Rainbow Room offers a safe space

CareSouth’s behaviour support practitioner Anna Suckling designed the Rainbow Room program to provide a safe space for transgender, gender diverse, non-binary young people and those exploring their sexuality.

It is also to help parents, carers, educators and peers understand how to best support them.

CareSouth’s work in rural communities is based on research from La Trobe University finding that:

• Suicide attempts are five times higher among LGBTIQA+ young people.

• 66 per cent experience bullying or harassment based on their identity.

• 39 per cent experienced verbal harassment in the past 12 months.

• 20.8 per cent experienced sexual harassment or assault in the past 12 months.

• 8.2 per cent experienced physical harassment or assault in the past 12 months.

This research prompted Mrs Suckling to set up the Rainbow Room, ensuring young people who were curious about their sexuality or gender identity could discuss their thoughts and feelings with like-minded peers and mentors, without judgement.

“Young people in Deniliquin who are exploring their sexuality and gender had nowhere to go and be themselves,” Mrs Suckling said.

“School is difficult, it’s hard for them to talk openly and not be judged.

“The Rainbow Room is a safe, supportive space to share similar stories and experiences while also offering support for parents and carers.”

“We know that positive mentoring and peer relationships are a proven protective factor in the mental health and wellbeing of young people, particularly those who are marginalised.”

Deniliquin foster carer Stan Mikolajski has seen the positive impact the CareSouth Rainbow Room has had on two young people he supports.

“The young people are 12 and 13, and are at that age where exploring their sexuality can be confusing for them,” he said.

“Giving them a safe place to go like the Rainbow Room, that is non-judgmental and inclusive, has improved their confidence in talking about their sexuality, asking the right questions, seeking answers and, most importantly, accepting who they are,.”

The Rainbow Room runs fortnightly at CareSouth’s office and is open to young people from Deniliquin and surrounds.

Sessions include guest speakers, peer support activities, art therapy, parent and carer support sessions and sex education specific to LGBTIQA+ young people.

The program was made possible thanks to an Australia Post grant.

Parents, families and young people interested in learning more or attending can register by contacting CareSouth on 1300 554 260.