A short film about homophobia and transphobia will be produced by a Whittlesea council youth services team.
The Rainbow Project is one of 13 initiatives awarded a $10,000 state government Healthy Equal Youth grant to address suicide prevention and better mental health for young gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the program was aimed at eliminating discrimination and stigmatisation of young GLBTI people.
Council’s youth development officer, Tanya Nacarov, was thrilled Whittlesea’s youth services team had the go-ahead.
She said the project would kick off with a camp for about 20 same-sex-attracted young people, and a film crew would record their conversations.
“It will have two focuses: teaching staff as well as the young people at school,” Ms Nacarov said.
The Rainbow Project is a pilot program that aims to create a more inclusive community for GLBTI young people.
Young people across Whittlesea will be invited to develop their skills in all aspects of film production, engage in leadership opportunities, access support for themselves and promote support for others in the GLBTI community.
The film will premiere during National Youth Week 2015 and be distributed to schools and groups.
