Meeting People

 When you start exploring your queer identity, it's likely that you'lll want to meet people in the queer community.

Rainbow Youth offers social groups outside of the nightclub scene that are a safe way for you to meet others. If you're in Auckland, you can visit our drop-in centre on Karangahape Road. We also have lists of support and social groups throughout the North and South islands.

Here’s some advice if you decide to meet up with someone you don’t know well:

• Make sure someone knows where you are going, and who you're meeting.
• You could arrange for someone to call or text you during the time you are out to make sure you are okay.
• Meeting in a busy, public place during daylight hours is best.
• Do not go somewhere you could be put at risk.
• Until you are sure the person is genuine, don't give them your home address or phone number.
• If you get an bad feeling about the person, don’t ignore it. Just make an excuse and leave.
• Always make sure you have a way of getting home safely, and that you have money for a taxi if you need it.
• Tell someone where you are going. This could be a friend or family member and tell them about the person you are arranging to meet.

Remember, you are meeting to have fun. Don’t ever be pressured into doing or saying anything you feel uncomfortable with.  Trust your instincts if you don’t feel safe and be over-cautious if you don’t feel confident.