Goldfields Libraries allies with LGBTIQA+ youth community

Goldfields Libraries are excited to announce a new and unique partnership that will support regional LGBTIQA+ youth in the Loddon Mallee region. Allied 4’em aims to engage young LGBTIQA+ people to share their stories in creative and empowering ways through youth-led theatre and innovative online engagement. 

The project will be a collaboration between Goldfields Libraries, Bendigo PRIDE, Arena Theatre Company, local LGBTIQA+ youth, and will be funded by the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“The library regularly partners with LGBTIQA+ organisations to host Rainbow events, and our latest project will help build a bridge between local lived experiences and community support”, says Library Project Leader Robin Pearson.

The project will have two parts. The first part will be guided by professional youth theatre facilitators and aims to build a community conversation around ‘being a great ally’. Created directed, performed and produced by young people, the online theatrical performance will help central Victorians to better understand the needs and experiences of LGBTIQA+ youth and how to best engage and support them.

The second part will take place on IDAHOBIT Day (May 17). Goldfields Libraries will host a post-show Allies Forum to discuss the themes explored in the performance. A panel of experts and LGBTIQA+ youth, as experts in their own lived experiences, will lead the discussion and offer a toolkit for families, teachers, employers, and others to help them become better allies.

“All of us have a part to play, and as community information spaces, our libraries are perfectly placed to take a leading role”, says Robin.

“To help kick off the project, we’re on the hunt for people aged between 15-24 who have a story to tell. What’s it like to be LGBTIQA+ and young in central Victoria? What are the highs and lows? Who do you turn to when things are tough? What things do you need in an ally?”

“We’re not just looking for stars, divas and actors, it’s about more than a glittery celebration. We hope that there will be lots of that too though! We’re looking for young people who can help inform the community, people who know that their story - funny, tragic, positive or negative - might make life better for their friends and for the LGBTIQA+ kids coming up behind them.”

If you’d like to be involved in any of these events, please visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/allied4em to download an information pack or call the library on 5449 2700. Submissions close Saturday 6 February.