Rainbow Youth (stylised RainbowYOUTH, formerly Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth) is a registered

charitable organisation A charitable organization or charity is an organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being (e.g. educational, religious or other activities serving the public interest or common good). The legal definition of a ch ...

that provides education, information, support and

advocacy Advocacy is an Action (philosophy), activity by an individual or advocacy group, group that aims to influence decision making, decisions within political, economic, and social institutions. Advocacy includes activities and publications to infl ...

for LGBTIQ youth in New Zealand. It was formed in 1989.

History

Rainbow Youth was originally formed under the name Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth in 1989 and became an incorporated society in 1995, also being renamed Rainbow Youth at the same time.
25 Years and 25 More - The History of Rainbow Youth, Gay Express , Your Gay Voice
', Gay Express Magazine Between the late 1990s and 2005, RainbowYOUTH began their education program in Auckland high schools, as well as several of their peer-support groups, all of which are still running today.

Mission

Rainbow Youth's mission is “to provide unbiased information and education regarding

sexuality Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied ...

, gender and identity to everyone in the community, in order to foster understanding and acceptance of diversity”
Constitution, Vision, Mission, Values and Objective
'', RainbowYOUTH Official Website and "to provide support, information and advocacy services to

queer ''Queer'' is an umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender. Originally meaning or , ''queer'' came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century. Beginning in the lat ...

and questioning youth, their friends, and whānau".

Governance

Rainbow Youth is run by youth and for youth, with its executive board being made up entirely of people under the age of 27.

Services

Rainbow Youth runs up to seven peer-support groups in Auckland, Tauranga and Whangarei. Rainbow Youth's education programme is delivered throughout the year to participating high schools throughout the Auckland region.Burford, J., Lucassen, M.F.G., Penniket, P. & Hamilton, T. (2013).
Educating for diversity: An informative evaluation of the Rainbow Youth sexuality and gender diversity workshops.
', p.7-9. Rainbow Youth Incorporated, Auckland. . The workshops have been reported to be highly successful, with a study showing that between 91% to 94% of students would recommend the workshops to other young people. Rainbow Youth is also behind a rural outreach project called the I'm Local Project, which aims to provide free sexual and gender identity affirming resources and information to rural schools, medical centres and community organisations. Rainbow Youth provides in-person support peer support in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Taranaki.

References

{{Reflist

External links

RainbowYOUTH Official Website
1989 establishments in New Zealand LGBT organisations in New Zealand