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 Get off your  butt  and get  involved!

 Teens VS  Society

 Depression

 Hi, my name is Kris. I’ve been a member of spectrum for around 2 years now. Spectrum has  allowed me to express myself freely and allowed me to know what goes on for young people  in the Gay and Lesbian Community. I’ve had the chance to march in the Melbourne Pride  March, but I may do that next year. I’ve made friends with almost everybody and I have  been given many opportunities from the group. I’ve gotten good information about what  underage dance events are on. We’ve had many motivational speakers and sometimes we  even have a camp every now and then.

 I’ve found that from the youth group I’ve had the chance to meet people from all different  aspects in life. From being in the group I have gotten the support that I’ve needed to come  out to my fellow classmates and also my family. But that’s an experience which is hard for  everyone and it takes time to know when it’s right to say something. The best people to talk  to are your friends as they should always be there for you if you need them.

 I’ve had experiences where I’ve been allowed to help cook and come up with creative ideas  for how to approach life. We sometimes get new people in the group and that’s a good  thing as sometimes you really do wonder how many gay and lesbian young people there  are out there. This group proved to me that I’m not alone. That’s one of the best feelings on  earth as for quite a while I felt like I was on my own. Now I know that I’m not. Its really  important to think that there are people out there who are like you. You can tell them your  stories and let them know what you think about their problems. There’s heaps of fun things  which go on and sometimes you even feel like there can be a place other than your home  which is safe.

 Having the opportunity to be myself and express my feelings in the way which Spectrum  allows gives me more confidence to have a say in the community. It allows me to be able to  know who and what is out there and what I should do if I ever need assistance.

 Spectrum really does accept everybody. It’s not just about keeping out gay’s and lesbians  from the community, it’s about teaching others how to accept everyone for who they are. Its  not a “gays are angry at straight people” group, its about being able to get along with  everyone. Even if you don’t really like them.