Creating safer spaces with young people, not just for them

When young people shape LGBTQIA+ inclusion

At Telstra Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in safe, inclusive digital spaces and shape their own future. That’s why we were proud to support Minus18 in strengthening digital education and inclusion resources that equip both young people and the adults around them with the tools, knowledge and confidence to create positive change.

Over the course of the project, Minus18 developed new digital learning resources, awareness campaigns and inclusion education designed to strengthen support networks across schools, workplaces and communities. But perhaps the most significant outcome wasn’t just what was created. It was how it was created. 

Young people leading the conversation

Minus18 placed youth voice at the centre of the work. Young Leaders worked alongside the project team to identify priority topics and contribute insights grounded in lived experience. The organisation also travelled to Kyneton in regional Victoria to meet directly with LGBTQIA+ students and hear about their experiences, challenges and the questions they wanted answered. Those conversations became the foundation for new learning content, helping ensure the resources reflected real needs, real stories and real questions from young people themselves.

One of these resources, Young People Ask Minus18, was built around questions identified by young people and designed to provide accessible, affirming and practical information for LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies.

The story behind this resource highlights exactly why youth voice matters.

Students from Kyneton spoke candidly about the barriers they faced in their community and school environment, including instances where visible signs of allyship and support for LGBTQIA+ students had been removed because of concerns about community reaction. Through their participation, these young people were able to share their experiences, help shape a national resource and ensure other young people could see their realities reflected in the learning.

The resulting resource became one of the fastest-downloaded youth resources produced by Minus18.

Strengthening the support around young people

Creating safer environments cannot rest solely on the shoulders of young people.

A key focus of the project was helping educators, workplaces, service providers and community members build the confidence and capability to actively support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Minus18 developed learning resources designed to increase understanding, challenge discrimination and promote practical actions that foster belonging and safety.

The results demonstrate the value of investing in those support networks:

1. More than 38,000 people engaged with workshops and digital learning resources.
2. Nearly 20,000 young people were reached directly through workshops and digital learning. 
3. More than 28,000 people accessed new resources and inclusion education.
4. 84% of surveyed participants reported increased understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
5. 85% felt better prepared to support LGBTQIA+ people. 

Importantly, the project’s digital delivery model helped remove barriers associated with geography, cost and access to specialist training, extending learning opportunities to communities across Australia, including regional and rural locations. 

Creating the conditions for young people to thrive

This project demonstrates the power of combining youth voice with practical education to strengthen support networks and create safer, more inclusive environments where young people can thrive. 

To learn more and access practical resources for schools, workplaces, community organisations and allies, visit Minus18 and explore their inclusion education and youth resources at https://www.minus18.org.au.