Sal Kimber had only just started in her role as Indigo Council’s youth officer when 15-year-old Sheradon Neilson, with brother Shaun Rogers, approached her about a social group for LGBTQI youth.
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Six months on, the group has found its feet – meeting for the first time in December and travelling to St Kilda to take part in the Midsumma Pride March last month.
Ms Kimber, who has worked with youth battling drug-induced psychosis in England, moved from Melbourne to become Indigo’s youth officer.
“I grew up in Tallangatta … and it (being LGBTQI) was not talked about,” she said.
“A lot of young people wait until they go to Melbourne to come out, and not even that, but to just be confident about their identity.
“When I arrived back, I thought, it’s just the same, and that was 20 years ago.
“I do feel like there a lot of young people who might not even join the group, but it affirms for them there is support.”
The first meeting in December was a long time coming for Sheradon, after she and brother Shaun got in touch with Ms Kimber.
“I realised i was bisexual when I was around 14, but didn’t come out until a few months go.
“We’ve only had one meeting so far, but we had pizza and shared our stories.
“I think it was the little things that were not necessarily about sexuality, but just hanging out, and doing things normal kids do showed that we’re not different.
“I think everybody that was in the first meeting were all happy it happened and they were very open about it.
“It doesn’t have to be same-sex attracted or gender diverse people, but anyone who wants to show support.”
Ms Kimber said it was time for more initiatives like the youth group to get underway.
“Our first meeting was around when the diversity walk happened; it was just good timing,” she said.
“It’s very early days, but we already have young people in Wangaratta that came to the Pride March and have been asking to join the group.
“Parents have gotten in contact, commenting how great it is.
“(Sheradon and Shaun) are some of the most beautiful and brave young people that I’ve met – coming to me asking to do this, not just for them but other young people.”
Sheradon has wide-ranging aspirations for the group, starting with finding the right name.
“I’ve called it Indigo Apollo, because in Greek mythology, the God Apollo only had two people he ever loved – one was a boy, one was a girl.
“I thought that was cool.”
Anyone interested in the group can contact Sal Kimber on 0427 724 726.