Lady Gaga sings it the way it is: ‘You were born this way, baby'. Diana Ross sang to the world: ‘I'm Coming Out'. They're gay anthems screaming acceptance, pride, and unity – and RainbowYOUTH wants those messages sung loud and clear in Tauranga.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye has announced $150,000 in funding for the next three years for RainbowYOUTH to develop and increase support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender young people.

Tauranga Pryde founder Kat Clark. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

One of the organisations to benefit from the funding injection is Tauranga Pryde, set up by 24-year-old Kat Clark.

Kat hopes the extra funding will help her enhance Tauranga Pryde in 2016.

'I want to have a drop in centre here in Tauranga,” she explains. 'I want to try and get education into the schools a bit more – something that's more public so more people are aware of what's happening in Tauranga.

'It's for parents as well, to come in and ask questions and get the help they need.”

The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic student also hopes to set up a stall during Orientation Week in 2016, which coincides with Pride Week, to raise awareness.

'I'm opening that support up at the Polytechnic so students can reach out and get help as well.”

Kat came out about three years ago. She had questions, and the answers were hard to find.

'Once you know and you discover what it is, I had all these questions and there was no one in Tauranga I could go to. I was a bit confused.”

The former Bethlehem College student says people are becoming more open to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. 'Transgender students can now wear the uniform they prefer.”

But there's still the odd bit of bullying to contend with. 'At the end of the day, it's from people who don't understand.”

Kat says LGBT young people are lucky to have RainbowYOUTH and Tauranga Pryde to answer their questions and offer support.

Kat has received widespread recognition for her work with Tauranga Pryde, with a 2015 Youth Award from Minister Kaye, and an upcoming Kiwibank Local Hero award.

Nikki says young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex are five times more likely to attempt suicide or deliberately self-harm.

'They are also more likely to be bullied, physically harmed, or afraid that someone may hurt them.”

The Minister made the announcement in Tauranga recently, when she and Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller met with Kat and 30 youths to hear their personal stories, and discuss what support is needed.

'The $150,000 for RainbowYOUTH will help them deliver more services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex young people throughout New Zealand.

'It will also enable them to further strengthen groups around the country, through training, mentoring, and educational resources.”

Todd Muller wholeheartedly welcomes the support for the local youth.

'Ms Clark has poured in so much of her own energy and time into providing a safe environment for young people with Tauranga Pryde, which wouldn't exist without her.

'I am delighted to see the government affirming and supporting their good work.”