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About QYN
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The Queer Youth Network is a national non-profit making organisation that is run by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) and Queer Young People and is based in the United Kingdom.
"QYN exists as an autonomous, youth-focused movement that aims to provide a progressive, innovative, infrastructure at grass-routes level to improve the general well-being for all young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Transsexual, Intersex, Questioning, Curious, Asexual, Pansexual or “Queer” and /or who are socially marginalised as a result of their identity as well as those who advocate on their behalf." - Queer Youth Network Constitution (Updated 2005)
We aim to represent the needs and views of LGBT Young People through campaigning for greater visibility and equal rights, as well as providing general support and information to those who are just 'coming out' or who are suffering the effects of homophobia.
Founded in 1999 by David Joseph Henry and Charlotte Lester as a grass roots civil rights group, it's formation was inspired by YouthSpeak and originally called the 'Queer Youth Alliance' until December 2006, and also Queer Youth Overground for a short period between 1999 and 2001. In the beginning the movement consisted of two member groups Queer Youth Manchester (a local social support group based at the Hollywood Showbar in Manchester's gay village and Putney High School's Gay Straight Alliance (the first of its kind in the UK). Henry and Lester got together to form a national alliance of LGBT Young People.
As many of the organisation?s original aims began to be achieved (eg abolition of Section 28 and lowering of the age of consent for young gay men,) the group decided to focus on youth support, and representation to ensure homophobic legislation such as that brought about by the Conservative government of the 1980s is not repeated.
The first president of the organisation was David Joseph Henry, who stepped down in August 2005, to make way for new president Greg Justice, with Katherine Parlour taking over as Vice President.
With the departure of Greg Justice and Katherine Parlour, the organisation re-grouped, after a period of no clear control in 2007 the organisation changed it's name to the Queer Youth Network, and with David Henry back at the helm, the organisation looks to be going from strength to strength.
Core Work
Instrumental in overturning Kent County Council's 'mini-Section 28' policy after a long campaign, the alliance is known for its vibrant, rowdy protests and youth-led campaigns. The organisation is one of the growing number of groups in Britain to have reservations about the Government's new Civil Partnership Bill that granted equal rights to same sex couples. The Queer Youth Network is campaigning for the legalisation of marriage for same sex couples and as a result the organisation is one of the founding members of the Coalition for Marriage Equality (UK) together with OutRage! and the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement.
The National Queer Youth Conference is hosted annually by the Queer Youth Network, in 2003 it took place in London, 2004 saw it come to Birmingham, Manchester in 2005 and plans are afoot for an event in 2006. The event is the largest gathering of LGBT Young People in Europe and is based upon similar events held in the United States.
'Overground' is the name of the organisation's national magazine which can be downloaded off their website. It is distributed nationally to schools, youth groups, colleges, universities and through events.
Regional Work
'Local Reps' lead 11 regional QYN Groups throughout the UK. The organisation is also responsible for the formation of a national voice for LGBT young people in Wales: LGBT Youth Wales. In Scotland it works closely with LGBT Youth Scotland, and GLYNI (Gay and Lesbian Youth Northern Ireland) who are affiliated member groups of which there are now over 200.
Queer Youth London is one of the movement's most active groups. As a fully youth-led collective it holds regular monthly meets all over Greater London and the South East.
This page is the official source for our WikiPedia page for The Queer Youth Network
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Last updated
by: David on 9th May 2009
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Campaigns
Find out what we campaign for and why these issues are important to LGBT Young People and how you can help us make a difference.
Contact QYN
Get in touch with us on the phone, by email or in person. Nationwide and in your region.
Core Objectives
Current Projects
Donate to QYN
Funding
Membership
Everyone can get involved with our work and we offer several types of membership offering a wide range of benefits based on your needs as an individual or group.
Merchandise
Get your hands on our smart range of Queer Youth Network branded gear including T-Shirts, Badges and Stickers.
Online Services
An overview of the over-expanding online services we deliver on the internet and via our website.
Our Ideology
The Queer Youth Network was founded on a unique set of grassroots principles, designed by young people to informs others how we work as a movement. Our ideology inspires our members to further our main objectives.
Past Projects
Publications
We develop and distribute a wide range of practical resource and tools aimed at supporting LGBT Youth and those who support their needs.
Quotes about QYN
What people say about us and our achievements. Including quotes from young people, parents, youth workers, teachers, fellow activists and politicians.
Regional Groups
Timeline
...a history of the Queer Youth Network and the LGBT rights movement in Britain
Volunteers
We are entirely run by a diverse cross-selection of our membership which make up our "VolunQueers" team. Young people can get more involved with our projects nationwide.
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