LGBT+ youth center celebrates 10th anniversary
A festive atmosphere marked the LGBT+ youth center's 10th anniversary celebration yesterday. Young people, staff, families and guests gathered to celebrate the milestone with a varied program and refreshments.
Þrumudætur and recognition awards highlighted the program
The band Þrumudætur took the stage for an energetic performance, and the LGBT+ youth center's youth council presented three recognition awards honoring individuals for their valuable contributions to the center's work and support for LGBT+ children and young people.
Snæ Humadóttir received a recognition award, in part for tireless advocacy for the LGBT+ youth center's continued existence. Sigríður Birna Valsdóttir, counseling services team leader at Samtökin '78 — The National Queer Organisation of Iceland, received an award for supporting transgender and non-binary children.
A third recognition award honored Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir, director of the LGBT+ youth center, who has worked there since it opened. Youth council members spoke warmly about how important Hrefna had been to them and how her support and the youth center's work had affected their lives. It was a moving moment that brought tears during the award presentation.
A sense of belonging can make all the difference
To mark the anniversary, Íris Lind, a parent of a child who attends the youth center, spoke about her experience with the center and its work. She emphasized how vital it is for children and young people to feel a sense of belonging, safety, and acceptance, and to have space to be themselves.
Íris recalled her son's first visit to the LGBT+ youth center two years ago. He received a wonderful welcome and kept coming back. “He had found his people,” Íris said, describing his experience.
Íris noted how much society has changed over the past few decades. She recalled that when her friend attended youth evenings at Samtökin '78 in her youth, young people routinely hid where they were going from their parents. Today, she said, things are completely different: In the evenings, the LGBT+ youth center's parking lot is full of parents waiting in their cars to pick up their children. That does not mean the work is done, however, and efforts to safeguard the rights, acceptance, and safety of LGBT+ people must continue.
“The success of meaningful community work is not always measured in reports or Excel files. Sometimes you see it in a child who once felt out of place among their peers but has now found their people,” Íris concluded.
Happy 10th anniversary!
