Break the Cycle - Alex's Story

"I stopped trying to get help. I figured they wouldn't get it. They never did before."

Alex had tried reaching out before, but too many services weren't safe, weren't kind, or just didn't know what to do. Then they found QPOP - our Queer Psychosocial Outreach Program - and met Madeline.

Madeline didn't push. She listened. She showed up. And she made it safe for Alex to be honest.

"She just let me talk. Like really talk. No fake smiles or ticking boxes. Just real."

Throughout their time in QPOP, Alex started to:

• Get answers and support for ADHD

• Connect with gender-affirming doctors

• Learn how to manage panic attacks

• Find queer community spaces where they felt like they belonged

• Advocate for themselves - with family, doctors, everyone

It wasn't all smooth sailing. Alex still had to care for family members and carry responsibilities no teenager should. They still struggled. But now, they weren't doing it alone.

"I didn't really think about the future much. Now I'm thinking about jobs or maybe studying. About just...being myself"

Why Alex's story matters

Too many trans and queer young people are left behind. Services aren't set up for them. Waitlists are too long. Staff aren't trained. And the result? More mental health crises, more disconnection, more lost potential.

According to the AIHW, young LGBTIQ+ people in Australia are more than twice as likely to experience high levels of psychological distress and over four times more likely to attempt suicide - not because of who they are, but because of bullying, rejection and a lack of safe inclusive support.

QPOP is one of the few programs meeting young people where they're at - both emotionally and literally. But we need help to keep it going. 

Where you come in

Our Youth Outreach programs, like QPOP, are critically underfunded. Donations are the only reason we're able to keep showing up for young people who feel invisible everywhere else.

Your support today can be the reason a young person finds safety, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

• $100 funds two outreach check-ins with someone like Alex

• $250 supports a month of counselling and coaching

• $1,000 creates a holistic care plan, with referrals and support that actually sticks.

Help us show the next Alex that they're not alone. That who they are is worth celebrating.

Donate today

Because everyone deserves to be seen. And believed.

*Name and details changed to protect privacy