Despite a modest turnout, Pride’s first Youth QU Forum yielded some new and innovative ideas targeting the under-26 demographic.
Meeting at the Freedom Centre early last month, a cross-section of sexual orientations and gender-diversity ensued for strong debate.
On the night, Pride Youth representative Paul van Lieshout said youth had largely been ignored.
Currently the Freedom Centre held the majority of LGBT events for young adults in Perth, such as the weekend-long Freedom Centre Retreat held on July 9.
Lieshout and Youth co-representative Shane Geoffrey pushed for new ideas at the forum, fielding as many ideas as possible to fill the gaps in the Pride calendar.
Evening events in Perth for LGBT youth have been in short supply due to the costs associated with under-age events.
While venues had been previously approached for these specific LGBT events, a serious lack of funds spelled little success in getting these ventures up and running.
Raising funds for these events was also addressed through further membership drives to boost funding for Pride.
Concession memberships are now available for young adults with concession cards, offering a wide range of discounts and benefits that complement Pride.
Benn Dorrington
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