At Minus18 we aim to improve the lives of LGBTI youth by empowering them, connecting them with others just like them and helping them to understand themselves. We do this by running social events, producing resources and running sexuality and gender workshops.

Since we began, more than 55,000 young people have attended Minus18 events, and more than 550,000 people have accessed resources and support Australia wide. 

Why we do it

Growing up LGBTI isn't always easy, and it can be even more confusing and isolating when you don't know other people who are going through the same experiences as you. Unfortunately, because of homophobia and isolation, LGBTI young people experience higher rates of mental illness and suicide than heterosexual young people.

75% of LGBTI young people in Australia experience homophobic abuse - most of this occurring at school.

As a result, LGBTI young people are 2 times as likely to experience anxiety or depression and 3 times as likely to attempt suicide.

We know that the best remedy for social isolation is to provide a place where same sex attracted and gender diverse youth can make friends in a safe and fun atmosphere. While Minus18 is promoted to young people as a social space, it's really so much more. We're all about improving the mental wellbeing of young people, increasing their self-confidence and overall making their lives better.

Why what we do works

A sense of belonging and inclusion assists the integration of a LGBTI young person into society and benefits their mental wellbeing.

"Minus18 helps young people rebuild social networks and establish close, trusting relationships where they feel valued and safe, and is what is needed to address the impacts of homophobia in young people's everyday live."

-Health & Well-Being of Same-Sex-Attracted Young People, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University.