Head Outside Project - Melbourne / Naarm - (Melbourne)

Do you identify as trans, non-binary, gender diverse or gender questioning, and are you 12-16 years old? Or do you know someone who is?

Do you love getting out into nature, exploring the natural world and learning new skills?

Queer Nature Connection presents - Head Outside!

A fun day outdoors for trans, non-binary & gender diverse 12-16 year olds. 

Queer Nature Connection runs fun, inclusive and nature based events for LGBTIQA+ communities and young people. Our Head Outside Project is all about supporting transgender, non-binary and gender diverse (TGD) young people to connect with nature. Come along to our Naarm (Melbourne) event and meet new people in a safe, relaxing bush environment, where you'll have the chance to connect with the natural world around you, and with others. 

The event will run from 10am - 3pm at an outdoor venue in the inner North of Melbourne.

Activities on the day may include:

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Sit Spot & Bird watching
  
• Playing nature awareness games 
• Creating nature art 
• Learning bush craft such as carving, fire by friction, weaving etc
• Foraging for wild foods

Your day will be facilitated by Ollie and Mel, Queer Nature Connection's experienced queer, trans/non-binary nature connection mentors. Ollie and Mel hold current Working With Children Checks and Ollie is a registered teacher. 

*The specific location of the event will be accessible from public transport - buses and trains. Directions and details will be forwarded via email to event participants after booking.

In addition, an informal parent/carer catch up and peer information session held by Merrin Wake (Drummond St, Transcend, proud parent of a trans kid), is being offered on the same day, at a local cafe, for local parents/carers of trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. Click here for more information.

What should I bring?

Bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks. Lunch will be provided. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. All levels of fitness are welcome and the event is wheelchair accessible. You will need a consent form to be signed by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 to attend. Consent forms will be emailed upon booking.

My parent(s)/carer(s) want to talk to someone about this event, who do they contact?

They can contact Mel or Ollie directly by clicking 'contact event organiser'. We can arrange a time to talk over the phone or Zoom.

What have previous participants and parents/carers said about our Head Outside programs?

Feedback from parents and carers of participants on our Surf Coast (12-16 yo TGD+NB) event:

“It was an awesome opportunity for my child to meet others going through or been through a similar journey, it helped them feel they are not alone and there are many the same/similar to them.”

“They enjoyed meeting other gender diverse young people and found the activities engaging. They adored Mel and Ollie and felt so comfortable and safe to be themselves”

“Loved the day, just the right length, activities and not to much for those who often don’t want to do a lot but just be in a space with others where they feel safe”

And feeedback from they young folk:

“People were welcoming, I didn’t feel judged for anything”

“I was feeling so nervous, but I am glad that I came, it’s nice to just be here“

“Being in the forest is really nice”

“It was great being in a small group, the people were easy to talk to, I feel like I have known them for ages“

“It was better that sitting at home playing Animal Crossing all day!”

I'd like to come along, but I'd like to bring a friend and/or youth worker. Can they come too?

We are more than happy to talk with you and/or your parents or carers further if you're unsure about coming along on your own and how to best make you feel supported on the day. Please reach out by clicking 'contact event organiser'.

Who is Head Outside/Queer Nature Connection?

Head Outside is part of Queer Nature Connection, a branch of nature connection not-for-profit organisation Firekeepers. Head Outside supports LGBTIQA+ young people to connect with themselves, others and the natural world, and to build confidence, resilience and friendship as a result. Check out Firekeepers Instagram page for examples of what activities they get up to in other programs.

Covid safety policy

This event abides by Covid safe practices. If you are experiencing any Covid-like symptoms (including runny nose, cough, sore throat, gastro symptoms) in the lead up to the event, please do not attend. Masks are not mandated as this is an outdoor event but you are welcome to wear one if you choose. You can read Firekeepers' Covid safety policy here or via our Queer Nature Connection link tree.