By Callum Ludwig
A new creative outlet for queer youth in the Yarra Ranges is set to start up in 2025.
Supported by a $10,000 grant from Round 14 of the Health Equal Youth (HEY) grants program, the Yarra Ranges Queer Youth Writers Collective is set to bring writing workshops to young queer writers across the region.
Workshop Facilitator Sophia Thomas said the idea of Yarra Ranges Queer Youth Writers Collective is to provide a no-cost group to connect with other like-minded Queer writers and artists of any skill, aged 16-25.
“We have set out to provide 15 fortnightly sessions for 2025, split across different Yarra Ranges regions, in the sessions we hope to provide an opportunity for peer feedback, exploration of different writing styles, a sense of connection between like-minded peers and increased understanding of diverse experiences,” she said.
“In my experience having creative peers can be immensely helpful to the development and enjoyment of my writing and drawing. Being able to bounce ideas off, proofread and give feedback and simply enjoying each other’s creation,”
“Specifically having a queer group and leaders will help young Queer, Transgender and Non-Binary people, feel safer sharing their ideas and enjoying themselves. Being surrounded by Queer people will increase the quality of feedback, as they may understand and share similar experiences.”
The Yarra Ranges Queer Youth Writers Collective was awarded a grant in the Youth-Led category, designated for projects which will be led by young people themselves.
Ms Thomas said the core idea is to connection and to learn from each other.
“We have made sure attendees have the opportunity to facilitate sessions, to be able to share their experience and creative practice. The attendees will also be making decisions on what topics they want to explore and different forms of writing and creatives they want to learn from,” she said.
“I find that storytelling is a great way to connect with other people. For myself, reading aloud helps with being able to get through reading a big chunk of text and I also get to practice presentation skills and my voice, increasing my confidence,”
“Participants also don’t have to write, I am an avid comic-book fan, and love drawing, so people will be encouraged to tell and share stories in their own way.”
Ms Thomas will also be supported by the Yarra Ranges Youth Development team who have been an ‘immense help’.
MS Thomas said a large part of the grant will go towards employing young creatives to teach each other.
“Along with the facilitation opportunities, there will be spots for peer volunteers who can help people feel welcome, encourage discussion and support the facilitator and group. Additionally we will be able to have a few workshops from Authors and creatives,” she said.
“We will also provide training, snacks, and transport support for young people who need it, to ensure that all young people feel supported and comfortable in the group,”
“We are super grateful to the Victorian Government and Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) for funding this through the Victorian Government’s Healthy Equal Youth Program, and for providing opportunities for many years for Young Queer people to be able to connect with each other and increase their wellbeing.”
Anyone interested in the Yarra Ranges Queer Youth Writers Collective can check out @yarrarangesyouth on Instagram for updates and other opportunities or email youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au to ask to be updated via email. Expression of Interest and sign-up forms are currently in the works and more information will be available soon.
Head of YACVic Rural Derm Ryan said this year’s HEY Grant recipients represent a broader diversity across the community than they have ever experienced previously.
“This highlights that LGBTIQA+ identity is not bound by where you live, the colour of your skin, your religious affiliation, cultural background, or your access to resources,” he said.
“When given the chance, we can all play a part in building a stronger community.”
$102,000 will be distributed across 13 groups across the state through the latest round of HEY Grants.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Minister for Equality Vicki Ward both welcomed the latest round of grants.
“The Healthy Equal Youth grants are supporting our young people to lead the way in initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusion while eliminating stigma and discrimination. These projects will help young LGBTIQA+ people to feel safe and empowered to tell their stories – ensuring they can live freely and authentically,” Minister Stitt said.
“We’re focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young LGBTIQA+ Victorians and building a future where everyone feels included and celebrated,” Minister Ward said.
