Waikato Queer Youth – proudly helping the community

It can be a struggle being a teenager, dealing with changes in life and body. Unfortunately being queer, added on top of the other real-life struggles teens go through, can make everything seem even more difficult.

For some teens, turning to a counsellor may help. However, sometimes a sense of community might be the solution.

That is where The Waikato Queer Youth group (WaQuY) can help. WaQuY is a charitable youth group organisation, which meets every Monday afternoon in the Zeal building in Hamilton Central.

When Logan Cotter joined the organisation little did he know that 11 years later he would be the youth mentor coordinator.

We’re the young, queer RSA

“I started coming to WaQuY because I liked the atmosphere and to meet like-minded people,” Logan said.

Over his time at WaQuY, Logan has learnt more about the queer community and where he fits within it.

“It’s not something I thought I needed before I started coming to WaQuY, because I felt I already had such strong support, for which I’m extremely lucky. But there’s this weird part of you that seeks out people like you, people that reflect the same core values or similar facing issues.”

WaQuY has always made the commitment to being non-judgemental and keeping the meetings more like a group of friends meeting to hang out, rather than a formal organisation.

“We’re like the young, queer RSA,” Logan declared with a laugh.

Along with hosting the Monday meetings, WaQuY goes out to other towns around the Waikato .

WaQuY also hosts a yearly pride ball for their members. This is great for members in schools who have not let them take same-sex partners or where they have not felt comfortable going to their own ball.

WaQuY is always ready to provide support where they can; members know they can always talk to youth mentors about any issues they face. However, it must be noted that WaQuY is not a mental health service. They can provide support much like a friend would in a crisis, but they cannot give out medical diagnoses or prescribe medication.

The mentors are people who have gone through similar experiences that members currently face. Logan’s job is to make sure that the mentors are not suffering volunteer burnout, because at the end of the day, they are just people too.

WaQuY has an open-door policy where anyone can come to meetings regardless whether or not they are queer, provided meetings are kept a safe and friendly environment.

If you are struggling with identity or mental health, consider calling one of these numbers.

Outline: 0800 688 5463

10am to 9pm

Lifeline NZ: 0800 543 354

Available 24/7