We’re celebrating IDAHOBIT 2025 and supporting the creation of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people through our partner MINUS18.
Creating safe spaces for young LGBTQIA+ people in Australia is an important priority, with two in three LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing harassment or discrimination for simply being who they are. Compared to the general population, LGBTQIA+ young people:
Are three times more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety related disorders (49.5% of LGBTQIA+ youth), and five times more likely for transgender and gender diverse youth
Are more likely to be bullied at school both verbally and physically, with 74% of queer youth reporting being bullied at school.
Telstra Foundation has long supported the work of MINUS18 and that support has never been more important than today. As we look towards the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), our collaboration aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ young people across the country, particularly in regional Australia.
Telstra Foundation has been playing a pivotal role in supporting MINUS18’s first major national survey: Queer Youth Now. With our support, the survey has reached more than 2,700 LGBTQIA+ young people. That’s 2,700 queer young people around Australia who will have their voices elevated, to help shape the future of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australia.
Additionally, we’re supporting MINUS18 to deepen their LGBTQIA+ eLearning resources and content. This will mean their work will expand to reach thousands of young people with free resources and education online, as well as parents, teachers and allies, across Australia.
IDAHOBIT, celebrated on 17 May, is a significant day for standing against discrimination and promoting inclusivity. MINUS18 has a range of resources to help people understand and support LGBTQIA+ young people, from workshops and training sessions to vibrant community events. More information is available on MINUS18’s website.
The ongoing support from Telstra Foundation will continue to enable MINUS18 in its vital work in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and fostering a culture of acceptance. Together, Telstra Foundation and MINUS18 want to pave the way for a more inclusive future, where every young person can feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
The Telstra Foundation and MINUS18, (Australia's leading youth-driven organisation for LGBTQIA+ advocacy) have joined forces to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people and promote acceptance and understanding within all communities. We’re transforming LGBTQIA+ digital inclusion education for young people across Australia.
Telstra Foundation’s mission is to create a better-connected world for children and young people so they can live healthier lives online.
