Minus18 is Australia’s charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth via life-affirming events, leadership programs, and education for the whole community.

How we do this
Through a preventative model of mental health support, we tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ young people belong and are celebrated. 

Youth are at the forefront of our events – and through this we’re equipping LGBTQIA+ young people with the skills they need to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Creating an Australia free from discrimination is a job for everyone, and we can’t do it alone. For schools and workplaces all across Australia, we provide LGBTQIA+ inclusion training and free digital resources to inspire a world where LGBTQIA+ young people are safe and belong. 

Our Reach
Since 2011, we have transformed the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people Australia-wide:

• Over 70,000 LGBTQIA+ youth have attended events
• Over 36,707 people have participated in inclusion training
• Over 4 Million people accessed free digital resources and education. 

Why we do it
Unfortunately, because of discrimination and isolation, LGBTQIA+ young people experience higher rates of mental illness and suicide than heterosexual young people.

• Up to 21% of high school students around the world identify as LGBTQIA+
• 66% will experience some form of harassment or bullying due to their identity
• As a result, LGBTQIA+ young people are 5 times as likely to experience anxiety or depression and 3 times as likely to attempt suicide.

Why what we do works

Minus18 measures program impact through evaluation and consultation:

• ​​96% of young people attending events said Minus18 helped them to be their true selves.
• 73% of young people make a new friend at Minus18.
• 90% of high school students report feeling more confident standing up to bullying after a Minus18 workshop.

Will you join us? 

We’re providing life-changing support to young people, families, schools and workplaces all across Australia – but we can’t do it without your help. 

Your donation keeps our youth programs and digital resources completely free, ensuring our critical support reaches those who need it most.