Open Doors Youth ServiceOpen Doors Youth ServiceWhat began as a simple creative habit at a local Brisbane bar has grown into something truly meaningful for LGBTQIA+ young people across Queensland.
Local artist Ren Frost first began sketching on drink coasters while visiting Netherworld as a guest. After finishing a drink, Ren would often leave the small drawings behind on the table â tiny pieces of art left quietly for someone else to discover. What started as a spontaneous creative moment slowly turned into something bigger.
Those small sketches eventually inspired Ren to create a âWelcome Hereâ LGBTQIA+ sticker â a simple but powerful way for businesses and individuals to show that queer and trans people are safe, seen and supported in their space.
âI had originally pitched the sticker as something for the bar to use to signal more explicitly its position on LGBTI safety and inclusion, but it was Benâs idea to sell limited runs of the sticker and donate the proceeds.â
The idea quickly found a home at Netherworld, where Renâs coaster sketches first began. With the support of the venue and its team, the stickers were turned into a community initiative that would go on to raise funds for LGBTQIA+ young people.
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âBen Nichols, one of the co-owners, has been a huge part of the initiative,â Ren said. âHe suggested donating the proceeds to a charity of my choice and he organised everything.â
The stickers were made available through Netherworld, with proceeds supporting a cause close to Renâs heart.
âWith the current happenings in Queensland regarding trans healthcare for young people, I felt an intersectional service for trans youth would be a good choice for the proceeds,â Ren shared. âBut I had no idea the sales would raise as much as they did. Itâs a testament to the team at Netherworld as well as its clientele.â
Through Renâs initiative the stickers have already raised over $2,500 for Open Doors Youth Service.
For many young people who come to ODYS, finding a space where they feel safe, understood and welcomed can change everything. Funds raised through initiatives like this help ensure young people can access the support, connection and community they deserve.
The story also doesnât end here.
The âWelcome Hereâ stickers are still available for purchase at Netherworld, with proceeds continuing to support Open Doors Youth Service. If you would like to show your support and display a visible sign of inclusion in your home, workplace or business, you can head down to Netherworld and pick one up.
Open Doors Youth Service extends heartfelt thanks to Ren Frost, Ben Nichols and the entire Netherworld community for turning a simple idea into a message of belonging for LGBTQIA+ young people across our community. đ
If youâd like to see more of Renâs artwork and creative projects, you can explore his work here: https://www.instagram.com/ren.frost.art/
Open Doors Youth Service (ODYS) is Queensland's only dedicated LGBTIQIASB+ Youth Service.
Open Doors Youth Service (ODYS) recently met with Professor Ruth Vine and Professor Eleanor Milligan as part of Queenslandâs Independent Review into Stage 1 and 2 hormone therapies for trans and gender diverse young people.
We used this opportunity to advocate for:
Throughout our consultation, we centred the voices of young people by sharing your stories from the Share Your Story campaign. We know there are concerns around the submission processâhereâs what we know so far:
 You donât need to answer every question.
You can choose which ones to respond to, or simply share your story in the final section:
âIs there anything else you would like to raise about the current evidence base and ethical considerations for Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone treatments?â We have confirmed with the review panel that they will accept submissions from young people, families and community that only respond to the final question.
Things to consider:
â
Word limit has now increased to approx. 800â900 words (previous word limit was approx. 150 words)
â Submissions will not be accepted via email
đŠ You will not receive a confirmation emailâplease save your submission before sending. We recommend writing your submission in a Word document noting the question you are responding to.
Weâre here to help.
Join our free online workshop with Equality Australia and the LGBTI Legal Service:
đď¸ Wednesday 2 July
đ 6:00pm â 7:30pm
This session will walk you through the process and answer your questions.
Weâve confirmed with the legal team supporting the review and Equality Australia that itâs highly unlikely your submission would be released under Freedom of Information. The Review falls under Queensland Health’s robust privacy protectionsâamong the strongest in the state. Even if your submission was accessed under the Freedom of Information it is most likely that personal details would be removed.
We raised this directly with the panel. Unfortunately, they do not currently plan to include lived experience members. However, they have emphasised the importance of community submissions. While we believe more needs to be done, we urge young people, families and allies to have their say so your voices remain central to this review.
Your voice matters. If you have any questions or need further support, please get in touch with us at ODYS.
Open Doors Youth Service Inc. acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First people and Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we meet, live, learn and work. We acknowledge and celebrate the rich and thriving diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the oldest continuing living cultures in the world.