2009's annual Kaha National Queer Youth Hui will be held at Wellington's Tapu Te Ranga Marae on the weekend of 23 - 25 January.
The three day gathering aims to increase awareness of the issues facing queer youth, develop positive new relationships and inspire community activism.
A queer youth training workshop is planned, along with discussions about sexual and gender diversity, sexual health and self-care, youth groups, and challenging homophobia.
Kaha is organised by Out There! National Queer Youth Development Project. Elizabeth Kerekere, Out There! Kaimahi, Takātapui Taiohi says that "the hui programme will build young peoples' ability to fight homophobia, transphobia, and prejudice. Kaha will engage and encourage queer youth to make a difference to the world around them by giving hope and opportunity."
Kaha will also provide an experience that is safe, fun, participatory and memorable for all the participants, Kerekere adds.
The cost for the event, which includes accommodation and food, has been deliberately kept low at $25 and sponsorship to cover transport costs is also available for young people from outside the region.
"The low price of Kaha will enable a greater number of queer youth to access the essential opportunities offered by the experienced, dynamic and compassionate facilitators of the hui. Kaha is open to all queer young people," explains Kerekere.
The critical nature of Out There! and the opportunities provided by events like Kaha have been highlighted by research showing unacceptably high levels of discrimination experienced by non-heterosexual young people. New Zealand's Youth2000 research reported that 12.9% of these students were bullied at least once a week. A follow up to this report is currently underway and will examine data collected in the Youth2007, with results expected to be released by mid-2009.
The Kaha programme is available online and queer young people can register at www.outthere.org.nz/kaha, or inquire by contacting Elizabeth Kerekere at elizabeth@outthere.org.nz, (04) 381 6647 or Laressa Donaldson at laressa@outthere.org.nz or (04) 381 6648.
