Twelve community-led projects across Victoria will share more than $100,000 to support the mental health, wellbeing and social connection of young LGBTIQA+ Victorians.
Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt announced the recipients of this year’s Healthy Equal Youth grants on 19 October. The program funds inclusive activities, practical resources and safer spaces for young LGBTIQA+ people across the state.
The grants are designed to promote diversity, reduce stigma and discrimination and strengthen mental health and wellbeing. They also put resources directly into the hands of communities that understand what young LGBTIQA+ people need.
Four of the funded projects are in rural and regional Victoria, while eight are in metropolitan Melbourne.
Among the recipients is Queer Joy, a youth-led program in the Bass Coast that will expand an LGBTIQA+ library and run social events and group outings for young people.
In Bendigo, Worldbuilders will offer creative workshops where young people can design costumes, make props and create fantasy characters. It is a reminder that queer joy can look like glitter, imagination and a well-made prop as much as it looks like a protest.
“Labor is backing young people to thrive — no matter what their gender identity or sexual orientation is.” — Ingrid Stitt, Victorian Minister for Mental Health
Transforming the Narrative will bring young trans and gender diverse writers together for creative writing workshops. The project will culminate in a book of short stories exploring their lived experiences.premier.vic.gov
Other recipients will run creative programs, community events and workshops about healthy relationships.
The Victorian Government delivers the HEY grants in partnership with Youth Affairs Council Victoria. The council says the program provides up to $10,000 per project for initiatives supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people.
“Labor is backing young people to thrive — no matter what their gender identity or sexual orientation is,” Stitt said.
Stitt said the grants are vital in strengthening LGBTIQA+ communities and helping build a Victoria where everyone feels respected, safe and connected.
Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos said the government will continue to ensure young people across Victoria feel safe to express themselves, be who they want to be and access support.
For young LGBTIQA+ Victorians, these grants are more than funding announcements. They are opportunities to make things, tell stories, find community and be seen in the places where they live.
And that matters — in Bass Coast, Bendigo, Melbourne and everywhere in between.
