Snapchat Teams Up With Minus18 To Create Lenses For IDAHOBIT

Volunteers from LGBTQIA+ youth not-for-profit organisation Minus18 have collaborated with Snap Inc to create a series of Augmented Reality (AR) lenses in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) (17 May).

Snapchat's IDAHOBIT lenses

ACON reports that three out of four Australian LGBTQIA+ youth still experience some form of bullying and discrimination. That's 75 per cent. . . And experts suggest that visibility and support are of course some of the best ways to promote inclusion which can, as a result, promote positive mental health outcomes.

The new Snapchat lenses – which you can access now – follow Snap Inc's recent release of their in-app tool Here For You, providing users professionally-accredited tools, resources and support contacts relating to mental health and wellbeing.

IDAHOBIT Snapchat 202001

“L​GBTQIA+ youth are still twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated for mental health illnesses in Australia, which is why it is important that we look for new ways to tell our stories, build friendships and engage with the community," Minus18 CEO Micah Scott says.

"Snapchat is already the preferred platform for many youth, which is why it made sense to partner with Snap and create these amazing AR Lenses for IDAHOBIT."

The IDAHOBIT Snapchat lenses are available now. IDAHOBIT is Sunday 17 May.