Next Tuesday marks the tenth anniversary of the first-ever event held by Minus18 on July 1, 1998, at The Market Hotel – or 3 Faces as it was known back then.

Just as Commercial Road has changed over the years, so has Minus18. Founded by Colin Billing, and established in order to provide a safe space in which same-sex attracted young people could meet new people and have fun, whilst also providing a safe way for them to explore the gay ‘scene’ in a drug- and alcohol-free environment; Minus18 dance parties are now well established and attract in excess of 250 patrons to each event.

In addition, Minus18 has become involved in the greater gay community of Melbourne at events such as the Midsumma Carnival and Pride March, ensuring that young same-sex attracted and gender-diverse people are given a space of their own, and that their voices are heard and their needs recognised.

“It’s one of the few on-going social spaces for underage youth to be safe and comfortable and meet other people and have fun,” says Scott Igoe, one of the Minus18 co-convenors. “It gives them the foundation to know that there are other people just like them.”

Like any special occasion, the Minus18 crew have a lot planned for their anniversary.

“It wouldn’t be a 10th birthday if it was just one night, so we’re planning on a doing a lot to celebrate between now and the end of the year,” Igoe tells MCV.

“For our big event, we’re going to change things around a little bit, keeping the original Minus flavour but adding some spice, something a little different.”

And what advice does Igoe have for young people who’ve never been along to a Minus18 event before?

“There is absolutely no need to be nervous; Minus18 is a very friendly event. The committee members will introduce people who don’t know people to other people, and it’s just a safe and secure space.”

www.minus18.org.au

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