At Y Queensland, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment within our communities. This Pride Month, we proudly launched the “Y Belong” campaign, celebrating the unique stories of our LGBTQIA+ members, staff, and volunteers. Through personal storytelling and community messages, we aim to promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and foster a sense of belonging within and beyond our community.
Personal Stories that Inspire
Our campaign featured heartfelt video reels, where individuals from our community shared their personal journeys and insights about Pride. Here are some highlights from the stories we captured:
Izzi (she/her) from Fitness and Recreation expressed that Pride symbolises freedom. She addressed critical issues such as discrimination, mental health, and abuse. Izzi’s advice to allies was profound: “Listen to LGBTQIA+ people, learn about them, and accept them.”
Maddie Hilker (she/her), a mentor at YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, defined Pride as inclusivity. She highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities in regional areas, emphasising the importance of being open and asking questions to better support the community.
Soro (he/him), a trans man from Y Schools Queensland, shared that Pride means acceptance. He delivered a powerful message to the trans community, reassuring them that, although self-discovery takes time, everyone finds their way in the end. Soro encouraged allies to educate themselves about gender identities and not to fear asking questions.
Kai (he/him), a 2024 Youth Member from Macalister, described Pride as a journey of acceptance, inclusivity, and comfort. He emphasised the joy of discovering and being proud of one’s true self.
Bec (she/her), our Community Services Manager, equated Pride with being proud. She discussed the higher rates of suicide within the LGBTQIA+ community and underscored the importance of visibility, acceptance, and support.
Sandra (she/her), a cisgender woman and teacher at Y Schools Queensland, conveyed that Pride represents wholeness. She advocated for accepting and valuing everyone, regardless of their identity, reinforcing the inclusive atmosphere at our Y Schools.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants whose stories highlighted crucial LGBTQIA+ issues and showcased diversity at Y Queensland.
The “Y Belong” Social Media Challenge
In addition to personal storytelling, we also launched the “Y Belong” Social Media Challenge across all Y Queensland Centres to celebrate Pride Month. This challenge invited centres to capture and share photos and videos that best represented the spirit of Pride.
Challenge Highlights:
Submission Deadline: 27th June 2024
Platform: Social media posts tagging YMCA Queensland and using the hashtag #YBelong
Criteria: Engagement, creativity, adherence to the Pride theme, and emotional impact
The response was overwhelming, with vibrant and creative submissions from various centres. We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm and diversity reflected in the posts, reaching over 11,000 people and making the campaign a resounding success.
Announcing the Winners
We are excited to announce our two winners:
Y Kingston Senior Campus: Their joyous two-day Pride Celebration, featuring a beautiful rainbow handprint and heartfelt messages from students, truly captured the essence of Pride.
Y Victoria Point Gymnastics: Their vibrant video creatively blended gymnastics and Pride themes, showcasing their spirit and inclusivity.
Both centres have received a $100 gift card. Congratulations to Y Kingston Senior Campus and Y Victoria Point Gymnastics!
Moving Forward Together
As we reflect on this year's Pride Month, we are inspired by the powerful stories shared and the collective efforts of our community to foster a sense of belonging. We are committed to continuing this journey of inclusivity and support, ensuring that everyone at Y Queensland feels valued and celebrated.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the “Y Belong” campaign. Keep sharing your stories, celebrating diversity, and spreading the joy of belonging. Together, we make Y Queensland a place where everyone is proud to belong.
