$200,000 pledge for homeless queer youth

The Gillard Government will invest $200,000 over three years to help Sydney’s vulnerable LGBTI youth.

The funds will support Twenty10’s ReConnect program, which helps gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex youth break the cycle of homelessness.

Twenty10 is a community based, non-profit organisation in Chippendale that supports young people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and friends.

Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek said ReConnect was critical in helping young people get back on track.

“Since 2000, Reconnect has helped more than 67,000 young people work their way back from homelessness, including more than 5,700 in 2011–12 alone,” Plibersek said.

“We know that family breakdown can lead young people to move away from home and become homeless, and that’s why ReConnect services focus on helping families build stronger relationships and resolve conflict.”

Twenty10 managing director Rebecca Reynolds told SX that ReConnect is a cornerstone project for her organisation.

“We are delighted that the government has re-committed to the ReConnect Program for another 3 years,” Reynolds said.

“ReConnect funding lets us work with many young people who are 18 or under, and lets us create connections for them that provide supports and networks which they may not have in other areas of their world.

“In funding Twenty10 as a specialist ReConnect service, the government is recognising that sexuality and gender diversity can often lead to heightened isolation from school friends and family members and that there is a fundamental importance in supporting young people to achieve their goals and ambitions in life by creating solid foundations.”