Do you identify as trans, non-binary, gender diverse or gender questioning, and are you 12-16 years old?

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

Queer Nature Connection presents - Head Outside!

A fun, nature connection day 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 Surf Coast 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 on the Surf Coast*.

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
Lunch will be provided

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 within 15 minutes of Anglesea. 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 is being offered on the same day, at Anglesea Community House, 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.

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

We're happy to talk with you 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 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. All people aged over 18 years involved in the activity need to be able to present their vaccination certificate on arrival. 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.

Can you tell me more about the parent/carer catch up?
You can read about the parent/carer catch up by following this link to the event page.