Q-Youth began in 2009 from the Nayland College Alliance of Straights and Gays and has grown into a vibrant, youth-led organisation supporting LGBTQIA+/Takatāpui youth in Nelson for over 16 years. We provide a safe space, advocacy, support, and education — helping young people and our wider community to thrive. As a “for youth, by youth” organisation, we work to ensure our members’ voices are heard and valued.

We’re one of the few youth-focused rainbow groups in Aotearoa and are proud to have been a refuge for so many. Our services include:

• Tailored training for local businesses to support and empower LGBTQIA+ staff and clients

• Weekly youth drop-ins run by professional youth workers

• A monthly young adults’ group

• A safe, moderated online Discord space for members and allies

Recent successes include our thriving drop-ins, now welcoming over 20 young people weekly; training delivery to regional medical centres; and coordinating inter-school huis for rainbow clubs.

With our long-time home at the YMCA being redeveloped, we’re seeking partners to help us relocate and create a new, youth-owned space. We want to expand our drop-ins to separate age groups and employ an additional youth worker—ensuring Nelson’s rainbow youth always have a place to belong, grow, and thrive.