FAQ - minus18

FAQ

FAQ - minus18

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minus18 dance parties are run for same sex attracted youth in Melbourne. minus is actually run by gay youth too (most aged between 16 and 21) so the events themselves are a lot of fun and a great way to meet other same-sex attracted youth. Dance parties are run on the school holidays, start at dusk, and usually have a few hundred people. You can come along and listen to the music, meet new people, dance, talk to a youth worker, or enjoy some free soft drinks. It may seem daunting at first (especially if you've never been to a gay event before), but it's a lot of fun once you get there!

+ Who can go to minus18?

minus18 is run for same sex attracted, transgendered, queer, intersex, curious and unsure youth of Melbourne (and their friends). Anyone under the age of 18 and gay friendly is welcome to attend minus18 events.

+ I don't really know the city very well, what if I get lost going to an event?

Before the event, we advertise a meeting spot (usually a train station) and 2 of our Committee Members will meet you there, and take you to the event personally - They'll even take you back again after the event to make sure you get your train. Also - if you want to make your own way there and get lost, you can SMS or call the minus18 Phone on 04009MINUS (0400964687).

minus18 don't just run dance parties! Over the past few years minus18 begun running smaller, more intimate events to cater for a wider audience! So if dance parties aren't your thing, maybe a social event is? Social events that we've hosted in the past include Movie Nights, Speed Friendship evenings, and Pool afternoons.

  + My parents won't let me go to a minus18 Event - What should I do?

Typically, underage events don't have the best reputation. It's unfortunate, because since we first started in 1998, minus18 has NEVER had a major incident occur. We are sponsored or endorsed by a whole range of organisations, including the ALSO foundation, The Victorian Government FReeZa Program, PFLAG (parent associations) as well as the Victorian Police GLLOs. These organisations have seen the work we do and are impressed enough to recommend us as safe events. These organisations also give us strict guidelines on how to run our events, to ensure maximum safety.

We recommend giving your parents as much information as possible about your whereabouts when coming to minus18. If your parents want to pick you up from an event, or call the minus18 mobile phone, we will do our best to ensure your sexuality isn't given away if you haven't told family yet. Coming out is a personal decision and should be up to you. For more information on coming out to your parents, you can visit PFLAG . 

+ I don't have any gay friends to go to minus18 with - can I bring a straight friend?

Definately! minus18 is a straight friendly environment. So long as the friends you bring are open minded and friendly, they are always welcome at minus18 events.

+ Is it ok to come to minus18 alone?

Yes, in fact lots of people come to minus on their own. A lot of patrons simply aren't 'out' yet, so they have no one to bring. The good thing about this though, is that there are always people there who are eager to meet you! Everyone is extremely friendly and approachable.

+ I've been having problems in my personal life, is there anyone at minus18 I can talk to about them?

minus18 have trained Youth Workers at all of the minus18 events that you can talk to at any time. They are usually identifiable by a t-shirt that says "{ALSO}" on it. However, if you want to talk to someone casually who is a bit younger; you can always talk to our committee members or volunteers. We're a friendly bunch and most of us are still teenagers too! 

If you are having a personal problem that cannot wait until the event, you can call The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard and have a chat to one of the gay, lesbian or transgendered phone operators there instead.  

+ Can you tell that minus18 is a gay event by looking at the venue?

For those most part, minus18 Dance Events are held in regular night clubs. If a friend walked past, or a parent dropped you off, they wouldn't be able to tell it was a gay event just by looking at the building.

+ What sort of entertainment is provided at the dance parties?

minus18 have a huge selection of entertainment at our events, and we try to mix it up from event to event. While we have our main DJ, we have a bunch of other performers, including bands, singers, dancers, circus acts, drag performances, face painters and more. If you are interested in performing at minus18, head to the contact us page, and fill out an application form.

+ Are soft drinks available at the venue?

Yes, minus18 dance parties all have soft drinks - and better yet, it's FREE and UNLIMITED. All you have to pay for is the door charge, and you can have as much soft drinks for the evening as you desire.

+ Do you provide Medical Concession Discounts?

Yes, most Minus18 Dance events have a discounted rate for anyone who possesses a Centrelink Medical Concession Card.

minus18 events are strictly smoke, drug and alcohol free events. Anyone caught smoking, drinking or using illegal drugs will be evicted from the venue and/or talked to by the Victorian Police GLLO Officers who attend the events. In compliance with FReeZa regulation, no passouts are given. Sorry!

+ What is minus+?

minus+ are a series of activities that minus18 will be running for Same sex attracted youth in 2009. They will be social and physical events! We plan to have dance lessons, bowling, ice-skating, yoga and even pool events. Stay tuned for more information!

+ Are minus18 events wheelchair friendly?