FEAST QUEER YOUTH DROP IN
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
NOMINATED FOR
ADELAIDE
Profiles on this page have been prepared and submitted by nominees or their representatives as part of the South Australian Pride Awards process. Content reflects the words, achievements, and information provided in those submissions. Pride Adelaide has not edited profiles beyond minor formatting or clarity adjustments. Inclusion on this page does not represent an endorsement, assessment, or ranking and does not influence the independent judging process.
How would you describe yourself or your work in one sentence?
The Feast Queer Youth Drop In is a one of a kind inclusive creative, affirming space community group where LGBTQIA+ young people feel safe and have fun.
Tell us a little about what you do
Feast Queer Youth Drop In has happened every 2nd and 4th Thursdays monthly from 6pm- 9pm for 12 years. It is by far the longest running Drop In for LGBTIQA+ young people aged between 15- 25. Adelaide.
Drop In can be seen as a community group in 2 ways It is organised by community members
Drop In Facilitators – Jimmy Wood, Shaylee Leach, Katey Bereny,
Support workers- Lisa Hayton, Sarah Searle
Kitchen crew Michael Thompson
Coordinator and mentor- Margie Fischer
Artists and crafts persons – some come for one session only others for several sessions. Recent crafts people include Kristen Messenger, Calamity Tash, Clover Willemsen, Edwin Kemp – Attrill, Juniper Darling the list goes on
The LGBTIQA+ young people who come to Drop in are also a group
Between 25- 35 young people come to each Drop In. Over 12 years hundreds of young people have been to Drop In. Most have come back regularly and there are new young people at most Drop In’s. Drop In is a safe, social supportive and fun space for young people meet, get involved in arts and craft activities led by queer artists, play the very popular Dungeons and Dragons, hang out and chill out.
Drop In isn’t funded by the Govt. Drop In funds come from Gay Bingo held every Sunday at the Mylk Bar and occasional donations and small grants. Margie Fischer initiated Drop In when she was Feast Festival’s Artistic Director. Drop In continues to have Feast in its name as Feast auspices any small grants Drop In receives.
Queer community elders volunteer to cook a healthy 2 course meal all of which gets eaten. Margie Fischer volunteers as the Drop In Coordinator/Mentor. The Feast Queer Youth Drop In has had a huge impact in SA for LGBTIQA+ young people, people who work with LGBTIQA+ young people and queer artists and continues to.
What impact or achievement are you most proud of this year?
Drop In has been running for 12 years
Is the longest continually running Drop In in Australia. Minus18 based in Melbourne has been operating 25 years however has not had a Drop In continually over this time
Doesn’t rely on Govt funding to continue
Is funded by Gay Bingo a community event which has been happening for 15+ years
Achieves an attendance of 25 – 35 young people at each Drop In
Is unique nationally in its model of creative arts and craft sessions at every Drop In
Has employed over 120 LGBTIQA+ arts workers to run sessions over 12 years
Employs facilitators and mental health support workers
Community members donate their time to cook 2 course dinners at every Drop In
70% + young people who come to Drop In become regulars
There are new young people at most Drop Ins
Small Talks on Big Subjects, a recent addition to Drop In where community members give brief talks on topics young people want to hear is very popular
Drop In has taken part on Pride March and Feast
Has special Drop In’s to coincide with LGBTIQA+ days of Significance eg IDAHOBIT, Wear It Purple, Trans Day of Remembrance
Has outing during Fringe and Feast where young people attend theatre and community events
QYDI goers include young people with question their sexuality and gender have disabilities, mental health challenges, who self harm, have suicidal ideation are disengaged from the school system, at risk of homelessness and at times young carers.
Researchers regularly come to Drop In to gain understanding and feedback from LGBTIQA+ young people on subjects ranging from mental health, school disengagement, bullying, participation in sport and more
Why does your work matter to the community?
Drop In is a safe space for LGBTIQA+ young people to be themselves be affirmed
and have fun. Meet other young people, explore their sexuality and gender
As Drop In has been operating continuously for 12 years young people see it as a place that is ‘there’ for them
QYDI enables queer young people to pursue their interests, learn and showcase their talents, raise issues of concern to them and act on issues that affect their lives.
It provides employment for LGBTIQA+ artists support workers and facilitators.
Drop In is an introduction to the LGBTIQA+ community, events and opportunities to many LGBTIQA+ young people
Community members that come to Bingo are supporting to LGBTIQA+ youth
What would you like voters to know when voting for you?
Feast Queer Youth Drop In has happened every 2nd and 4th Thursdays monthly from 6pm- 9pm for 12 years. It is by far the longest running Drop In group for LGBTIQA+ young people aged between 15- 25. Adelaide.
Drop In is a safe, social supportive and fun group space for young people meet, get involved in arts and craft activities led by queer artists, play the very popular Dungeons and Dragons, hang out and chill out.
Between 25- 35 young people come to each Drop In which happens in the Community room at SHINE, 57 Hyde St and is free. At every Drop In there is a mental health support worker and facilitator all of whom are paid. Queer artists and craftspeople running workshops are also paid.
Drop In continues to have Feast in its name as Feast auspices any small grants Drop In receives. Feast is supportive of Drop In it doesn’t fund Drop In. feast uses its funds towards the Feast Festival. Drop In isn’t funded by the Govt. Drop In funds come from Gay Bingo held every Sunday at the Mylk Bar.
The Feast Queer Youth Drop In has had a huge impact in SA for LGBTIQA+ young people, people who work with LGBTIQA+ young people and queer artists and continues to. At every Drop In group session there is laughter, connection, creative arts and craft activities, quiet space, dinner, skilled and friendly facilitators and support workers.