OUTMemphis and Nike will host Queer Youth Field Day on Saturday, April 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public, and registration is required for entry.
According to Anu Iyer, volunteer coordinator and community manager for OUTMemphis, Nike approached the organization back in 2018 in hopes of hosting a recreational event field day for Queer youth and allies, where people wouldn’t be divided into “boys and girls” teams, and with everything being gender-neutral and inclusive.
“Just a safe and affirming day for people to come out and enjoy the weather together,” said Iyer.
This event is open to any LGBTQ+ youth and allies aged 13-to-25. Iyer said that they are hosting this event in “loving solidarity,” as a result of the “harmful” legislation that has been passed, especially gender-affirming care and public drag performances.
Iyer said that their joy can’t be stripped away, even though the government is attempting to “make them go back in the closet” in a lot of ways. She explained that they can be unapologetic about who they are, and still gather and hold community space with each other.
“We just want youth to know that despite all of these attacks that they’re under right now, they can still gather, they can still have fun and share a smile with friends,” said Iyer. “That’s the most important part about persevering is just making sure that you make space for the fun.”
This event is just one example of the ways that OUTMemphis provides safe spaces for queer youth. The organization also hosts a weekly youth group for queer youth ages 12 to 17, which is hosted by Iyer. She said there is no set agenda each week, however they typically do DIY-activities, arts and crafts, board games, and more. She said that they also discuss specific topics such as gender identity, sexuality, and mental health.
“They request certain kinds of programming that they want to see,” said Iyer. “It’s really important that we have this group. There are so few resources, especially in-person resources, for youth and their families in Memphis. Other than school and home, we want to be the one place that kids can really feel like themselves.”
A report entitled “LGBTQ Tennesseans: A Report of the 2021 Southern LGBTQ Experiences Survey,” released by the Campaign for Southern Equality in January 2023, said that there are an estimated 41,000 LGBTQ youth in Tennessee.
“It is important that Tennesseans create welcoming and affirming homes, communities, schools, and faith institutions for LGBTQ youth so that they may grow to be healthy and happy adults,” the report said.
The report also stated that “many people are aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity at a young age and are experiencing this rejection and alienation at pivotal developmental moments in their lives.”
Iyer said that spaces such as queer youth group not only provide the opportunity to be with friends, but also be respected and referred to by their preferred pronouns, and seen for their whole selves.