ON THE RAINBOW FRONTLINE

WORDS and PHOTO: Joshua Brosnahan

 “We’re leading change in care for LGBTQIA+ people. It’s our honour to do what we can to build a kinder world, for everyone.”

Qtopia is Ōtautahi’s support service for LGBTQIA+ people, their whānau, and their communities, creating lasting social change through education, advocacy, support, and celebration. 

A solid vision is in place for all LGBTQIA+ people to thrive in a society that supports, celebrates, and treasures them, and for Aotearoa to be a leader in wellbeing outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young people. 

Founded initially as a coffee group, Alice Andersen and Jennifer Shields have spent the last three years tirelessly extending Qtopia’s valuable reach, to expand the organisation’s scope of service.

Qtopia offers four core social support groups, 48 weeks of the year – these groups are predominately for youth, trans, and gender diverse people. There’s a support group for people over 18, whānau of rainbow young people, and this year sees a group for older community members in development.

The duo works through Qtopia to provide a popular education programme; this encourages reflective practice and cultural shifts toward better inclusion and understanding of rainbow identities. They have reached over 3000 people in more than 150 organisations across Aotearoa and in Australia over the last two years.

This results in a lot of work for a two-woman band! Jen mentions people are ‘shocked to hear it’s just us.’

“We do a lot with a little. We’re both hardworking, passionate people who care deeply. Alice always says we’re just doing what we can for the cause.

“We also have an incredible team of volunteer facilitators that awhi and tautoko our social support groups. There is a dedicated governance board who are there for us at every turn. But, yeah, in the day-to-day, it’s just us! We’re very fortunate in that we just click. We get each other, you know? We take really good care of each other, as well. Also, we’re both Librans, so maybe it’s just that?!”

Jen mentions Alice’s vision of the community’s future.

“I love how she brings everyone along with her, and the way she leads people; how she makes sure no one ever gets left behind. Alice is dedicated to the vision and the message – she’s truly the most dedicated person I’ve ever known. And I love how she leads with love, generosity, and care.”

Alice highlights that Jen is ‘incredibly present’.

“That’s such a vital quality in community care. Our work is different every day; you have to be adaptable and open. Jen never misses a beat. She’s rock steady, reliable and always ready to help. Everywhere Jen goes is better for having her there.”

Qtopia is a charity, run completely on donations – you can donate to the cause, invite them to your workplace to provide an education programme, or hire them to help create positive change in your workplace, organisation, or industry. 

“Create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ young people! Pass the mic! Centre marginalised voices and indigenous practices! Do what you can to create a kinder world, for everyone. Rainbow identities have always existed – since the beginning of time. The language around them and our understanding of them continues to evolve and improve.

“Ultimately our mahi is to create space for everyone to be who they are. We must have zero tolerance in delaying human rights for all.”

 Learn how you can support Qtopia at qtopia.co.nz