Text message support for LGBT New Zealanders
March 18th, 2009
New Zealand teenagers who are questioning their sexuality can now receive personalised support via text message.
Curious TXT is a SMS service set up by youth development project Out There.
New Zealanders can use the service to text questions to youth workers, who will reply within 48 hours.
“Students often don’t feel safe talking about sexuality and gender issues with their peers or teachers, because they fear becoming a target for homophobic or transphobic abuse,” said Laressa Donaldson from Out There.
“Otherwise isolated young people can feel more connected regardless of their circumstances or location. They’re on cell phones, computers ipods, so we felt there was a need for a service for youth that was going to capture their interest by utilising the technology that they enjoy using.
“Curious TXT provides support that could make all the difference in a hostile environment.”
A 2003 study conducted by the University of Otago found only 5% of students and 7% of staff from over 100 high schools believed gay, lesbian or bisexual students would feel safe at their schools.
Young people in New Zealand wanting to use the service can should send the word ‘curious’, then a space followed by any question in the body of a text message to the number 3535. Texts cost 20 cents.
comments