Download our Theory of Change

2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ Youth in Australia still today experience bullying or discrimination for who they are(1). At Minus18, we're working to change this. 

Waiting times for youth mental health services across Australia are reaching over 6 months(2). Our model of intervention aims to address the causes of mental illness and social exclusion amongst LGBTQIA+ youth through harm prevention and health promotion initiatives.

Our Vision

Ultimately, we are creating an Australia where LGBTQIA+ youth are safe, empowered and surrounded by people who support them.

The Needs

1. Negative beliefs and behaviours towards LGBTQIA+ people occur. Students, teachers, families and workplaces may not be aware of these - or how to counteract them.
2. As a result, 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia experience harassment or abuse due to their LGBTQIA+ identity, leading to social isolation as well as poor mental and physical health outcomes.
3. Due to these experiences, young people report a lack of access to information related to their LGBTQIA+ identity - and barriers to access the services available to support them.

Interventions

1. We create Visibility & Awareness for the negative experiences that LGBTQIA+ youth face each day.
2. We then turn this awareness into Understanding of LGBTQIA+ Inclusion, equiping students and adults with the education they need to support young people and make change.
3. We provide Social Connection and Empowerment Opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth to combat the effects of social exclusion and foster peer support networks.
4. And support LGBTQIA+ youth with an Understanding of Self and Identity including access to other support services across Australia.

Outcomes

1. 99% of schools or workplaces who participate impact to their community after hosting Awareness Activities. (3)
2. 97% of students and 99% of adults have an increased understanding of LGBTQIA+ identity and inclusion after Minus18 inclusion education sessions (4)
3. 98% of LGBTQIA+ youth report an improvement to their mental wellbeing after attending a Minus18 event. (5)
4. 1.1 Million people access Minus18 website and digital resources each year. (6)

Find Out More

Our Theory of Change details these needs, interventions and outcomes in more detail. Download the most up to date version here.

Sources:
(1) Writing Themselves in 4
(2) ABC News
(3), (4), (5), (6) Minus18 2022 Annual Report