Singapore LGBT organisations

This article is a list which gives equal weightage to each LGBT group in Singapore. However, not all groups wield the same influence and significance in Singapore's LGBT history. For a chronological narrative of how these organisations have developed and the relative importance of their contributions to the advancement of LGBT equality, please read the article: History of LGBT organisations in Singapore.

Contemporary

Real world

Advocacy

• People Like Us (PLU) [1]- the very first and immensely influential LGBT equality advocacy group in Singapore, started in 1993 by Joseph Lo and later spearheaded by activists Alex Au and Dr. Russell Heng. Under the leadership of Au, PLU practically wrote the history of LGBT activism in Singapore for a decade and a half after its founding.

• Sayoni [2] - a Singapore-based platform for Asian queer women, comprising a blog [3], and a forum [4]. Founded by a group of women from diverse backgrounds, age groups, economic status and ethnicity, it aims to empower queer women via a two-pronged approach to encourage dialogue within the community and to educate the general public. Both its media are open to public view.

Subsidiary websites of Sayoni:

• COuCH (Couch.sg; Come Out, Come Home)[5],[6] - a national movement to encourage LGBTQ persons and allies who are ready to come out and feel at home in Singapore. It was launched during the opening event of IndigNation 2012.

When one is ready, coming out to the people around oneself has a major impact on changing society's perception of the LGBTQ community in Singapore. COuCH is a movement which will give LGBTQ persons considering coming out the encouragement to do so, thereby changing society's perception of the LGBTQ community. It is also about the people who love and support their LGBTQ family, friends and colleagues, enabling them to ʺCome Outʺ and show that there are accepting people out there.

• Pink Dot SG [7],[8],[9] – a non-profit movement promoting "the freedom to love" which evolved from Roy Tan's intention to hold Singapore's first gay pride parade at Hong Lim Park in November 2008. After discussions with stakeholders, the concept of forming a giant pink dot, suggested by Choo Lip Sin, was unanimously approved of and Singapore's historic, first, open-air LGBT-supportive event was held on Saturday, 16 May 2009 at Hong Lim Park. The concept proved to be so popular that from 2011 onwards, Pink Dot events were replicated in various cities all over the world.

Subsidiary organisations of Pink Dot SG:

• Involve Volunteer Network - set up in 2018 by Pink Dot committee member Joanne Chen to manage the event's numerous volunteers. It later collaborated with other LGBT, especially transgender, groups.

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• Prout - created on 6 May 2018, it is a free platform for LGBTQ people to find their local community, receive relevant events and group recommendations and to be proud and out through safe spaces, meetups, resources, experts and helplines. 75% of its LGBTQ users find hookup apps unsafe due to catfishing and the fear of being outed. Finding authentic profiles and connections on hookup apps is tough. So is finding out LGBTQ+ events and information in one's area and wherever one travels to. Such apps are also the first ones people download to explore their sexuality. Prout wants to change that. Its events (and many more by other community partners) ensure meetups are safe and help is available whenever someone needs it most. It runs sold-out trivia nights, talks on mental wellness and more. Interested parties are urged to join more than 2,500 members and see over 1,500 LGBTQ events in Singapore and around Asia on its Telegram group: t.me/proutapp. For more information, the group can also be found at linktr.ee/proutapp. Prout's mission is also to help LGBTQ leaders share their initiatives, meet other leaders and promote collaboration in the space. If stakeholders know a few other people who could benefit by joining the space, they are encouraged to invite them to the group as well. If members find an article, video, resource or event that they would like to share with the LGBTQ community or if they have a story idea for the blog, they are urged to send it to Prout by posting on its Facebook page and the group will feature their event links in its next update on its Telegram group (t.me/proutapp) and story ideas for its blog (medium.com/proutapp). To find out more and pre-register, please visit: proutapp.com

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• Ready4Repeal[10],[11] - an online movement started on 13 September 2018 petitioning for the repeal of Section 377A of the Singapore Penal Code. It was founded because Section 377A was being excluded yet again from the Penal Code review of 2018 (the first time was in 2007) and its founders did not want the LGBTQ+ community to be left behind.

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• The Heartweavers[12],[13] - an organisation founded in July 2019 which seeks to inspire and guide LGBTQ+ people in Singapore to live full and free lives regardless of their circumstances and challenges through LGBTQ+ focused workshops, talks and dialogues. It realises that it is challenging being queer in Singapore. Section 377A exists and society largely still discriminates against LGBTQ+ people. But it believes that everyone – queer or not, out or closeted – deserves to live as freely as they can. That is why a group of like-minded friends formed the Heartweavers. Its vision is a strong community of LGBTQ+ individuals who have the necessary life skills to lead meaningful lives and form powerful relationships with the people they love.

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Heckin' Unicorn is a Singapore-based queer brand that is made by queer people, for queer people. It aims to provide the LGBT community with ways to express their identity — ways that are beyond kitschy rainbows and flashy flags. It seeks to push the heteronormative narrative that surrounds us everywhere we go, so that the world can be a kinder place for all. It is here to spread the message of love, because it knows that there is plenty to go around without the need to restrict access to it. It is here to provide a little hope to those who need it. It is here to inspire other queer people who might have ideas for queer businesses, but never took their first step. All products are designed by its resident Singaporean unicorn.

Minor

Singapore Straight People for Repeal of 377A[14] - a Facebook page set up on 11 April 2013 for straight Singaporean men and women to state their support for the repeal of Section 377A, a law that was introduced into the Singapore penal code by the British in 1938.

This is the Agenda[15] - a Facebook group formed on 17 February 2014 committed to promoting civil discourse, religious plurality, and the rejection of anti-LGBTQ hate speech in Singapore.

Queer Publics Singapore[16],[17] - launched in December 2014, Queer Publics believes that cultural differences and hybridity must be respected and appreciated in Singapore and that different kinds of kinship, family, friendship and intimate lives outside of heterosexual space and time, can be imagined and lived here. It is a community education and public engagement group open to anyone who identifies as LGBTIQ from all socio-economic classes, ethnicities, gender identities and age brackets. It aims to be a platform where these people can come together to explore meanings of culture, society, gender and sexuality.

We are against "We are against Pinkdot in Singapore"[18] - an LGBT rights group formed in 2015 as a counter to the anti-gay "We are against Pink Dot" Facebook page.

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Be Proud SG[19] - founded on 4 October 2014, the group encourages LGBT Singaporeans to be proud of their your identity, proud of who they actually are and proud to show the world they are who they are. E-mail: beproudsg@gmail.com

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Real Singaporeans defending the family and shared values - set up on 4 February 2018, the group represents "real Singaporeans who have grace and honour in their hearts, who value family, knowledge, are compassionate and passionate about making Singapore better". Apparently named to counter the so-called "pro-family" groups which are a euphemism to oppose LGBT equality, it strongly supports LGBT rights. One of its administrators is staunch LGBT ally, Martin Piper.

Research

• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Research Institute (SOGIRI) - an initiative by J. Yong, one of the founding organisers of Pink Dot, and Mathia Lee, which aims to perform credible, scientific research and surveys on Singapore's LGBT community. This group has been superceded by the one below, SOGI Singapore.

• SOGI Singapore[20] - formed in 2013 by a group of research enthusiasts from Pink Dot, Sayoni and Oogachaga - three LGBTQ-affirmative non-profit volunteer groups. Through research, they aim to provide data and insights to generate greater awareness and discussions to improve the day-to-day experiences of LGBTQ people living in Singapore. They can be contacted at m.me/sogisg. Their main study so far is the National LGBT Census 2013 Singapore.

• Singapore LGBTQ Research[21] - formed on 7 September 2015, it is a study group for academics interested to teach and/or working on Singapore LGBTQ research to exchange ideas and publications.

Religious/Ethnic

• Heartland [22],[23],[24]- the gay Singapore Buddhist discussion and fellowship group spearheaded by activist Kelvin Wong in 2003.

• Safehaven [25]- a non-denominational Christian group which has been gathering since 1997 for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Gay affirmative and made up of different age groups, backgrounds and religious traditions. On Saturday, 10 January 2004, it organised a Family Reunion Dinner hosted by Rev. and Mrs Yap Kim Hao[26]. The aim of the inaugural dinner was to help its members and their families deepen their relationships. It was co-organised by the then 26-year old Alphonsus Lee who attended the gathering with his father. Safehaven is now one of the ministries of the Free Community Church.

• The Free Community Church [27],[28] - inaugurated in 1999, the Free Community Church holds weekly worship services on Sundays at 10.30am at #02-01, One Commonwealth. The church is a congregation of diverse individuals and families gathering to worship and grow as a Christian community. During its Sunday services, members worship and listen to various interpretations of The Good News, while on weekdays, followers in diverse cell groups study God’s Word, share their lives and support each other.(See Fridae interview with chairperson, Jean Chong in 2004:[29]).

• 2 small and largely inactive Buddhist social groups were started by Chan CW on Facebook in 2011: Singapore GLBT Buddhist Social Group[30] and Singapore Gay Buddhist Social Group[31].

• As-Salam Singapore[32] - a Yahoo! Groups news list set up in May 2004 dedicated towards helping LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning) Muslims living in Singapore reconcile their sexuality with their faith through a safe and peaceful platform, i.e. a place of 'as-salam'.

The group recognises that people can be both queer and Muslim at the same time, as they strive towards greater consciousness of Allah in their lives. They also advise and educate LGBTQI Muslims to find and understand themselves through the positive teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad's tradition. All memberships are screened, to protect their existing members and to keep out unwanted and destructive individuals from entering the discussion group. They hope that members find salam in their own lives, through the friendships, networking and support that they gain through the forum, Insha'Allah.

• Safe House SG[33] - created on 24 February 2013 on Facebook to provide a safe haven for all LGBTQ Muslims in Singapore. Members are encouraged to send their stories and anything else they wish to share to 'The Caretaker' at the following email address: proj.safehouse@gmail.com or via the Contact Form. Their mission is:
• to provide a platform where all LGBTQ Muslims can feel safe to share stories about about their sexual orientation, experiences, questions and problems.
• to create a channel which allows people to exchange religious views and opinions harmoniously.
• most importantly, to build a sanctuary where Muslim brothers and sisters could feel belonged and understood.

They can also be visited on their other platforms:

• Twitter: @ProjSafeHouse
• Instagram: @projsafehouse
• Tumblr:[34]

All names will be kept confidential and the site is not affiliated with nor presented by any organisation, cause or political party.

• Jejaka[35],[36] - Singapore's first support group for Malay GBQ men from 18 to 35 years old started in December 2014 by SGRainbow. Although not billed as a religious support group, it is included in this section because the vast majority of Malays in Singapore are Muslim. Jejaka aims to provide a safe space for discourse on personal issues around them, allow opportunities for participants to make new friends in an inclusive setting and raise awareness of the issues and the community that that live in. Jejaka is unique as it is an ethnic-specific support group dealing with issues that affect the GBQ Malay men in the community. Jejaka commenced its run with 4 formal sessions, 1 outdoor session and a closing party. Each run had a maximum of 10 participants only. The sessions were held fortnightly facilitated by a Jejaka volunteer.

To join the group, the ability to speak Malay is an advantage but not necessary for the programme. Having basic Malay is encouraged as some of the terms discussed may have a greater meaning in Malay than if it were to be translated into English. For queries, write in to jejaka@sgrainbow.org The first run commenced in April 2015. Participants were required to sign up by clicking here:[37].

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• Bissu[38] - Singapore's first secular Malay (as distinct from Malay-Muslim) LGBT community group was formed in 2017. It aims to provide a motivational platform and create awareness for the Malay LGBT community and its allies.

Its goals are partly based on the Kwanzaa core principles which are:

• Unity: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
• Self-Determination: To define themselves, name themselves, create for themselves and speak for themselves.
• Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain their community and make their brothers' and sisters' problems their problems and to solve them together.
• Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain their own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
• Purpose: To make their collective vocation the building and developing of their community in order to restore their people to their traditional greatness.
• Creativity: To always do as much as they can, in the way that they can in order to leave their community more beautiful and beneficial than when they inherited it.

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• Beyond The Hijab[39],[40] - was created by a group of women on 17 November 2018 who were brought together by the simple idea that women should have a platform to share stories about their experiences as women reconciling the demands of their religion and the pressures of the modern world. It wanted to create a space built on understanding – where women can put aside the things that they are told by society, their communities, their families and friends and the media – and tell their own stories. By creating a judgment-free space, it hopes to create a place for women to find a sense of belonging, regardless of their backgrounds, experiences or choices. It is not a platform to judge others, proselytise or advocate for a specific interest. It is a safe space, and all participants and their views are to be treated with the highest degree of respect at all times. It is interested in learning together from individual experiences, through which it hopes to build a community of understanding, empathy and openness, where participants can learn about their religion, themselves and each other. If interested parties have any questions, they are requested to write to the group at team@beyondhijab.sg or fill out a form on their website.

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• The Healing Circle[41],[42] - a safe space for queer Muslims created on 30 April 2017 to question, reconcile and embrace their spirituality. Although the group advocates for the LGBTQ Muslim community, it welcomes adherents of other faiths as it believes in unity and peace in alignment with the cosmos. Its purpose is to find solidarity with other Muslims, especially those based in Southeast Asia.

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• Rainbow Harvest[43] - a website created on 30 September 2004. Its purpose is to say that being gay and Christian is fine. Its vision is to be a well known gay Christian website proclaiming a radical Gospel message of God's love, acceptance, grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, to gay people. Its mission is to proclaim the Gospel message of God's love and acceptance to gay people in Christ Jesus through blibical insight of local and world events, and bible studies, to provide gay-affirmative Christian views highlighting the erroneous biblical interpretation, rethoric, hate, hypocrisy, and half-truths by Christian extremists and to proclaim to the gay Christian community that being gay is not a sin, but is innate from birth and to be accepted as part of God's gift of life and to be lived with thankfulness, pride, freedom, and self acceptance.

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• YouYou[44] - founded in 2018, it is a community committed to creation of a safe space for religious minorities and LGBTQIA+ people. It started as a cell group-like fellowship which consisted of members of unique queer backgrounds and faith/non-faith cultures. It was encouraged by past instances of interfaith activities in Singapore, internationally, and globally, and its founders sought to ask themselves: "How can Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Taoists, Confucians, Baha’i, Pagans, Wiccans, Agnostics, Humanists, and Atheists (and all others) walk together in the spirit of love and affirmation, in our shared humanity and spirituality? Can we relate our faith and identities to each other? Can we get along?" They concluded that it was possible and have been doing so in YouYou where it was possible to relate their experiences and affirm each other in spiritual plurality if they made a safe space where everyone felt secure. Sharing sessions are held on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm. Sometimes the group organises board games sessions, eat together, or hold other social events.

Business

• 5Degrees[45],[46] - an LGBT business networking group inspired by Hong Kong's Fruits In Suits founded by Willie Chan, Rabil Lian, Niels Rasmussen, Ang Tin Chuan and others in 2008. It provides an effective business platform that brings together LGBTQ professionals to network, exchange ideas and tap potential opportunities. It aims to raise awareness of business issues, drive business-related activity and greater commercial co-operation within the LGBTQ community and help foster a greater sense of solidarity through such interaction. With over 1,000 members, 5Degrees is the largest business-focused organization for the LGBTQ community in Singapore, and seeks to nurture a self-perpetuating and conducive business environment for LGBTQ-friendly individuals, organizations and enterprises through regular workshops, networking sessions and discussion groups. 5Degrees also organizes special projects and charity initiatives in aid of the LGBTQ community.

• Spectrum, Singapore - Barclays bank's LGBT employee network set up locally in 2011[47].

• Gayglers, Singapore - Google's LGBT employee network set up locally in 2011[48],[49],[50],[51].

• Arup Singapore - a UK-headquartered LGBT-friendly multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm[52],[53],[54].

• P•INC[55] - a springboard for gay businesswomen. Members can make connections to advance their business, learn more skills and gain knowledge from a safe circle of people like themselves. It set up its Facebook page on 10 January 2013.

• Allies Night[56] - started in July 2015, Allies Night is a social function where peers from more than 60 companies in the CBD can network. Hosted monthly by Marsh and McLennan Companies, and held at The Exchange in Asia Square, Allies Night gives participants the opportunity to find new connections and celebrate inclusivity. The first 100 people get a free cocktail and 10% off food and lucky draws throughout the night. The event in August 2015 was hosted by Stephen Michael Fountain[57].

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• StandingOUT[58] - StandingOUT is an LGBT industry initiative for technology and media. In 2016, a bunch of technology and advertising companies across Singapore assembled with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to develop a new LGBT diversity chapter to foster a greater sense of inclusion, friendliness and safety within the fast-moving, dynamic industry. Their goal is to create an LGBT community for the Ad+Tech industry in Singapore, fostering a true sense of inclusion for LGBT personnel and friends.

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• StartOut Rising Singapore[59] - StartOut Rising Cities is a Meetup group network which, every month, hosts events all over the world ranging from panels that discuss the challenges of being a queer woman CEO to different options LGBTQ founders have when it comes to fundraising. In addition to these monthly events, StartOut has a robust online platform with both free and paid membership that includes tailored 1-on-1 mentorship (http://startout.online/mentorship) with industry-specific LGBTQ professionals, fundraising support (http://startout.online/investor-portal) that increases members' access to angel and institutional investors who focus on investing in LGBTQ founded businesses, custom office hours (http://startout.online/experts) and an online community (http://startout.online/forum) that will help members acquire the knowledge and network to be successful.

• LGBT-supportive business clusters - some multinational banks, energy companies and other large businesses have formed groups like InterBank, InterEnergy, InterAlia and Stand Out! to network and support their LGBT employees. Many of these companies were sponsors of the annual Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park until the Government ruled that it was illegal for them to do so in 2016 following complaints from religious conservatives.

Social

• Adventurers Like Us (ADLUS) - the first Singapore sports and outdoor activities network for gays and lesbians. It was started by Kelvin Wong, who later handed over its management to Dr. Ethan Lim. Lim relinquished his leadership in 2009 and the group has been much less active since then, maintained by several volunteers. ADLUS has both a website [60] and an active mailing list [61]. The mailing list is the main communication hub for the network. The website was revamped in September 2006 to become more user-friendly. ADLUS activities encompass many sporting activities and the group actively promotes sports and outdoor activities within the GLBT community. The website also list major events in the Singapore sports scene. They were the network that helped send Singapore's first sports team to the Gay Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

• Women's Nite [62] - started by Charmaine Tan and Eileena Lee in 2002, Women's Nite provides a safe, neutral and alcohol-free space for lesbians and bisexual women in Singapore to gather and discuss the issues relevant to their lives. Talks and workshops are also held. It runs on the last Saturday of every month. Charmaine Tan, Eileena Lee, Tan Hui Yee, Amanda Lee, Gea Swee Jean and Sylvia Tan are currently the women working behind the scenes [63] for Women's Nite.

• MenAfterWork (MAW) [64] - a group that organises strictly non-sexual social outings for gay men. Formed by Shenzi Chua in the 1990s. It currently appears to be inactive, with some of its activities taken over by Friends Like Us.

• SAFE Singapore (Supporting, AFfirming and Empowering our LGBTQ friends and family) [65] – a support group founded in December 2006 by a team of 4 heterosexual women to provide information and resources for straight people struggling to accept their queer friends and relatives (see Fridae article).

• The Bear Project [66],[67] - founded by long-term gay couple Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee, it is a Singapore-based gay community of bears, cubs, Gmen, stocky, big-sized guys and their fans. They aim to exchange ideas, go on organised outings and mingle with each other.

• SinQSA (Singapore queer-straight alliance)[68],[69] - a group founded by Sam Ho, Jennifer Teo, Kelly Then and Jean Chong to bridge gaps between queer and straight people, thereby contributing to the creation of a harmonious, compassionate Singaporean society, where there is substantive equality, regardless of individual differences such as gender identity and sexual orientation. Its objectives are to:
• provide an open, inclusive platform where queer and straight persons can engage in meaningful communication,
• promote substantive equality regardless of individual differences such as gender identity or sexual orientation and
• raise awareness of gender or sexuality-based discrimination, harassment and violence.

• Congregaytion [70] - a website set up in 2012 by Oogachaga for all issues that fall under the LGBTQ umbrella, reaching out to neglected demographics not previously served in its programmes such as mature men, youth and transgender people. It revolves around the themes of working together as one community to build a sense of belonging and cohesiveness. Its purpose is to:
• create a sense of bonding among the LGBT communities
• encourage community involvement to strengthen this spirit by mobilising interaction amongst individuals and raising awareness of the LGBTQ-friendly resources available in Singapore
• Provide local and relevant information on sexual health and sexuality

It updates the community about news and events, and in late 2012, started producing videos to strengthen the appeal of its messages.

• MOVE community [71],[72],[73] - started by Andrew Chan, founder of the now-defunct gay men's social group Rainbower after he left his job at Oogachaga in early 2013, MOVE is a social initiative and activity hub for LGBT individuals, families, extended families, and friends. It aims to promote an active, caring and sustainable LGBT community. It publishes a programme of monthly events which include gatherings featuring LGBT community organisations, smaller groups and personalities.

• 7for7[74] - a group which organises speed dating events for gay men to complement online dating.

Singapore LGBTQ Alliance[75],[76],[77] - an independent organisation for global Chinese 'comrades' including tongzhi groups from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Its websites are in Chinese and its Facebook page was set up on 21 November 2013. Activities organised include:

• gay personals / exchange programmes
• gay film appreciation and seminars
• book club, various tongzhi interest groups and academic research
• outings to participate in the Singapore Arts Festival, Writers' Festival and Pink Dot held annually at Hong Lim Park;
• tongzhi financial, investment, business consulting and guidance
• outdoor sports, dinners, etc.
• video recordings of tongzhi events

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She+Pride[78] - a social group for all things LGBT, but mainly directed at queer women. It organises events and meetups to simply chill and discuss politics and the state for the gay world. Based in Singapore but connecting with the world. E-mail: sheplusco@gmail.com

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Singapore LGBT Networking[79],[80] - a group started in 2015 for LGBT Singaporeans who want to widen their social circle and or professional network with fellow LGBT people. Members can join their monthly "Networking Over Drinks" and other activities. E-mail address: sq1628@yahoo.com

Allies Night[81] - hosted monthly by Marsh and McLennan Companies, Allies Night gives participants the opportunity to find new connections and celebrate inclusivity at The Exchange with peers from more than 60 companies (from Fortune 500 to startups). They gather in the Lower Dining Area from 6pm - participants are encouraged to get there early as the first 25 guests receive a complimentary House Pour Spirit, San Miguel or San Miguel Light, or soft drink. There is 10% off the small bites menu and happy hour pricing all night. Questions about the event can be e-mailed to: events@theexchange.com.sg

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Singapore Gay Gentlemen's LTR Dating Club (SGDC) on Meetup[82] and The Single Guy (28 - 38) Lifestyle & Dating on Facebook[83]- an exclusive gay singles club founded on 27 December 2015 for those who are interested in meeting a potential boyfriend through tasteful lifestyle-oriented activities. It is the only weekly non-commercial gay men's dating group in Singapore. If you are a well-heeled professional aged between 28 and 38 years of age and keen on having a long-term relationship, you are invited to join the club. It welcomes Singaporeans and foreigners who will be stationed in Singapore for at least 5 years. This club is NOT for seekers of one-night stands, guys looking for 'friends with benefits', gay-curious or bi-guys.

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• LGBTQ+ Singapore Meetup[84] - a Meetup group set up by Stephanie Lim for LGBTQ+ Singapore meetings, non-binary people and everyone with the freedom to love.

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• Out in SG[85] - formed on 2 May 2017, it is a private Facebook group of like-minded and open-minded Singapore residents who are interested in building community though participation in activities based social and fitness events. It encourages its almost 3000 currently active members to take the lead and organise or facilitate a variety of events in which they have a personal interest every month. Therefore, the range of activities offered is wide and include running, swimming, tennis and badminton, social events such as board games, karaoke, cooking and nature walks or cultural events such as historical tours, art class or pottery making. All are welcome. It enjoys considerable participation from the expatriate LGBT community in Singapore.

Lesbian

Singapore Lesbian Meetup

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A nonprofit social lesbian and transgender/bisexual/femme/butch group started by Shu Hui Shawn on Meetup which has over 1,000 members[86]. It holds meetups either weekly or monthly. Contributions are welcome. Interested parties may feel free to email the organiser at shawnjarren@gmail.com for details. It encourages mutual respect and understanding. It welcomes participants to join the group to meet new and awesome friends.

However, a caveat is that if any members are found to be harassing other members, they will be banned from the group. It clarifies that it is not a platform for seeking singles/dating or selling/advertising products and services. Its activities are non-commercial, non-religious and non-political in nature. Participants are advised to refrain from promoting or advocating any religious or political views or beliefs during its activities. For members facing any issues, they are requested to report these to the organising team.

Lesbian Geeks SG

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A Meetup group for LGBTQ people in Singapore who are interested in making new friends, find new hobbies, enlarging social circles, gatherings, board games, dining together, etc. It was set up to provide a space with privacy for LGBTQ people to hang out. It is hoped that the gatherings will be a pleasant experience for participants. The group was taken over by Shu Hui Shawn, also the founder of Singapore Lesbian Meetup (see above) in late 2017, who looks forward to renewing and revamping it if necessary. Members are thanked for joining and encouraged to be kind to each other.

Rainbow Girls Singapore

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An LBTQIA Meetup group which organises outings to both monthly lesbian events, such as the HerStory@Canvas and the Peaches & Cream girls' parties, and other non-clubbing social gatherings. These outings are organised sometimes earlier on on the same day itself, just a few hours prior to the actual event. It feels that it is usually more fun to go to a girls' party or any other event as a group rather than alone. The additional benefit of attending under this Meetup group is that the organiser will book a table, depending on the number of girls who RSVPed for each party, for members to use during the event. It also organises, on an ad hoc basis, non-clubbing social gatherings for deeper interaction between among members, usually on weekend evenings.

Individuals should join if they are interested in attending Singapore's monthly lesbian parties without having to worry about securing a table or someone minding their belongings while they dance the night away, or if they are simply seeking to meet and socialise with other like-minded women in non-clubbing venues. Trusted gentlemen may be admitted to membership on an exceptional basis. Note: The group is inclusive towards all sexual orientations and non-binary gender identities, and thus requires the avoidance of ambiguous or discriminatory language, e.g. use of the term "cis-women" is advised instead of "biological women". Its RGS Telegram channel is located at http://t.me/RainbowGirlsSingapore

Women's Xchange

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Co-founded by Ryvre in 2015 on Meetup, it is an LBTQ women-centric group that focuses on connecting like-minded women and building a better LBTQ community. It can be followed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womensxchange/ and on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/womensxchange)

Lesbian Expatriate Socials Club

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A Meetup group for gay women in Singapore set up by Vickreman Harvey C.. It is friendly to all lesbian, bisexual and transgender women who love women. The idea is to meet up and chat during newbies nights every month, go for drinks, visit places around Singapore, embark on cinema trips and loads more, including some nights out around the scene. The group hopes to meet a bunch of friendly faces looking to have a good time and laughs with new people and friends.

Special interest

• Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC)[87],[88],[89] - both an organisation as well as a physical space where LGBTQ people can come together to read, borrow books, for social support or to attend talks. Regular events are usually run on the 2nd Saturday of the month. It operates Singapore's first and only LGBTQ resource centre and library which opens every Saturday from 2-6pm. Its collection includes local and international gay literature as well as non-fiction books whose catalogue can be searched online on its website. It also has an archive of artifacts pertaining to Singapore gay history and culture. It is located at 56 Lorong 23, Geylang, Level 3, Century Technology Building, Singapore 388381 (within the Free Community Church itself).

Set up by activists to inculcate pride in being gay and in staying HIV-negative, it initially commenced operations at 22A Rowell Road, above the AFA headquarters, in the Serangoon or Little India area. It held its opening party on Saturday, 6 December 2003 from 6pm to 9pm in its premises at Rowell Road[90]. The event featured live tribal drumming & flame throwing, food and drink, music, a film screening as well as safer-sex demonstrations. Opening hours of the resource centre during the early years were on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm and on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm. It underwent many location changes since it opened it doors at Rowell Road. These included Bianco, one floor above Mox Bar & Cafe at 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-01, Singapore 088444, in a member of the gay community's home also along Rowell Road near The Post Museum and in both locations of DYMK, at Kreta Ayer Road and Neil Road.

• Queer Book & Movie Club [91],[92] - founded by Aaron Ho in 2011, it is a monthly book club (3rd Thursday of every month) for everyone in Singapore focusing on queer literature. The discussions rotate among 3 categories: (1) gay, (2) lesbian, and (3) transsexual/ transgender/ bisexual/ intersexual/ queer novels. The group also meets for LGBT movies every 2 months and is all-inclusive and non-discriminatory. Everyone, regardless of sexuality, age, gender, sex and race, is welcome. It is supported by Gayglers, Google's diversity group for LGBT employees and their friends.

• Sing! Men’s Chorus[93],[94] (formerly known as Singapore Men's Chorus) or SMC, was formed in 2005 to provide an avenue for those interested in male chorale and present another form of choral music for the public to enjoy. The group traces its beginnings to a chance meeting at a wine-tasting party between two men, Todd Katschke and Jason Ong, both active in choral music for many years. Since there was no men's chorus in Singapore, Katschke and Ong decided to plug the gap. After a first round of auditions in March 2005, the Singapore Men's Chorus was born with 11 members. Practices were nomadic at first, held in various members' apartments each week.

Today, SMC has grown to about 30 members and has proper venues for practices. Members from all walks of life, and from very different musical backgrounds. For some of them, SMC is the first training ground, with guidance given by not just the choral director but fellow members as well. SMC's mission is to connect people through the making and enjoyment of male choral music. The objectives of SMC are:

• promote choral excellence and creativity in Singapore
• provide a venue for those interested to express their passion and creativity in choral music
• nurture and develop talent and interest in choral music in a friendly environment

The group practises every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10pm at Aliwal Art Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918.

• Photography by Cobalt[95] - a closed Facebook group started by Singapore-based Filipino photographer, Cobalt. He specialises in male portraits and physique besides other mainstream subjects and is open to collaborations with fashion editors, stylists and make-up artists. He is always in the look out for attractive people. If you feel you have what it takes just send him an email and enclose a recent photo of yourself.

Rainbow Parents SG[96],[97],[98] - set up by couple I. Oh and O. Tan in June 2013, it is a community of LGBT people in Singapore who have come together on their parenthood journey to exchange information, share resources and support each other. They organise monthly meet-ups. Interested would-be members can contact them at rainbowparents.sg@gmail.com to get an invitation to the Facebook Group.

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Proud Parents - Singapore[99] - a Facebook page set up on 1 August 2017 for parents of LGBT children in Singapore.

Live Alive![100] - Live Alive! is a site hosted on Eventbrite which organises non-profit talks and events devoted to inspiring the LGBTQ community and friends to find their passion and purpose in life. Their goal is to inspire individuals to "Be courageous, Live a life alive, Pursue what really matters."

Pink Avenues[101] - a resource network formed in 2015 for LGBTQIA Singaporeans with different needs. Together, it supports, inspires and empowers the community. Interested parties are advised to sign up and be invited to its events covering topics on career and business, relationships, community, finances and housing, family and health and wellbeing.

Gaymers.SG[102] - created by Audi Khalid on Steam Community in July 2015, the group serves as a medium for gay gamers (gaymers) to connect with other gaymers. The reason why it was not set up as a Facebook page is that users are less likely to be identified on the website, depending on their Steam profile, as compared to Facebook. So if one is a discreet gaymer, the group is for them. Users are urged to find someone who has the same game as them and invite them for a round. Casual and hardcore gaymers are welcome.

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• Gay Geeks Singapore[103] - a Meetup group for LGBT people who do not need to be techies to join as all kind of geeks are welcome, as long as there is something they are passionate about and would like to share it with other geeks and exchange viewpoints. It does not matter if one is an IT geek, gaymer, love gadgets, a sucker for sci-fi, addicted to comics or cannot stop re-watching Buffy. Geeks and nerds of all persuasions are welcome. The group is still looking for a regular venue but the plan is to meet at least once a month for a chat and some drinks. Occasionally it will meet more often, depending solely on which direction the members want to take it.

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• MGR Runners[104] - MGR is an acronym for "Men Gone Running" which was the group's original name. It was created on 15 July 2018 and meets for weekly group runs on weekends followed by breakfast. Runs are held primarily at the Singapore Sports Hub with off-location runs at MacRitchie Reservoir, the Southern Ridges, and elsewhere in Singapore. Routes are typically 5 to 8 km in length. The group runs at different speeds with the average time taken to run 5km being between 24 to 30 minutes. Its community is diverse with runners made up of different nationalities, races and religions. English is the primary language of communication. While the majority of the group's members identify as gay males, it welcomes anyone who would like to run with it, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

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• Gays with Dogs in Singapore[105][106] - a Meetup group for regular hangouts at dog runs and dog friendly places, where everyone can be comfortable. Members are encouraged to come as they are (the dogs don’t care), be it straight, straight-acting or straight-curious, gay, lesbian, transgender, queer or whatever they would like to call themselves. They should bring a good attitude, wit, humor and a dog (or at least treats).

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• Aces Going Places[107] - a forum created by Teng Yong Ping on 7 May 2020 (during the Covid-19 pandemic) for people on the asexual spectrum in Singapore to make friends and share their experiences so that they do not have to feel isolated in an overly sexualised world where people like themselves lack visibility. The asexual spectrum includes, but is not limited to, asexuals, greysexuals, and demisexuals. Non-asexuals are also welcome because the group considers it good for both aces and non-aces to share and learn from each other. Interested parties can find great resources on asexuality at www.asexuality.org or they could simply join the group and learn more by talking about it. It welcomes those who may still be trying to find their identity as this is not an easy process - in fact, it can be downright confusing. But through sharing, the group hopes it can make it easier for each other. The forum is friendly to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and other queer folk. Both straights and non-straight people can be asexual.

Legal

Same But Different

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• singaporelgbtlaw.com[108] is the URL of the website hosting the book Same But Different: A Singapore LGBT Legal Guide For Couples & Families, a reference work published in June 2017 which aims to empower its target readership with the knowledge to manage the legal issues it commonly encounters. The guide uses fictional profiles of LGBT families to take readers through various aspects of the law. It also examines legal ambiguities to do with marriage and cohabitation contracts, property, wills and inheritance, medical decisions and children. The site contains a useful albeit non-exhaustive list of LGBT-friendly lawyers or legal services[109].

Counselling

• SPACES counselling and community[110] - a non-profit counseling and volunteer community service agency. It is consciously inclusive and welcome people from diverse backgrounds. The vision of SPACES is to work with Singaporeans of all walks of life to draw on often hidden strengths and resources of minority communities such as the elderly, racial minorities, sexual minorities, immigrants as well as other minorities such as the disabled, ex-convicts, youth-at-risk and so on to partner with individuals and groups to serve and empower less fortunate individuals and communities in society. SPACES (Registration No. 200402955N) is a company limited by guarantee with registered charity status in Singapore (Charity no. 01812).

• Oogachaga [111],[112],[113] - started by artist Jason Wee and friends Steve Wong and Kenneth Lau in 1999 as a support group for young men in their 20s. It was subsequently handed over to Daniel Tung, Y. Y. Teh and Bryan Choong. Its first women's support group was started in 2005. Better known as “OC” today, Oogachaga has expanded its target group to LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) individuals of a wide range of age groups with services including counselling, personal development, support groups, forums and workshops. OC also conducts workshops and seminars for counsellors and other professionals working with LGBTQ clients. It is currently run by 4 full time staff and over 50 volunteers. Its first and current centre manager is Bryan Choong. Oogachaga talks have become highly-anticipated guidance and mutual revelation sessions for the gay community (see Singapore gay conferences). On 18 Feb 2006, Oogachaga started a hotline service - 62686626, Singapore's first, manned by gay volunteers. This community outreach service enables callers to talk about issues regarding their sexuality or to find out more about HIV and STIs. OC is a non-profit organisation under the umbrella of SPACES Counselling and Community Limited. Oogachaga is also a member organisation of International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). Oogachaga services are supervised by credible professionals and agencies in the fields of psychology, therapy and counselling in Singapore who are familiar with issues facing gay, lesbian, transgendered and questioning individuals.

• Subsidiary websites of Oogachaga:

Congregaytion[114] (see above).

TakePride.sg[115] - a site set up in early 2014 dedicated to answering all the prickly questions a gay man in Singapore could, and should, ask. Because the more one knows about oneself and the world, the easier it will be to be proud of who one are and take charge of one's life.

The October Man[116] - a blogazine for mature gay men and their supporters on Wordpress started by J. Tan. It aims, in an informative and entertaining way, to encourage physical, mental, emotional, psychological and sexual wellness among readers. Although supported by Oogachaga as part of Take Action! 2013, the views expressed are those of each article’s writer and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or intentions of Oogachaga or its sponsors and donors.

• The Looking Glass [117] - a free counselling service run by a group of queer-friendly woman volunteers who provide women with strictly confidential and anonymous counselling through e-mail. In April 2001, the tragic suicides of lesbian lovers Michelle Yong and Wee May May in Singapore prompted 10 volunteers from RedQuEEn! to get together to be trained by professional counsellors. Their goal was to listen, counsel and help those who were pushed to the edge by their daily negativities and problems encountered in urbanized life.

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• Lifeline SG[118] - formed on 14 July 2018, Lifeline is a bridging service for LGBT individuals in Singapore seeking recovery from drug abuse. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe space to talk about their problems, share experiences and direct participants to available recovery resources. It currently conducts a regular introductory course to recovery for gay, bisexual and questioning men who wish to stop using. It seeks to:
• Provide a safe space for participants to share vulnerably
• Impart basic understanding of what addiction is and the different treatment strategies available
• Help participants plug into available programs

All its services are safe, completely confidential and non-judgemental. Interested parties are encouraged to drop them a message to find out more.

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• The Greenhouse SG[119] - founded on 22 July 2019 by Alaric Tan, The Greenhouse is a substance addiction recovery centre for marginalised communities that find it hard to seek help out of shame or fear of discrimination. It provides customised treatment programmes that are holistic and integrated, within a safe and supportive environment. It empowers people to understand the cause of their substance addiction, in order to recover and lead the lives they were meant to live. The Greenhouse provides a safe and supportive environment, with a strong sense of community, where participants can learn, change and grow without fear of prejudice or judgement. Integrity is important to it, and it has a strong sense of professionalism in ensuring the anonymity of the cases it handles, as well as the confidentiality of the information it is privy to.

It respects diversity and believes in the importance of providing treatment that has been customised to every individual’s unique needs and strengths.

LGBT-friendly social service organisations

• AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research)

• Counselling and Care Centre

• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)

• Sex and Love Addictions Anonymous

• Singapore Anti-Narcotics Assocation

• We Care Community Services (We Care)

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• Brave Spaces[120],[121] - officially launched on 10 March 2018, it is a Singapore-based non-profit organisation that develops programmes, provides social services, organises events, and conducts research and advocacy to empower women in Singapore. As a values-driven inclusive organisation, it works closely with professionals, state bodies and independent organisations to develop flexible and sustainable programmes adapted to the needs of our primary stakeholders – women of intersectional identities who are multiply marginalised, eg. GBT women. It adopts a collaborative approach in building capacities and growing our shared networks of care, resources and support for women. Its vision is courage for every woman in need. Its mission is to be the catalyst of positive change for diverse women through services, research and advocacy, and to promote dialogues and create inclusive movements that transform structures to achieve equality of dignity and well-being.

In 2020, Sayoni worked with Brave Spaces to organise two rounds of a Relief and Resilience Fund which included an online peer support group and face-to-face counselling sessions for LGBTQ people in Singapore affected by the COVID-19 pandemic[122]. Interested parties may apply here:[123].

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• Your Head Lah![124],[125] - it aims to be a platform where marginalised voices are amplified, especially voices that are not heard in mainstream discourse. Being intersectional and accessible in its approach is really important to the group which not only aims to look at the individual experience of mental illness but also how one's positionality in bigger power structures affects one's mental health. It wants people to stay cognizant of the differences in their contexts, their privilege, their conditions and the ways in which their conditions manifest. It aspires to be a space where people can have difficult conversations about mental health and mental illness. It is the start of a movement and hopes to be a call to action - to learn and empower ourselves to take care of ourselves and our communities better.

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• Tsoi Clinic - psychiatric clinic specialising in transgender issues run by Prof Tsoi Wing Foo, formerly Singapore's top academic psychiatrist.

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• Drs. Tan & Partners (DTAP Clinic)[126] - located at 11 Unity Street, #02-07 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995. Tel: 6238 7810. Since 11 July 2014, LGBT-counselling organisation, Oogachaga, has partnered the clinic to offer an on-site outreach and emotional support when patients visit it for their anonymous HIV test. After the doctor has administered the anonymous HIV test, patients may request to talk in private with a professional counsellor while waiting for their test result. Oogachaga's professional counsellors are available on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm. No appointment is necessary. Patients just need to say that they are taking the “3 step +1 test”. It is a free counselling service by Oogachaga. The clinic’s usual charge of $50 per anonymous HIV test applies. Original PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) medication is available at all branches of the clinic on the very first visit after the HIV test is done. The latter can be completed within 15 minutes.

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• Heart Knocks Counselling[127] - an inclusive counselling service for clients of diverse backgrounds. It was co-founded by two counselling professionals who have experience in working with children, youth, couples, families and individual adults on a variety of issues like mental health, life transitions, academic or work stress, relationships, sexuality, and personal development. It provides a safe holding space for clients to talk about their concerns, employing a variety of approaches and techniques tailored to clients’ diverse needs and concerns. For individuals struggling with a particular life situation, a challenging transition in their life, or for those who seek personal development, clients may benefit from individual counselling. In individual counselling, it provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to process their emotional and mental stresses. Each session lasts approximately 50-60mins. Couples who are facing challenges in their relationship may benefit from couple counselling. Counsellors assist in facilitating conversations and processing the difficulties between each individual. Its counsellors are LGBTQ-friendly and have experience working with same-sex couples too. Each session lasts approximately 1 hr 15mins. For clients who prefer a more discreet and convenient service, phone counselling can be done in the comfort of their own home. Each session lasts approximately 50-60mins. Its counsellor will give the client a call at a pre-scheduled time at their preferred number. Sessions can be converted to individual sessions whenever clients are ready.

Healthcare

• Action for AIDS (AfA) [128],[129]- a gay-supported and gay-supportive HIV/AIDS (including STIs) advocacy, AIDS services charity and Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) started by a group of healthcare professionals headed by Dr. Roy Chan in 1988. It organised successful campaigns to break down the 'only homosexuals get AIDS' stereotypes, to change the 24-hour cremation rule and to create greater AIDS awareness in school sex education. It publishes 'The Act', a free periodical which provides Singaporeans MSMs with safe-sex and AIDS-related information.

• Subsidiary websites of Action for AIDS:

Be Positive[130] - People living with HIV/AIDS often hide their status due to fear of discrimination. Be Positive is a celebration of love, life and all things good. It is more than an attitude. It is a step forward towards a supportive & understanding society. Its mission is to achieve three zeros - 0 new HIV infections, 0 deaths from HIV and 0 stigma and discrimination. For people living with HIV/AIDS, Be Positive takes a stand against social stigma and rejection while at the same time, is the affirmation they need that gives them the strength to face their loved ones.

gayhealth.sg[131] - a subsidiary of the AfA MSM Programme whose objective is to reduce the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Singapore. Through educational outreach activities, it aims to increase knowledge on healthy sexuality to reduce high risk sexual activities, HIV/STIs education to better inform oneself for better safer sex negotiation and go for regular testing, and to promote safer sex practices and safer substance use in a harm reduction approach. In addition to education prevention, the programme also offers social support through collaboration with community partnerships and stakeholders. With its team of dedicated volunteers, it has been providing sexual health workshops, conducting venue-based outreach activities at saunas, bars, clubs and online forums via Smartphone Apps. It actively works towards growing the capacity of stakeholders and community partners to help conduct innovative campaigns, identify sexual health trends and to foster a stronger community together.

• ZONE: [132],[133] (e-mail: zone@fridae.asia) - a microsite powered by LGBT portal Fridae.asia to provide lifestyle and health information relevant to gay and bisexual men. ZONE: publishes insightful articles, has a Q&A section, enables readers to post their own questions anonymously and have them answered by their peers or healthcare professionals. It aims to provide a discreet online platform to promote individual and community responsibility in HIV & STD prevention, and making informed decisions. ZONE: is part of Fridae’s community outreach efforts in empowering the LGBT population to come together, stay connected, be informed, overcome discrimination, nurture personal growth, and foster healthy relationships.

• Department of STI Control (DSC)

Youth

• Young Out Here (YOH) [134],[135] – the first LGBTQ group for teenagers and young adults formed in 2006 by Jeremy Kwok, E. Tay and Benjamin Xue. It provides support to individuals between the ages of 16 and 21. Young Out Here emerged from a low-profile background in 2007 to organise and publicise its talks and social outings to the LGBT community at large. Young Out Here is now a queer youth community group, organising both support groups and events for queer youths while endeavouring to make them fun at the same time. It aims to provide a platform for LGBTQ youths to foster healthy identity-building, secular and inclusive thinking, enthusiastic learning and moral responsibility through sharing sessions. It used to hold meetings at W!ld Rice's former headquarters along Kerbau Road.

• SGRainbow [136],[137],[138],[139] – a non-profit independent activities-based social group for young gay and bisexual males aged 18-25 in Singapore. It is served by an executive committee and open for membership to all. Its mission is to provide a platform via social settings and activities for young gay and bisexual men, giving room for self-acceptance, to grow as individuals in the community, and to raise awareness of their existence and rights in society. The group’s slogan is “Self.Growth.Realise”.

SGRainbow aims to be Singapore's leading young gay and bisexual men's group, advocating their rights, self-acceptance and acceptance of gay youths in society. Modelled after the United Nations, SGRainbow embraces the values of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity. The 3 colours (Red, Yellow and Purple) in the logo represent each of the word in the slogan (Self, Growth and Realise). The colours are united in one word - "IN", which shows that it is up-to-date, current and able to adapt to youths' ongoing needs and demands.

Subsidiary organisations of SGRainbow:

• Jejaka - a support group for Malay GBQ men between the ages of 18 and 35 years (see above).

• The Purple Alliance[140],[141] - founded in 2012 by a team of queer individuals collectively trained in nursing, law and human rights, the organisation is committed towards nurturing LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, and Asexual/Allies) individuals. Their guiding principle is “Include, Nurture and Respect”.

It supports the welfare of LGBTQA individuals by empowering real people to share their stories and talents, providing them services to allow them to lead dignified lives, and helping them communicate. By ensuring that these stories and conversations are shared, they aim to increase understanding, promote acceptance, and advance equality. They support research concerning LGBTQA issues in Singapore, provide high-quality resources, and are open to working with external groups and interested individuals on projects that support the dignity of LGBTQA individuals and that further relations with heterosexual allies.

Subsidiary organisations of The Purple Alliance:

• Trans* it! - a group which aims to support trans-identified individuals in their lives, be it their social or physical transition, or just to provide a listening ear and increase the visibility of transgender people.

• (Ind)ependent (Indian men's social group) - created for Indian men to provide a safe space to air their concerns, share their experiences of discrimination, etc., to gain support and to hang out and have fun.

• Tomboy Pride [142] - a non-profit branch of SMZ Tomboy Crew celebrating tomboys and girls formed in May 2013. Through its tomboy crew, crew performances and activities for tomboys, it hopes to liven up the tomboy circle, provide an encouraging and supportive environment for tomboys and allow them to be tomboy and proud.

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• BeProud SG[143] - a non-profit community support group for LGBT youth founded on 4 October 2014. It does HIV research and educates youth with the knowledge of safe sex. Email address: beproudsg@gmail.com

Institutes of Higher Education

• The G Spot [144] - a collection of students from Yale NUS College who promote diversity and inclusivity. They seek to raise awareness on gender, sexuality and feminist issues, as well as provide a safe space for support, education and activism. They are concerned with issues intersecting gender, gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, asexuality, race, class, and disability - hence the G "Spot", literally a point of intersection, and one deeply connected with the body. They can be reached via e-mail at: reach@the-gspot.org. It is part of the Inter-University LGBT Network (Inter-Uni) (see below).

• NTU Kaleidoscope [145] - formed by a group of students in 2013 to raise awareness of the many faces of discrimination pertaining to sexual orientation, gender, race and class. All aspects of their advocacy stem from their belief in equality. They believe that these complex issues should be discussed sensibly and with an open mind for the betterment of community as a whole. They organise both literary and social events that aim to promote dialogue between people with different perspectives. These events have the overarching goal of allowing people to better understand the many faces of discrimination. It is their sincere hope that their club is open and inclusive, and one that builds bridges and not fences. Interested parties can join theri mailing list to hear about the latest events and projects by signing up here:[146]. It is part of the Inter-University LGBT Network (Inter-Uni) (see below).

• National University of Singapore Gay-Straight Alliance [147]

• Out To Care[148] - (previously known as SMUnicorn) is a support and networking group that encourages inclusion among Singapore Management University (SMU)'s diverse community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Out To Care is supported by SMU's Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Out To Care was launched at Pink Dot 2014. In 2015, Out To Care co-founded the Inter-University LGBT Network, which was launched at Pink Dot 2015.

• tFreedom[149] - an out-of-classroom learning project at Tembusu College, a residential college at NUS. It is a community that aims to build a diverse and inclusive college. It organises events that seek to expose members of the college to issues and ideas relating to gender, sexuality, sex and feminism. The Safe Word wing hosts closed social gatherings for LGBTQIA+- identifying members of the college, creating a safe and important space for them to freely express themselves. The SpeQtrum wing organizes guest talks and discussion groups to facilitate conversations on gender and sexuality. The Femme wing holds events to navigate and explore the dynamic feminist movement. The Let’s Talk About Sex wing aims to destigmatise sex as a taboo by providing room for open discussion. Ultimately, tFreedom strives to engage with the general college community to promote an informed residential environment. It is part of the Inter-University LGBT Network (Inter-Uni) (see below).

• Gender Collective - a student interest group set up by students from the University Scholars Program (USP) at the National University of Singapore. It seeks to draw together people of all genders and sexual identities for discussion in a safe space. It talks about men and women, gender, sexuality, and all the other issues that feed into how it makes sense of these categories of identity, individual lives and society. Gender Collective is part of the Inter-University LGBT Network (Inter-Uni) (see below).

• Inter-University LGBT network (Inter-Uni)[150] - the group collaborates with Singapore universities in fostering safer and more inclusive school communities for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. It hopes that one day, all Singapore higher education institutions will be safe and inclusive campuses for all - regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. It aims to foster safer and more inclusive school communities in three ways:​​ 1) Outreach: Raising awareness and promoting understanding of gender and sexual diversity on campus 2) Support: Supporting gender and sexually diverse students through creating safe and inclusive spaces for networking, peer support and social engagement 3) Research & Advocacy: Conducting relevant and incisive research to effectively advocate for safer and more inclusive institutional policies and practices in the interest of gender and sexually diverse students

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• Students For Liberty (Singapore) (SFL) - an international student organisation whose mission is to educate, develop and empower the next generation of leaders of liberty. SFL believes in the philosophy of classical liberalism, which stands for the free exchange of goods and services, the free movement of ideas, people & capital, a robust market economy, civil liberties and the rule of law. These ideas, carried by thinkers like Adam Smith, John Locke, Friedrich Hayek, have contributed to human welfare throughout history and are increasingly relevant in our times. SFL (Singapore) was started in July 2017 to promote an awareness and appreciation of this classical liberal intellectual tradition amongst students in Singapore. It is a non-political, non-partisan community of young people whose main aim is intellectual education. It is headed by Bryan Cheang, a graduate student of philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) at King's College, London, and was previously from the National University of Singapore.

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• QueerNUS[151],[152] - a collective of students, staff, faculty, and alumni that stands for diversity and inclusion for all members of the community regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. It works to raise awareness around issues regarding gender and sexuality, to provide a space for queer people and allies in the NUS community to build connections and support systems with each other, and to provide a platform for queer members to make their voices heard. It hopes to empower queer individuals to be recognised as valued members of their respective communities and society at large. Its affiliates include Gender Collective (Cinnamon College), tFreedom (Tembusu College), enCAPTsulate (College of Alice and Peter Tan), and The G Spot (Yale-NUS College). Contact info:
• Messenger: m.me/QueerNUS
• Email: queernus@gmail.com

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• enCAPTsulate - a group from the College of Alice and Peter Tan.

Transgender

Main article: Singapore transgender organisations

• SgButterfly [153],[154] - Singapore's first and largest transgender web portal and support group founded by a heterosexual man, Daniel Kaw.

• SgGurls [155],[156] - singapore's second transwoman support group which seeks a higher social profile and aims to reach out to mainstream society.

• Sisters In Solidarity [157] - a transwoman support group formed by Marla Bendini and Tricia Leong in 2009 to combat discrimination against transgender women in Singapore.

• Transgender Alliance - an amalgamation of the 2 transgender social and info networks, SgGurls and SgButterfly, and a sister group, Project X, an advocacy group for transgender people working in the sex industry.

• Project X [158],[159] - an advocacy group for transgender people working in the sex industry. Project X believes that sex work is a legitimate form of work and that sex workers should not be criminalised alongside murderers and thieves. As such, sex workers’ rights are also human rights.

• Forgot To Mention [160] - Singapore's first female-to-male transgender group. It was formed in 2013.

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• Transgender Pride[161] - a transgender Facebook page started on 18 July 2013.

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• SgCrossDressers[162] - a closed Facebook group created only for Singapore male-to-female cross dressers in 2013. It promotes and encourages like-minded individuals to interact and exchange ideas, share the journey of the cross dressing life and provide support in this very special community. The founders strive to make the group grow in a clean and secure environment. People with fake profiles and undesirable admirers are not welcome. To join, one needs to have a genuine face picture in one's profile. Its first administrator was Jamie Lee.

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• SG Crossdresser[163] - although having a very similar name to the group above, it is, in fact, a completely different one. It is a public Facebook group created on 1 July 2016 on Facebook where both male-to-female cross dressers and their admirers can get together.

• The Sons[164],[165] - The Sons, which set up its Facebook page on 4 June 2014, shares information, resources and advocates through education the well being of trans men in Singapore. It is for anyone seeking transitioning information, resources or anyone who wishes to share with others their own experiences.

The purpose of the network is to connect transmen in Singapore, create opportunities for social get-togethers, link up with online peer support, create information and provide resources that can be easily accessible, especially those who want to find out more on transitioning and/or being transgender, conduct educational outreach and workshops and advocate issues related to the well being of trans people.

Information about the transitioning life of trans men is also available on their Tumblr site entitled, 'Voices of The Sons'[166].

• Break the Binary[167] - a privately supported informative resource with a focus on enhancing the lives of transmen in Singapore - long-timers, in-betweeners and those about to transition to male. It promotes diversity within the larger trans* community, helping individuals gain acceptance and understanding. It is also helpful to friends, family and significant others.

• Transdresser and Crossdresser Confessions [168] - a confessions page for transwomen, transmen and cross-dressers from around the world started by a Singaporean on 18 March 2013.

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• The 'T' Project[169] by Women Care Centre, a subsidiary of Action for AIDS, was set up in June 2014 by two transgender siblings, June Chua and Alicia Chua, committed towards empowering the transgender community in Singapore to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life and to help and nurture the transgender community so as to bring about a positive and direct impact on the quality of their life as transgender people. It is also a place for the public to engage, learn and get firsthand knowledge about the latest development in the transgender community and to dispel myths.

Under the leadership of June Chua, it set up two physical spaces to administer to the welfare of the transgender community - the T-Project Transgender Shelter and Alicia Community Centre.

• T-Project Transgender Shelter

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• Alicia Community Centre[170] - Conveniently located in Kovan, the centre is open to transgender and queer youth, and to the public. It offers various services for the transgender community including counselling and other resources. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and welcomes visitors to learn about the community. It provides judgement-free counselling by peers, only by appointment, and accepts referral cases from partners. The centre can be converted into an inclusive space for interested parties to hold workshops and events. It also houses a small museum exhibit documenting landmarks of the transgender community throughout Singapore’s history and contains a small library showcasing trans-themed writing and writing by trans authors which the public is welcome to peruse. To support better understanding of the transgender community, it has created an awareness and sensitivity workshop for the public.

• Trans* it! - a subsidiary of The Purple Alliance (see above).

• The Swan Project Singapore[171] - a movement that aims to promote understanding and awareness of transgender individuals in Singapore by providing information, telling stories, support opportunities, and dismantling misconceptions about transgender people. Empowering both transgender people and society at large through awareness, support, engagement and action, they aim to do our bit to create cultural and systemic change for the better.

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• Transgender Outreach SG[172] - a Facebook page started in April 2015. It also has a Meetup group.

• REassignlove[173],[174] - an awareness campaign started in 2015 that presents the transgender community in a positive light.

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• Pravinaa Productions[175] - formed in 2015, it is not a real production company but just a group of freelance people working together for transgender community events. Contact information: @soniapravinaa

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• The Kopitiam Brothers[176] - Kopitiam Brothers is a bi monthly community meet up for transmen in Singapore formed in December 2016. Interested transmen are encouraged to feel free to join the group for drinks, food and laughter.

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• Transgender SG[177] - a website created in early 2017 by a team of transgender people in Singapore in conjunction with the Asia and Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) to provide information tailored towards the local community and help other transgender people have safer, smoother, and easier transitions, relieving some of the burden from what can often be a very tough journey.

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• The Stiletto Alliance[178] - a project which aims to empower local transgender sex worker communities by collaborating with and providing health information to them through research and via pooling resources from various organisations to act as an information hub. It feels that there are limited communication interventions serving the transgender communities, especially in Singapore. Despite some prevention programs that have proven to be effective for some, many such programs are not sustainable due to their top-down approach. The project aims to engage the communities to identify the health problems they experience and develop interventions that correspond with their health needs. It plans to publish research findings and hold exhibitions by trans sex workers.

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• TransBefrienders[179] - a peer support service jointly set up by Bissu, Involve Volunteer Network, The T project and TransgenderSG for transgender people considering or facing issues with transitioning in Singapore. It provides online/offline informational sessions and emotional support. However, it is not made of professional counselors and is only able to provide peer-to-peer guidance. Should interested parties prefer to speak to an affirmative counselor, they can head over to https://www.thetprojectsg.org/professional-counselling. Stakeholders are kindly requested to fill in a form below for the group to know them better and match them with a TransBefriender after their application is processed. It will contact the transgender person via Telegram. The group can also be contacted via email at transbefrienders@gmail.com (subject to availability). All information is kept confidential. Those requiring immediate assistance are urged to contact the following trans-friendly hotlines:
• SOS: 1800 221 4444
• Emergency helpline: +6563892222

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• Transcend[180] - formed in 2019, it is a group of Singaporeans from the transgender community on Disboard, a website where people can list or find Discord servers. If individuals live in Singapore and consider themselves transgender or are questioning, they are requested to join it.

Bisexual

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The Bi+ Collective Singapore (TBCSG)[181],[182] was founded in March 2018. Its mission is to counter bi+invisibility and biphobia/discrimination which are real issues in Singapore. The group is for anyone living in Singapore who identifies as bi/pansexual, bi/panromantic, bi/pancurious or any other identity under the bi+ umbrella. Allies are also free to join. It organises occasional meet-ups, sharing of resources, bi/bi+ articles and initiatives that are bi+ focused/specific. As it is a collective, members are strongly encouraged to share anything, as long as it is bi+ related and respectful in nature but all posts are subject to review). Questions or queries should be emailed to thebipluscollective@gmail.com or sent via a Facebook message.

Financial

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AAM Advisory[183] - On 14 August 2013, AAM Advisory Pte Ltd supported by LGBT Wealth, established in Hong Kong in February 2013, announced the launch of Singapore’s first Diversity Specialist LGBT Financial Planning Service, the first dedicated financial planning solution team focused on the local LGBT community. AAM Advisory will provide advice and services in a number of important areas including retirement planning, term savings, insurance, property and wealth protection and will combine experienced financial planning resources with knowledge of the special concerns facing the LGBT community by drawing from the experience of LGBT Wealth.

Regional

B-Change[184] - a social enterprise group on a mission to promote social change through technology by designing and sharing digital ideas that stimulate real world action. Its mission is to promote social change through technology.

The B-Change Group has several regional and global on-going projects for organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, Levi Strauss Foundation and other international non-government organisations.

The B-Change Group was founded on the belief that individuals and communities can proactively create the solutions needed for social change. Their name is inspired by the famous quote from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, “We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.”

To them, "social change" means improving health, livelihood and diversity for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity is one way. But we also want to see more organisations improving their ability to support community development as well.

Subsidiary websites of B-Change:

Be[185] - a web app designed to support the well-being of young people from diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including but not limited to young lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The web app is a safer space where young people can be themselves and be there for each other; we hope users will feel that BE is like having a community centre into your hands. "Where we can be ourselves and be there for each other." The features of BE include:

• A knowledge base that explains sexual orientation and gender identity with references where users can improve their understanding;
• Videos and other narratives of people from diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including the ‘Stories of Being Me’ short-documentary series.
• Maps that show support organisations and community organisations that are nearest to you; and,
• A space to ask questions and provide answers among peers of young people that is facilitated by community managers in multiple languages.

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus[186],[187] - a network of diverse human rights activists in Southeast Asia that aims for the inclusion of SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) in the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms in order to promote and protect the human rights of people regardless of SOGIE in the Southeast Asian region.

The ASC is composed of group of activists from the ten ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Indonesia) that are focused in doing human rights work based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) in relation to the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms.

ILGA Asia (International lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association)[188],[189],[190] - the Asian subsidiary of ILGA.

Being LGBT in Asia[191] - 'Being LGBT in Asia: A Participatory Review and Analysis of the Legal and Social Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Civil Society' is a joint analysis undertaken by UNDP and USAID in partnership with grassroots LGBT organizations and community leaders to understand the challenges faced by LGBT people in Asia.

Youth Voices Count (YVC)[192]: a youth initiative led by young men who have sex with men and transgender women. It brings together the most vibrant, diverse, and young community leaders in Asia and the Pacific. YVC was founded in 2010 as a result of a successful inaugural consultation in Bangkok, Thailand that brought together more than 40 young men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons from from across the region to discuss key issues that they face in their communities. YVC aims to address issues related to HIV, health, and human rights through capacity building, advocacy and community mobilization within the young MSM and transgender communities in the region, recognizing their unique needs and vulnerabilities.

Lesbian Database (拉拉资料室)[193],[194] - a non-profit LGBTQ video group started in July 2013 based in Beijing and Singapore. It hopes to capture aspects of the real life and culture of the LGBTQ community in Asia. The group produces all its videos in Mandarin. Interested parties may e-mail queer2queertv@gmail.com to join it.

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Asia and Pacific Transgender Network (APTN)[195] - launched in December 2009 when 15 transgender women from 10 Asia-Pacific countries and regions came together to champion the health, legal and social rights of transgender women. A milestone in the history of transgender people in the region, they demanded recognition as a distinct demographic group with their unique needs, separate from the MSM umbrella. In 2011, a transgender man drew attention to the need to advocate for transgender men and joined the APTN Board.

Cyberspace

Non-profit

Discussion forums

• The Singapore Gay News List (SiGNeL)[196] - a Yahoo! Groups news list started on 15 March 1997 (the Ides of March, having a cryptic coincidental symbolism with the slaying of Caesar) by activist Alex Au. Its subscribership has grown to over 2000 and it represents the main platform for intellectual discussion of gay issues in Singapore. SiGNeL postings have been archived in Yahoo! Groups since 1999.

• The Singapore LGBT Encyclopedia Media Archive (SLEMA)[197] - a Yahoo! Groups news list started in July 2014 by Roy Tan as an offshoot of SiGNeL because of the waning interest of the latter group's moderators in clearing posts, resulting in considerable delays. SLEMA is a repository of media reports relating to Singapore LGBT issues which also serves as a backup for the news reports archived on SiGNeL. The latter is a subscription-only Yahoo! Groups news list whereas SLEMA was intentionally made public so that even non-subscribers may read the information it contains. This greatly facilitates using the posts as references in media, blog and wiki articles.

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• Blowing Wind gay forum [198] - an online forum for gay men in Singapore started in 1997 to discuss any issues which concern them. However, it eschews political topics and forbids anti-government rants. Although primarily an online discussion forum, its creators and moderators do organise real-world outings like karaoke sessions for its members on special occasions like its anniversary.

• RedQuEEn! [199] - initiated by former PLU3 president Eileena Lee in 1998, this e-mail list for queer womyn, provides a safe online discussion space. Having started from an initial group of 17 women, its membership currently numbers over 1000. With discussions ranging from the serious to the very humorous, the list provides online support as well as friendship and networking opportunities. RedQuEEn! initiated the monthly gatherings called Women's Nite at Pelangi Pride Centre for queer women living in Singapore (see above). Its postings have been archived in Yahoo! groups since 1998. On 17 August 2002, it held Singapore's first women's safe-sex workshop and potluck party[200].

• The online IRC community #AJ [201], founded by channel owner YiJan in 2001. Although it started as a cyberchat service, it has since forged many friendships and formed real-world bonds. Channel #AJ is currently situated on the Galaxynet IRC Network. It can be accessed either with an IRC client or #AJ's downloadable customized mIRC.

• As-Salam Singapore [202], a news list dedicated towards helping LGBTQI Muslims living in Singapore reconcile their sexuality with their faith through a safe and peaceful platform (see above under 'Religious').

• The Hong Lim Park Forum [203],[204] opened its doors on 13 August 2004 and quickly became the premier discussion board for mature gay Singaporeans, with good participation from mature Asian men from around the world. For some time, it was touted as the world's largest English language-based online forum for mature Asian men, although Mandarin and Japanese language exchanges were not uncommon. However, interest waned and it ceased functioning in early 2006. It has recently been revived.

• Gay To The Bone [205] is an online LGB community writing project hosted on the blogging website Blogspot. It is targetted at teenage and young adult Singaporean LGB individuals. It enables them to submit stories about their struggles, coming out experiences and relationships with friends in Singapore. It hopes to assist queer teenagers with their life struggles via offering a space for people to voice their thoughts. It also aims to educate non-queer readers via these real-life tales. It is currently inactive and has been superceded by PLUME.

• PLUME [206], an acronym for People Like You and Me. It is Singapore's first Internet discussion forum catering specifically to LGB teenagers. It was an offshoot of Gay To The Bone and was founded by Zee in 2006. It is also hosted on Blogspot and has been inactive since 2009.

• SAMBAL [207],[208], the Singaporean And Malaysian Bisexual women And Lesbian international e-mail list, caters strictly to women only from Malaysia and Singapore. Members come together virtually to discuss Malaysian/Singaporean lesbian and bisexual women's cultural, social and political experiences/issues. SAMBAL was co-founded by Madeleine Lim, a Singapore-born lesbian based in San Francisco[209] who was the first local lesbian personality to be featured in a Fridae article.

• Gay SG Confessions [210],[211] - started in 2013 by Nicholas Lim in the footsteps of a host of popular "confessions" websites which enabled Singaporeans in various organisations to blow the whistle on unfair practices and to reveal sensitive information that the authorities would rather have the public not know about. The site is a collection of private thoughts and feelings by posted by LGBTQI individuals or anyone who has a gay friend or family member.

• Gay Confessions [212] - similar to the above site.

• Lesbian SG Confessions [213] - a more focused version of the above targeted mainly at queer women. It aims to encourage fellow LGBTQ communities to be unafraid of being open and honest about their sexual orientation, to be brave enough to stake their claim to happiness, to have the freedom to love and to contribute to society.

• Transdresser and Crossdresser Confessions [214] - a confessions page for transwomen, transmen and cross-dressers from around the world started by a Singaporean on 18 March 2013.

• Transman Confessions[215],[216] - set up on 22 February 2014 for female-to-male transgender Singaporeans and their partners, the goal of the page is to showcase all of the myriad of facets within the transman community, to pay attention to the politics of attraction, body image, language and diversity and to give back to the community which has already had so much taken from it. It believes it is an innate desire to be authentic, and yet it understands how difficult it is to be completely honest even to the ones transmen love and respect the most. It hopes members will find it a safe space to think aloud, wring their hands in the air, question, advise, or simply share moments of bliss, comfort and joy. The page is above and beyond all other things, a confessions page. It hopes to reach out to more and more people like them, and to let those who are alone or struggling know that there is help, and there is hope.

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• Same Love.SG[217],[218] - set up on 7 February 2014 in response to PAP MP Lim Biow Chuan's comments that gay relationships were not equal and as long-lasting as heteroxual ones during the HPB sexual orientation FAQs censorship saga. The LGBT community was encouraged to send stories of their relationships with a photo to same.love.sg@gmail.com. The project was inspired by the marriage equality anthem by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It aims to stamp out ignorance by showing same sex relationships as what they are - caring & loving relationships between people - "Gay, straight or otherwise - it’s the same love."

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• LGBT.SG (Let's Go 'Bout Talking)[219] - formed in July 2015, it aims to create an environment, safe and open, that is conducive to the discussion of LGBT matters. Everyone, of differing or similar views, can come together online to discuss on LGBT matters through a multiplicity of lenses. Their slogan, Sapere Aude, reinforces the hope of LGBT.SG in encouraging an open mindset when Singaporeans engage in discourse on LGBT matters. A deeper and broader understanding of LGBT matters can then be reached.

News and information

• Fabulous Asia [220] – an online lifestyle portal based in Singapore for Asian queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. Founded by Poovan, its main objective is create a safe place for the LGBT community to obtain information and to interact. The web portal consists mainly of original and third-party articles, a forum page, videos, a resident doctor contact form and the latest LGBT news from around the world.

• I will survive [221],[222] - started by author Leow Yangfa in 2012 based on his book, "I Will Survive: Personal gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender stories from Singapore" which brings together real-life experiences of love, grace, faith, dignity and courage of ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances. The website contains excerpts of some of the stories, alongside other posts and resources. The e-book has been published by Monsoon Books and is available through the website. The editor's share of sale proceeds will be donated to Oogachaga Counselling and Support for their community services, and to Pelangi Pride Centre for their library collection.

• Indoctrin-Aid! [223] - a group which aims to help the general public by providing bite-sized amounts of information and articles on various groups including the LGBT community and debunking preconceived notions and myths regarding these groups.It was set up in 10 Jan 2012 to fight for human rights and an end to discrimination by educating the general public about discrimination and how it affects victims of discrimination.

• Beat Around The Bush [224],[225] - an independent and non-profit online hub for gay women in Singapore with weekly updates of lesbian-friendly and non-discriminatory events, hangouts, arts and music. Started in January 2013, just wanting everyone to have a good time.

• Does it matter?[226] - a publication started by student/photographer Gabriel Aiden in February 2014 which showcases 15 different LGBT individuals with the purpose of eradicating discrimination in the narrow-minded hearts of Singaporeans. Each individual explains in the interview his/her thoughts on the difficulties of living in a country that is quite certainly against the idea of same sex relationships. It was inspired by Steve Rosenfield's project as featured on mymodernmet.

• Calling It Out![227],[228] - an initiative started by a group of youths who feel that there is barely any talk in Singapore on the homophobia, discrimination and bullying that occur in schools. It aims to change this by encouraging youths to come forward and share their stories. Even if one identifies as heterosexual, it would like to hear one's story if one has witnessed any instance of such discrimination at one's school, be it from the students or the teachers. The stories will be published on callingitoutsg.tumblr.com and facebook.com/callingitoutsg. Once enough stories have been gathered, they will be forwarded to The Ministry of Education as well and will go a long way in helping other youths who are struggling in school because of their sexuality.

• Secret[229] - In 2014, more and more gay Singaporeans installed the iOS and Android app "Secret" on their handphones. It enabled them to share gossip anonymously. One drawback was that under the cloak of anonymity, the gossip was extremely bitchy and salacious with people revealing sensitive information like who was HIV positive.

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• Dear Straight People[230],[231],[232] - Launched on the 27th of July 2015, Dear Straight People is a blog based in Singapore that aims to bring people together, regardless of their sexuality. The ultimate goal of the website is for it to eventually grow into an online content and community platform for everyone in Asia, regardless of their sexuality. The creator of the site would just like to be known as Asian and gay. If interested parties have any enquiries, feedback or suggestions, they may feel free to drop him an email at dearstraightpeople.info@gmail.com

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• Singapore Marriage Equality[233] - Created on 26 November 2017, the group is for Singaporeans supporting marriage equality in Singapore and aims to legalise same-sex marriage here. It quotes Justice Anthony Kennedy of the United States: "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right."

Special interest

• Singaypore [234],[235] - Singapore's first LGBT video networking community founded by NTU graduate Reza (reza@singaypore.sg). Viewers can also submit their personally made creative videos which will be uploaded and the most viewed videos at the end of the month will win a sponsored prize.

• Maleculture [236] - a website set up by entrepreneur Max Lim, closely affiliated with Raw sauna, providing information and support for gay Asian men.

• rainbowartsproject (RAP) [237] - an artists' initiative started in late 2009, spearheaded by Kelvin Atmadibrata, with the direction of constantly presenting queer culture in Singapore and South East Asia. The project aims to fulfill its mission through exhibitions, documentations and researches. RAP documents queer culture through its online blog, exhibits queer works in public spaces, initiates artwork-based research on queer identities and attempts to revive queer publication in form of zines-catalogues. RAP is currently based in Singapore and has worked with over 60 artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Israel, Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and United States of America. The project has also presented over 20 exhibitions in Singapore, Malaysia and Sweden[238].

• Pink Sound SG [239] - a Singapore LGBT musicians' group started by Roy Tan in 2012. It was initially called Sing-a-Pink. Its name was changed to Pink Sound SG in mid-2016.

Hook-ups

In 2013, a slew of hook-up sites were set up on Facebook.

• Singapore Hook-up[240]

• ChubSG[241] - a closed group which provides a forum for the chub and chub chaser community in Singapore.

• New friends in Singapore gays[242]

• Singapore Pride BDSM[243] - set up on 22 October 2013.

• Indian gays in Singapore[244]

• Tamil and Sri Lanka gays in Singapore[245]

• Related international Facebook pages started since 2013 which many gays in Singapore join include Gay Chinese Asia[246] and Gay Asian men and their friends on Facebook[247].

Commercial

Singapore is unique in Asia in having very established commercial LGBT portals facilitated by to its high Internet penetration rate but hamstrung by the restriction on homosexual topics in print and broadcast media. These portals provide a large measure of support to the gay community, as evidenced by their enormous patron base which dwarfs the throughput of all the above-listed volunteer-maintained sites.

• Trevvy [248], formerly known as SgBoy - set up in March 1999 by Dominic Yeo who was then a National Serviceman, the site was originally Yeo's personal web site and was known as "Singapore Boy Homepage" before it was renamed SgBoy[249]. It became known for its Singapore city guides, classifieds and online discussion boards which enjoy a high degree of participation and deal with a diverse array of topics. It also traditionally hosts a birthday bash every year to commemorate its founding. It is one of the most popular LGBT portals in Singapore and has managed to introduce a whole new perspective on Asian gay culture to the world at large. It underwent a makeover, rebranding itself as Trevvy.com in August 2006, shifting its focus to the more mature 25 to 40-year age group of the local gay market and expanding it user base regionally. Yeo sporadically contributes articles to the site, writing under the name of Ted Young.

• fridae.com [250]- Asia's largest English-language LGBT portal has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding in December 2000 by scientist-cum-entrepreneur Dr. Stuart Koe. It has achieved much of its mission statement of "empowering gay Asia" and is the most socially responsible commercial gay organisation in Singapore.

• Herstory [251] - a website for grrrls which organises real-world events like the annual Butch Hunt[252],[253],[254] and Femme Quest[255] contests. It was started by Cary Tan in June 1999 and initially called Club Herstory[256]. In December 2002, it rebranded itself as simply, "Herstory" with the launch of its new website and its new monthly parties held on the first Sunday of every month at Velvet Underground, a section of the Zouk disco complex[257]. These migrated in 2005 to Gotham Penthouse, #03-01, Blk. 3A, River Valley Road, Clarke Quay. The host of the parties was singer Shirlyn Tan[258]. Other social activities include Grrrls Night Out parties, various sports and dance classes.

• ELEMENT magazine[259]- a commercial gay magazine launched in Singapore in 2013 which aims to be the ‘voice of gay Asia’. It publishes articles on fashion, grooming, entertainment, travel and LGBT feature issues.

Historical

Real world

• Yagga Yagga support group - the third, but most well known, of the initial support groups for gay men ever to be organised in Singapore. It had two sessions - Yagga Yagga 1 and Yagga Yagga 2, separated by several months. The previous groups were named Northern (something) and Forbidden Fruit. All were started by activist Alex Au. The same format would be carried into future support groups such as the current and immensely popular Oogachaga. Yagga Yagga was targeted at men who embraced their sexuality late in life. Operational for 12 months, its last session ended in June 1999. Read Yawning Bread's round-up of the group's experiences:[260]

• SiGNeL gatherings - informal social meetings of the Singapore Gay News List for the then-nascent Internet gay community. The first was organised by list owner Alex Au at a local Chinese restaurant several months after SiGNeL's founding. Its first anniversary was held on 15 March 1998 at Goodwood Park Hotel and organised by activist Kelvin Wong. Gatherings in later years were held at the pub EMOH at Upper Circular Road, organised by Miak Siew and at the Centrepoint food court, organised by Patrick Lee.

• The NUS weekly tea group for womyn - a women's discussion group started in 1985 at the National University of Singapore in which Madeleine Lim, Singapore's first lesbian activist became actively, facilitating the weekly discussions and writing articles for their newsletter.

• Singapore Lesbians and Naughty Girls (SLANG) - a social group for lesbians operating around 1996 to 1997. It was set up by a night spot manager who later went on to become a local entertainment icon. T-shirts and caps with the group's logo were printed for members.

• Plu.edu.sg[261] - founded by J. Koh and Dominic Chua in the mid-2000s, it was a group of gay, lesbian and bisexual educators and supportive colleagues, comprising Singaporean or Singapore-based teachers and educators from a whole range of institutions and backgrounds. They offered support to their members through regular meetings and social events. Their long-term mission was to achieve a situation in Singapore schools in which each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Gay teachers who were interested in joining this group could apply to join via e-mail at plu.edu.sg@gmail.com. The group ceased functioning towards the end of the 2000s.

• One In Ten[262] - a non-profit organisation initiated in July 2002 by Fridae, inspired by Hong Kong's Fruits in suits. It sought to facilitate networking opportunities for gay and lesbian professionals and to foster economic interdependence to build a strong, cohesive and supportive LGBT community. The group met on the 3rd Thursday of each month, and sessions typically began with a speaker on a topic of general interest, and concluded with an interactive segment to meet others in the group. Participants were reminded to bring lots of business cards for registration and interaction. Former website: [263]. Former e-mail address: oneinten@fridae.com. It met with a poor response, probably because the concept was too ahead-of-its-time for the relatively closeted LGBT business community in 2002, and ceased to function after a few months. It was the forerunner to the successful 5Degrees.

• Friends Like Us (F.L.U.S., pronounced "flas") [264]- an LGBT social enterprise which aspired to be the nexus between business, innovation and community work. They were committed to reaching out to diverse members of LGBT society with the primary objective to better lives through entrepreneurial and other community projects. Net proceeds from their ad hoc activities and events including Dragon Boat racing, inline skating, kayaking, movie outings, a dating club, gatherings and trips, were used to fund community service initiatives including their Caresports, Careout and Carefund programmes. Address: Blk 1 #01-13 Yishun St 23 YS-ONE Singapore 768441. Tel: 96315540. They ceased functioning in the late 2000s.

• CACTUS (Community Action for Us) [265] – a non-profit social group for LGBT people in Singapore founded by Kelvin Wong. It aimed to function like a community club, having its members actively volunteering to organise social events and activities. Its goal was to improve the social well-being of its members and the gay community at large. It ceased operations in the early 2010s, superceded by other social activity groups like Rainbower.

• Pink Polo [266] - a backpacking and independent travellers' social group for gay Singaporeans started in October 2008 via an announcement on SiGNeL[267]. It aimed to provide a social platform for all gay travellers and backpackers from Singapore to share their experiences as well as to meet up with others who shared their interest. It enabled exotic travel tales to be exchanged, new friendships to be forged and perhaps even romance to blossom between like-minded people. However, it has been inactive since February 2012. Many of its members continue to meet and share with other straight travellers at contemporary mainstream venues like the Singapore Travel Cafe.

• Rainbower [268] – a social group for gay men set up by former Oogachaga 5 support group member, Andrew Chan, supported by Justin Chew. It sought to organise social, strictly non-sexual, outings once a month to foster bonding, friendship and support between homosexual men in Singapore. It ceased functioning in 2013 after Chan decided to set up MOVE Community (see above) and handed the organisation of events to P. Lam who gave the group a new name.

Cyberspace

Non-profit

• SinGLe (Singapore gays and lesbians) - a short-lived, unmoderated news list set up in the late 1990s by a renegade moderator from SiGNeL, the Singapore gay newslist (see below). It suffered a premature demise after a few months due to unregulated postings of a large amount of rubbish.

• Singapore Pride - another lesser known news list set up in the late 1990s which lasted for only a few years.

• Auntie Teck (also known as AuntieTeck.com) - a website connecting lesbian and bisexual women in Asia set up in 1997 by an elusive lesbian called "Auntie Teck"[269]. It closed down in the mid-2000s.

• FTMs in Asia - a now-defunct website for female-to-male transgender people in Asia. It was founded by Jael, a Malaysian FTM transsexual working in Singapore[270].

Commercial

• fluffboy.com - believed by many to be a spin-off from SgBoy after the latter's first run-in with Media Development Authority in 2004 although SgBoy has officially denied any links[271]. In September 2004, the MDA objected to "raunchy pictures" and explicit sexual language on the SgBoy site. This led to a fine of S$5,000 (US$2,940) in November 2005 and SgBoy was asked to remove "offensive" content. Fluffboy.com was banned in late 2005 by the MDA for allegedly promoting homosexual promiscuity. This was done by blocking access to the site by Singapore-based Internet surfers.
• Cream – an LGB portal, modelled after Fridae.com which hoped to carve a niche by offering to host videos of local gay events. It closed down in early 2007 due to poor response.

See also

• Singapore lesbian organisations
• Singapore transgender organisations
• Singapore LGBT organisations in institutes of higher education
• Singapore anti-LGBT organisations

Related links

• Utopia's Singapore LGBT listings: [272]
• Oogachaga's publication on LGBT-friendly community resources in Singapore, 'What's OUT here' (2014 edition): [273]
• Olivia Paramour, "Map of Singapore Queer Groups", Linktree, April 2020[274],[275],[276]:

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References

• 16 July 2002 Fridae article on Singaporean LGBT social support groups:[277]
• Pink Dot 2013 community groups:[278].
• Kyle Malinda-White, "Where To Get LGBT Support & Counselling In Asia: Hotlines To Call To Find Help", Medium, 6 December 2018[279].
• https://medium.com/proutapp/singapore-lgbtq-affirming-counsellors-and-support-channels-to-reach-out-to-for-help-ab02db7d6eac

Acknowledgements

This article was written by Roy Tan.