One of the major success stories from our Hamilton office in 2022 was the launch of YUMCHA!
YUMCHA Hamilton was launched on IDAHOBIT Day in May (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia). The group name YUMCHA stemmed from the Warrnambool group of the same title – Youth United Making Change against Homophobic Attitudes – and is supported by a partnership between Brophy Hamilton and Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC).
The aim is to offer a safe space to connect and engage young people aged 12 to 25 from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
In total, 23 young people have engaged with YUMCHA Hamilton in 2022 which is fantastic!
There are two groups, one for 12 to 17 years and another for 18 to 25 years. Each group meets on alternate fortnights during the school term, and there have been some amazing outcomes for the first year.
The 18 to 25 crew have designed a digital art mural to represent and celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community in consultation with the 12 to 17 group, which they pitched to the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) CEO and Mayor in November.
Brophy is delighted to announce that the design has since been approved to be painted on a local prominent wall, with an aim to be launched at IDAHOBIT Day in May 2023 – go YUMCHA Hamilton!!! 🏳️🌈
Follow YUMCHA Media for updates!