 | Attending your first Minus18 can be nerve wracking, and chances are you have a billion and two questions to ask, so we've compiled a bunch of the most frequently asked ones to help satisfy your curiosity. |
Minus18 General
+ What exactly is Minus18?You should check out our 'about us' section. It's got some pretty details about us ;) HERE! + I want to get involved in your super awesome organisation Awesome! If you think you have what it takes to continue making Minus18 a kickarse organisation, all you gotta do is head over to the Application Page and fill out a form. <3 Top of Page
Minus18 Dance Events
+ I've never been to a Minus18 dance party, what should I expect?Minus18 dance parties are run for same sex attracted youth in Melbourne. Minus is actually run by gay youth too (most aged between 16 and 21) so the events themselves are a lot of fun and a great way to meet other same-sex attracted youth. Dance parties are run on the school holidays, start at dusk, and usually have a few hundred people. You can come along and listen to the music, meet new people, dance, talk to a youth worker, or enjoy some free softdrink. It may seem daunting at first (especially if you've never been to a gay event before), but it's a lot of fun once you get there! Top of Page
+ Who can go to Minus18?
Minus18 is run for gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, transgendered, straight and queer youth of Melbourne. The age limits for our events vary. Dance parties are usually 18 AND under, although sometimes they are strictly under 18 (due to venue regulations). Minus+ events are run for anyone under the age of the 21. Top of Page
+ I don't really know the city very well, what if I get lost going to an event?Oh we totally know what that's like, and tons of people that go to Minus18 aren't even from Melbourne at all! So, before the event, we advertise a meeting spot (usually a train station) and 2 of our Committee Members will meet you there, and take you to the event personally - They'll even take you back again after the event to make sure you get your train. Also - if you want to make your own way there and get lost, you can SMS or call the Minus18 Phone on 04009MINUS (0400964687). Top of Page
+ My parents won't let me go to a Minus18 Event - What should I do?Typically, underage events don't have the best reputation. It's unfortunate, because since we first started in 1998, Minus18 has NEVER had a major incident occur (unless you count having too much fun as a major incident...lame). We are sponsored or endorsed by a whole range of organisations, including the ALSO foundation, The Victorian Government FReeZa Program, PFLAG (parent associations) as well as the Victorian Police GLLOs. These organisations have seen the work we do and are impressed enough to recommend us as safe events. These organisations also give us strict guidelines on how to run our events, to ensure maximum safety. We know that being out to parents isn't always possible (we've totally been there). However, we recommend giving your parents as much information as possible about your whereabouts when coming to Minus18. If your parents want to pick you up from an event, or call our mobile phone, we will do our best to ensure your sexuality isn't given away. Coming out is a personal desicion and should be up to you. For more information on coming out to your parents, you can visit PFLAG. Top of Page
+ I don't have any gay friends to go to Minus18 with - can I bring a straight friend?Absolutely. Minus18 is a straight friendly environment. So long as the friends you bring are open minded and friendly, they are always welcome at Minus18 events. Top of Page
+ Is it ok to come to Minus18 alone?Yes, in fact lots of people come to Minus on their own. A lot of patrons simply aren't 'out' yet, so they have no one to bring. The good thing about this though, is that there are always people there who are eager to meet you! Everyone is extremely friendly and approachable. Top of Page
+ I've been having problems in my personal life, is there anyone at Minus18 I can talk to about them? Minus18 have trained Youth Workers at all of our events that you can talk to at any time. They are usually identifiable by a t-shirt that says "{ALSO}" on it. However, if you want to talk to someone casually who is a bit younger, you can always talk to our committee members or volunteers. We're a friendly bunch and most of us are still teenagers too!
If you are having a personal problem that cannot wait until the event, you can call The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard and have a chat to one of the gay, lesbian or transgendered phone operators there instead. Top of Page
+ Can you tell that Minus18 is a gay event by looking at the venue?For those most part, Minus18 Dance Events are held in regular night clubs. If a friend walked past, or a parent dropped you off, they wouldn't be able to tell it was a gay event just by looking at the building. Top of Page
+ What sort of entertainment is provided at the dance parties?Minus18 have a huge selection of entertainment at our events, and we try to mix it up from event to event. While we have our main DJ, we have a bunch of other performers, including bands, singers, dancers, circus acts, drag performances, face painters and more. If you are interested in performing at Minus18, head to the contact us page, and fill out an application form. Top of Page
+ Are softdrinks available at the venue?Yes, Minus18 dance parties all have softdrink - and better yet, it's FREE and UNLIMITED. All you have to pay for is the door charge, and you can have as much softdrink for the evening as you desire. Top of Page
+ Do you provide Medical Concession Discounts? Yes, most Minus18 Dance events have a discounted rate for anyone who possesses a Centrelink Medical Concession Card. Top of Page
+ Will I be safe at Minus18? Typically, underage events don't have the best reputation. It's unfortunate, because since we first started in 1998, Minus18 has NEVER had a major incident occur (unless you count having too much fun as a major incident...ok that was lame). We are sponsored or endorsed by a whole range of organisations, including the ALSO foundation, The Victorian Government FReeZa Program, PFLAG (parent associations) as well as the Victorian Police GLLOs. These organisations have seen the work we do and are impressed enough to recommend us as safe events. These organisations also give us strict guidelines on how to run our events, to ensure maximum safety. Top of Page
+ Is there anywhere I can smoke at the event? If not, are there pass outs? Minus18 events are strictly smoke, drug and alcohol free events. Anyone caught smoking, drinking or using illegal drugs will be evicted from the venue and/or talked to by the Victorian Police GLLO Officers who attend the events. In compliance with FReeZa regulation, no passouts are given. Sorry! Top of Page
+ What is Minus+?Minus+ is a new project started up by Minus18 in 2009. Basically, they're social events that take place during the school term and outside of a club. So things like dance lessons, bowling, iceskating, yoga and even pool events. The events are mega fun, and an awesome chance to get to know other same sex attracted youth even better. To find out the latest info and upcoming events, check out the MINUS+ section of the website. Top of Page
+ Are Minus18 events wheelchair friendly?Minus18 make every attempt to ensure our venues are wheelchair accessible. If you are attending an event, and need access via wheelchair, please contact us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
a few weeks before hand and let us know! That way we can be 100% sure that it's provided. Top of Page
Minus+ Social Events
+ What's the difference between a Minus18 Dance Party and Minus+?Minus18 don't just run dance parties! Over the past few years we've begun running smaller, more intimate events to cater for a wider audience! So if dance parties aren't your thing, maybe a social event is? Social events that we've hosted in the past include Movie Nights, Speed Friendship evenings, and Pool afternoons. Top of Page
+ What is Minus+?Minus+ is a new project started up by Minus18 in 2009. Basically, they're social events that take place during the school term and outside of a club. So things like dance lessons, bowling, iceskating, yoga and even pool events. The events are mega fun, and an awesome chance to get to know other same sex attracted youth even better. To find out the latest info and upcoming events, check out the MINUS+ section of the website. Top of Page
|
FAQ *NEW* 
