The Central Coast’s only dedicated LGBTQIA+ youth program is celebrating its first birthday this month.
The award-winning youth arts program YAAS! (Young Authentic and Social) held its first social group for 12-17-year-old LGBTQIA+ youth and allies on R U OK? Day, September 8, 2022, with nine young people in attendance.
Since then, YAAS! has grown across multiple locations in Gosford and Lake Haven.
Almost 400 young people have attended regular social groups over the first year – and that number does not include the additional youth accessing the school holiday programs and dance parties which hosted up to 120 registrations per school holiday event.
YAAS! has provided a safe space for LGBTQIA+ Coastie youth to build a community without having to leave the region for friendship and connection.
One 16 year old attendee said: “I didn’t have a community that cared about me like this before.
“YAAS! has brought so many young people together.
“I now know I’m not alone.”
YAAS! Senior Youth Worker and Producer Carlee Heise said engagement seen from the community in the first year showed that YAAS! had filled a gap in the region.
“Now, diverse youth have a safe space to be themselves, make meaningful friendships and re-engage with their community feeling empowered and full of hope for their future,” she said.
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YAAS!