG LIVE
MEET BIANCA