About Toni Duder

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Rainbow Vegas

Rainbow Vegas

Rainbow Vegas is RainbowYOUTH’s peer-support group based in Rotorua for anyone under 27 years old, who identifies as queer or gender diverse (LGBTIQ+).

What happens there?

Rainbow Vegas is a fun, supportive and inclusive environment for you to meet new people, ask questions, get advice, enjoy snacks, and generally just chill.

We usually use the Facebook group to get updates about what things are happening during the next meeting.

When and where we meet:

We meet every Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at 6 Te Ngae Road, Victoria, Rotorua 3010.

Coming along once doesn’t commit you to anything; some people come to every meeting and some come when they can – it doesn’t matter. You’re always welcome!

Fun facts:

Rainbow Vegas is the first RainbowYOUTH group in Rotorua! And like all RY groups, Rainbow Vegas is totally drug, smoke and alcohol-free.

Get in touch! 

Join our Facebook page to keep up with any updates and ask questions 

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RainbowYOUTH Introduces New Executive Director Frances Arns

RainbowYOUTH Introduces New Executive Director Frances Arns

The Executive Board at RainbowYOUTH announced today the appointment of Frances Arns as the new Executive Director of RainbowYOUTH. She will replace outgoing Executive Director Duncan Matthews who leaves the role after four years.

“We’re excited to have Francis joining the RainbowYOUTH whānau,” says Sophie Sills, RainbowYOUTH Board Co-chairperson. “Over the last few years, we’ve really focused on strengthening our work in regional areas, developing a valued and recognisable brand presence and growing the capacity of RY in terms of what we can return to the queer and gender diverse community. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum with the leadership of Frances, who will bring a fresh perspective, experience in governance, finance and strategic planning”.

Frances joins RainbowYOUTH after previous experience on the RainbowYOUTH Executive Board and several years experience working in strategy, finance and community engagement.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of RainbowYOUTH and building on the great work that is underway,” says Arns. “Personally, I see a lack of education and awareness as a root cause for many of the issues faced by queer and gender diverse rangatahi. I’m looking forward to working with the team to explore how we might broaden education and awareness, and setting some goals for the organisation. Focusing on operating RY in a way that aligns with tikanga Māori and ensuring accessibility for takatāpui rangatahi will continue to be a priority for us”.

“We had an excellent group of candidates apply and we went through several interview stages before we offered the role to Frances,” says Sills. “We had an intergenerational interview panel which reflected the multifaceted nature of RainbowYOUTH’s work and priorities for this role”.

Arns will start with RainbowYOUTH on 25th September 2017, working alongside the outgoing Executive Director Duncan Matthews for a period of handover.

 

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RainbowYOUTH on the hunt for a new Executive Director

RainbowYOUTH on the hunt for a new Executive Director

RainbowYOUTH is on the hunt for a new Executive Director with Duncan Matthews leaving the organisation after four years.

  • Executive Director Duncan Matthews leaves the organisation after its strongest financial year yet
  • Applications for the Executive Director role open from now until July 10th
  • Applications accepted via the RainbowYOUTH website

Current RainbowYOUTH Executive Director Duncan Matthews is set to depart later on in the year, after he works part-time alongside the new Executive Director for several months. Matthews says that he intends to stay involved with RainbowYOUTH throughout the upcoming years, and that he is reducing his involvement in RainbowYOUTH “…to build skills and community involvements elsewhere.” Matthews adds, “I look forward to the different perspective a new Executive Director role will bring”.

Since 2013, Matthews has been at the helm of RainbowYOUTH through its largest ever period of growth – with the organisation tripling staff numbers, moving into a new centre, and turning its focus outside of Auckland to work across the country.

“Duncan’s contribution to RainbowYOUTH has been immeasurable,” says Co-chairperson, Sophie Sills. “On behalf of the RainbowYOUTH board and staff team, we wish Duncan the very best for his future”.

The Executive Board of RainbowYOUTH has now opened applications for a new Executive Director.

“The organisation is in a solid place to bring in new leadership,” RY Co-chairperson, Taine Polkinghorne, says. “We’re fresh off the back of our largest financial year to date, and we have a great team of experienced and dedicated staff and volunteers to help the transition proceed smoothly.”

Those interested in the role can apply via RainbowYOUTH’s website: www.ry.org.nz/employment

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25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala

  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala
    Images by Express Magazine
  • 25K Raised For RainbowYOUTH At Charity Gala

RainbowYOUTH’s first ever charity auction went off with a bang last Thursday night – with $25,000 raised to support the I’m Local Project – RainbowYOUTH’s rural outreach initiative.

Supported by ASB Bank and the MediaWorks Foundation, the night was themed ‘It’s A Bit Posh’ and featured an amazing comedic and entertainment lineup. Taking the stage as MC was the amazing Ali Mau (RadioLive), Justine Smith (Comedy Guild Award for Best Comedian and Best M.C, Billy T Comedy Award winner), Cori Gonzalez-Macuer (What We Do In The Shadows, 7 Days, and Billy T Comedy Award winner) and Eli Matthewson (Funny Girls, Jono & Ben, 7 Days, and Billy T Comedy Award Nominee), Fan Brigade and local DJ Arii Jade. Topping off this awesome line up was Caluzzi’s Kita Mean and Sir Dame Judy Ginger.

RainbowYOUTH would like to say a huge big super duper thank you to:

ASB Bank, MediaWorks, Fletcher Building, Alizarian Design, Bat Country Clothing, Caluzzi Bar & Cabaret, Creative Ambiance Stage Technologies, Community Think, Duncan Digital, Endemic World, George & Friends, Golden Dawn Bar, Hauraki Blue Cruises, Holland House, Hungry Bins, Ingrid Starnes, Just 4 Catz Veterinary Clinic, Kiss Kiss Restaurant, Mexico Food & Liquor, Morepork American BBQ, Nick Von K, Promised Land, Skycity, The Caker, The Coffee Club, YMCA, Ali Mau, Arii Jade, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Eli Matthewson, The Fan Brigade, Justine Smith, Kita Mean, Sir Dame Judy Ginger, Mai FM, Little Wolf, Little Island, iTicket, Michelle Maitland & all our amazing volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you!! 

 

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RainbowYOUTH and Tīwhanawhana Trust Release Resource to Help Whānau

RainbowYOUTH and Tīwhanawhana Trust Release Resource to Help Whānau

After the release of the ground-breaking resource, Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau, Tīwhanawhana Trust

Chair and takatāpui activist Dr Elizabeth Kerekere has collaborated with RainbowYOUTH to release the second resource in a series about takatāpui* well-being.

Growing Up Takatāpui: Whānau Journeys is a print and digital resource which is informed by interviews with seven takatāpui rangatahi and their whānau about the importance of whānau support. Featuring whānau of different kinds, the resource reflects the challenges and triumphs they have gone through together. It sheds light on how whānau support can improve the well-being of takatāpui rangatahi using the Te Whare Tapa Whā Maori health model.

Dr Kerekere noted that “our takatāpui rangatahi often experience discrimination, violence and rejection because of their diverse sexes, sexualities and gender identities. Studies** show that this leads to higher rates of depression, self-harm and suicide than for their heterosexual and cisgender*** peers. Because whānau support is the Number One protective factor for our young people, we have created this resource with whānau, for whānau.”

Toni Duder, Communications and Operations Manager at RainbowYOUTH and project manager found the interview process “humbling”.

“Being able to meet and listen to the stories of these incredible people was a ‘I can’t believe I actually have this job’ kind of moment. These stories are taonga that we are so excited to share in a way that hopefully helps those who are struggling. I’m very proud of this resource”. 

Available for free around Aotearoa, the resource was developed for whānau who are struggling or need more information to better support their takatāpui rangatahi. It is also relevant for takatāpui who are struggling to communicate with their whānau. It is also relevant for takatāpui who are struggling to communicate with their whānau.

Duder says that the funding received from Te Ara Whiriwhiri, Te Puni Kōrkiri and It’s Not OK have meant that the resource’s reach will be considerable. “We were able to develop a website to make the resource more interactive and accessible,” says Duder, “we’ve included audio excerpts from the interviews, and we’ve provided links to other resources that shed more light on takatāpui issues. We want this website to be a thing that can grow as more resources are published, and will act as an awesome digital library of takatāpui content”.

Dr Kerekere adds that “whānau remains the core place of identity and belonging for our young people. We hope this resource serves as a reminder that if we put our children at the centre, we will transform our whanau”.

Those wanting to visit the website or order resources can visit: www.takatāpui.nz

 

*Takatāpui = a reclaimed term to embrace all Māori who identify with diverse sexes, genders and sexualities such as whakawāhine (trans women), tangata ira tāne (trans men), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer.

**Lucassen, M.F.G., Clark, T.C., Moselen, E., Robinson, E.M., & Adolescent Helth Research Group. (2014). Youth ’12 the health and wellbeing of secondary school students in New Zealand: Results for young people attracted to same or both sexes. Auckland: The University of Auckland.

***Cisgender = denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their sex assigned at birth.

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ArtistRY

ArtistRY

 

 

 

ArtistRY is an Auckland-based RainbowYOUTH group. We are a group for anyone who loves to create art of all types, to share passion, enthusiasm, skills and ideas in all creative artistic fields all while providing a respectful and relaxed environment where any identity is supported and affirmed.

Join our Facebook group to get updates on what’s happening at our next meeting and what cool events are coming up!

Who goes to it?

ArtistRY is for everyone from the ages of 13 to 27, regardless of sexual orientation, sex, and gender identities. There are no set requirements or skill level, and there is no pressure to be involved in anything if you just want a comfortable place to be creative around other wonderful creative people 🙂

What happens there?

Meetings involve snacks, chats, exciting projects, collaborations and a great time.

When and where we meet:

We meet at 5:30pm every Thursday at the RainbowYOUTH Drop-in Centre, located at the end of Abbey Street, Auckland Central (near number 10).

Coming along once doesn’t commit you to anything; some people come to every meeting and some come when they can – it doesn’t matter. You’re always welcome!

Facilitators:

ArtistRY has facilitators that lead each meeting, run activities and make sure things are going smoothly. You can get in touch with them by emailing: [email protected]

Like all RY groups, ArtistRY is totally drug, smoke and alcohol free.

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Tauranga Pryde

Tauranga Pryde

TaurangaPryde is RY’s Tauranga based group set up to support queer and gender diverse youth in the area.

They meet 5 pm every Wednesday.

Check out the RY calendar to find out when the next meeting is. Email [email protected] and we’ll let you know where it’s held.

Find us on Facebook! (It’s a secret group, so will keep you interactions with the group private).

Head to our resources page to download a handy little guide to all our groups!

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QWest

QWest


QWest is RY’s peer-support group that is run in Henderson.  QWest provides a relaxed social environment for queer and trans* youth.

Check out our Facebook group!

Who goes to it?

QWest is for anyone aged 13 – 27 based  in (or visiting!) West Auckland.  QWest is open to all gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, takatapui, fa’afafine or otherwise non-straight/non-cis identifying youth.

What happens there?

QWest creates a fun, supportive and informed environment for you to meet new people, make friends, ask questions, get advice, enjoy yummy food and drink, do activities and generally just chill.

Keep a track of the QWest Facebook group for updates about what things are happening during the next meeting.

When and where we meet:

Keep a track of the QWest Facebook group for meeting times. Check out the RY calendar to find out when the next meeting is.

Coming along once doesn’t commit you to anything; some people come to every meeting and some come when they can – it doesn’t matter. You’re always welcome.

Facilitators

QWest has facilitators that lead each meeting, run activities and make sure things are going smoothly. You can get in touch with them by emailing: [email protected]

Like all RY groups, QWest is totally drug, smoke and alcohol free.

 

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