To My Future Self: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth
When young people are given the space to tell their stories, amazing things happen. That’s exactly what To My Future Self set out to do: create a platform for LGBTQIA+ youth in regional Australia to explore their creativity, share their lived experiences, and build lasting community.
Led by Monkey Baa’s 2022–25 Creative Associate, Felicity Nicol, and supported by headspace Port Macquarie and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice’s Youth Opportunities Program, the mentorship program brought together 10 LGBTQIA+ young people from Port Macquarie and surrounding areas. Through theatre, storytelling, and advocacy workshops, they had fun, built confidence, and developed their artistic voices. Most importantly, they discovered the power and importance of belonging to the queer community. They found each other.
A space to create and connect
From day one, To My Future Self was youth-driven. They shaped the project from the ground up, deciding what stories they wanted to tell and how they wanted to tell them. We talked about what it meant to be young, queer, and living in regional Australia. We bonded over queer media – over books, movies, and memes. We shared what pride meant to them. But conversations also turned sombre. They spoke of book bans, familial rejection, and isolation. They recounted trying to laugh off slurs, people picketing the only queer formal they ever had, and getting barked at whilst walking down the street. To put it simply, they said there was nothing for them in their hometown and that they felt alone. To My Future Self was conceived for this very reason, and every trip we took cemented its need.
In response to this, project lead Felicity Nicol assembled a team of queer contemporary artists and mentors. Scott Parker (podcast producer), Alexander Andrews (theatre facilitator), Sheanna Russon (assistant director), and Anna McGirr (videographer and documentation) each brought their own personal and professional experience to the project as LGBTQIA+ artists. And the teens thrived!
“Getting to form strong connections with the facilitators and other kids during the program really meant a lot to me.”
“The first time we met, they immediately made me feel safe and heard.”
— Participants
Months of mentorship and creativity unfolded. From podcasts and parties to queer history and questioning futures. We discussed protests and key LGBTQIA+ events (national and local). We workshopped forms of writing and self-expression. And we framed performance as a platform to create change. These teens flourished before our eyes as they created space to be their full and fabulous selves. They jumped into exploring their town and the queer memories it holds — memories of queer longing, queer confrontation, queer joy, and queer awakening. Complete with a curated rainbow soundtrack, this became an interactive podcast. It remains a powerful record of their journey and a lasting resource for other young LGBTQIA+ people, families, and communities across regional Australia. Participants also co-designed community events: a Wear It Purple party with headspace Port Macquarie and a Halloween bowling night, creating joyful spaces where regional LGBTQIA+ youth could connect and celebrate.
“We got to create something that represents us. It wasn’t just being told what to do, we had a say in everything.” — Participant
Breaking down barriers
We knew participation wouldn’t be easy for everyone. That’s why accessibility was built into every part of the program, and every mentoring artist came with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity. Sessions were designed to support neurodiverse participants, with flexible engagement options and sensory-friendly spaces. Mental health support was prioritised through regular check-ins and the involvement of headspace Port Macquarie. A mix of online and in-person activities helped overcome transport and scheduling challenges. All participants were paid for their time, recognising the value of their creative work. By making the program inclusive, supportive, and adaptable, To My Future Self made sure every participant could contribute in a way that felt right for them.
More than just a performance
The sold-out final performance at the Glasshouse Theatre in Port Macquarie was a powerful moment. Some participants performed their own words. Others, not yet out, had their stories spoken by peers. Every voice was heard and honoured.
“People came to see the queer youth and what they had to say.” — Participant
They spoke their truth, dreamed of future possibilities, and brought laughter and tears to the audience. There was a standing ovation, much celebration, and so much pride.
Creating this project, considering the current political climate, was not without discomfort. Today, the realities of being an LGBTQIA+ person are dim. Both here and abroad, queer rights are being threatened, services are being stripped, and the media is enjoying the circus. Our rainbow youth are mostly left mute and powerless, forced to watch as those older than them use their lives as political footballs and punchlines. It is no wonder that regional queer youth continue to have the worst mental health statistics of any of their peers.
Most isolated LGBTQIA+ young people look to social media as a vital lifeline for connection and expression. Sometimes, this is their only lifeline. But with the youth social media ban set to take effect, this will soon be severed—leaving a lonely, echoing chasm in its place.
It is for these very reasons that projects like To My Future Self must be seen and celebrated.
“Thank you for taking the time to share our stories.” — Participant
Looking ahead
The impact of this project won’t stop with the final bow. Participants have stayed connected and are already planning their own events. Some are exploring grant opportunities to make it happen. There’s momentum, and we’re excited to keep supporting them.
“I feel more inspired to actually speak up... You can make change if you find the right people.” — Participant
To My Future Self was a beginning, not an ending. Whether these young artists continue in the arts, take up advocacy or simply move through the world with more confidence, we know they’ll carry this experience with them.
To every participant: this is just the start. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And we can’t wait to see what you do next!
Created and Performed by: Astro, Bea, K, Pearl, Tom, Ranen, Isla and Zea.
Thank you to our partners and supporters: NSW Department of Communities and Justice, headspace Port Macquarie and Glasshouse Port Macquarie.
