Gay To The Bone

QueerCast.Net Launch Party!

2007-04-12T23:52:00.000+08:00

QueerCast will be throwing our official launch party for our new website, QueerCast.Net on 21 April 2007 (Saturday) at Pelangi Pride Centre @ Bianco, which is right above MOX Bar and Cafe!

We have planned our program for a month now, and we are proud to say that everything will be fantabulously fun! We have special recording slots throughout the party, as well as some special performances that we've prep'ed up painstakingly! There will also be games, and yes, we have prizes to giveaway too! *hint* branded stuff *hint*

Party Details:
Date: 21 April 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 4PM onwards
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre @ Bianco (above MOX Bar and Cafe)
Address: 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-01, Singapore 088444
Admission: FREE!!!!

We welcome everyone! No matter who you are in the LGBTIQ, you are invited! Not to forget our lovely straight friends too!

We are also opening special performance slots for LGBT groups that are interested in performing for a short item on that day! If you are interested in getting your community group involved in a performance activity, contact us at contact@queercast.net! We will be providing video recording equipments on that day!

For more information about the party, visit: http://www.queercast.net/show/2007/03/28/were-throwing-a-party/

A sharing by a Catholic priest on homosexuality

2007-04-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

Date: 17 April 2007, Tuesday

Time: 730pm

Venue: Free Community Church

The Catholic church calls homosexuality an "objective disorder". A disorder because obviously it contravenes their moral sensitivities because the bible (and hence, the church) says so. And objective because there is no leeway for interpretation. For example, if you were to get involved in a car accident that results in a fatality, there is no arguing that someone has died. Similarly, if you've engaged in homosexual sex, you can't deny that it's not real sex because you are straight.

So where does this leave us gay Christians, or Catholics? Do we hide in the closet whilst living a double identity, pious Christians on Sunday, and heinous men-loving deviants the rest of the week?

Safehaven is proud to present a session of intimate sharing by Fr. Albert Renckens, Dutch by birth, Singaporean by residence (of over 30 years), and Catholic by religious beliefs. Learn about his personal opinions on homosexuality, and ask him the hardest question of them all: "is it ok to be gay and Christian?"

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to understand the Catholic's church's stand on homosexuality. A must for Christians from all denominations!

Please RSVP by emailing Alphonsus at fonsus@gmail.com :)

Calling Animal Lovers - Pelangi Pride Centre 14th April 2007

2007-04-05T14:12:00.000+08:00

Are you an animal lover or a pet owner? Want to know more about how others are helping out to care for little animals? Care to know more about the work of these volunteers and their experiences?

As part of diversity outreach, Heartland and Pelangi Pride Centre has invited Michelle Lee from the Cat Welfare Society and Lynda Goh from Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary to join us at the Bianco on 14th April 2007.

Come join Michelle & Lynda and hear their views about responsibilities of a pet owner and their personal experiences as volunteers. Find out how their work have improved the lives of the animals. Learn from them we can do and how we can raise our own awareness and that of others.

They will bring some souvenirs and gift items which you can purchase to help benefit their causes.

Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food).

To sign up, please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.

How to get to Pelangi Pride Centre @ Bianco -
21 Tanjong Pagar Road #04-01.
Map - http://www.pelangipridecentre.org/contact/contact.htm

About Cat Welfare Society and NANAS

Cat Welfare Society
Its mission: "To Save Lives Through Sterilisation".

"The Cat Welfare Society is a charity dedicated to promoting the effective and humane management of the community (stray) cat population in Singapore.

It recognizes that the presence of a large community cat population can be a source of problems, but believes that the best way of keeping the population in check is not by trapping and killing them but by sterilising them.

Michelle Lee is the current president of the Society and has been with the Society since 2003, first as a volunteer and subsequently as a committee member.

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary (NANAS)
Their mission is to provide a safe and secure home for the animal residents where they can live out their lives in happiness and eventually, die with dignity. To this end many of the animals are allowed to free run, and we create a natural settings for the others, more often than not resorting to using natural materials around us for example, bamboo stalks and attap.

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) is one of the few private animal sanctuary which started in Singapore in 1995. It moved to Johore located in Pekan Nanas in June 2000 to an area with 10 hectares of land.

Noah's Ark CARES (Companion Animals Rescued & Education Society) was established in June 2005 to continue its work in Singapore. It runs educational program for schools, Project Catsnip and Project Industrial Dogs to help manage the population of stray dogs and cats.

Lynda Goh has been a volunteer with Noah's Ark since March 2002 and she has been working with animals for the last 20 years. Come hear how Noah's Ark got started and what it is been doing now. And how Noah's Ark Cares runs it programmes for stray dogs and cats.

OC English Talk: Share your stories – being gaily single

2007-03-14T11:29:00.000+08:00

You wished you had someone to spend the last Valentines Day? Or you longed to bring someone special home for Yuan Xiao Jie (Lunar Calender Valentines Day)?

There has been so much talking about having love relationships. Some even said that having a partner completes your life. Others give you strange look when you tell them you're single. You have gone for lots of internet blind dates and begin to worry you may be single for life...

How much truth is in that? Do you really need someone to complete your life? How do others stay happy being single? How do those in a relationship feel when they were single? What would it be like, staying single for life?

Come listen to our panellists' stories. Come share with us your thoughts.

Oogachaga's First English Talk of the Year 2007

Topic ：Share your stories – being gaily single

Date ：24.3.2007 (Sat)

Time ：4.30-6.30 pm

Admission: Free!!! For anyone keen to listen and share, light refreshments available Venue ：Pelangi Pride Centre @ Bianco (above Mox), 21 Tanjong Pagar Road
(Location Map: http://www.pelangipridecentre.org/contact/contact.htm)

· Be the first 30 to pre-register at contact [at] oogachaga.com to receive a free drink at the event!!!

This event is brought to you by Oogachaga and supported by Action for AIDS.

Pink Adventures & Travels @ Pelangi Pride Centre

2007-02-06T18:10:00.000+08:00

ADLUS = Adventurers Like Us

Yup, so it is all about a bunch of adrenaline junkies with a real slant in some body parts.

Come NEXT Saturday 10th Feb, over at the newly relocated PPC at Bianco, 4pm, we will be reminiscing through our old trips :-

1. Ah Boy diving in clear blue seas in Asia

2. Nam Khim survives backpacking through Thailand with a new stranger of a companion

3. Nick Evol screaming through the jungles of Malaysia aka How Ave Got Her Name.

4. Mei Mei cussing Akasha for being stuck floating
down the Pahang River for 8 days and nights

5. how Miak screamed her head off in Berkelah Falls

6. Eileena's coming out of her ku-niang closet in the caves of Van Vieng, Laos

7. Cactus girls gambling on the slow boat up the Mekong river

8. Dragging on the bus up to KL and not running in the bloody marathon

Naaaahhhhh, it won't be just show and tell of other people's holidays.

We wanna talk about traveling and adventures issues like :-

1. gay, mixed or straight travel companions
2. queens, kings or dunnos
3. setting itineraries
4. tasks and duties
5. DIY to commercial tour packages
6. roughing it out Akasha's Longkang, Martina's Frequent Flier or Prada's Platinum Class.
7. history, socio-archeology vs street life vs sex spa & shopping
8. travel safety and health tips
9. surprises: nice or nasty, how to make the most of whatever shit you're in.
10. pure holidays or combined with missions & work.
11. religion, meditation & travel
12, underwater, seaside, overland, waterfalls, hills, mountains --- choices

We will be having our discussion Fishbowl format, you'll find out what it is later.

Cost per person: $6 (which includes 2 soft drinks and finger food).

To sign up, please email contact@pelangipridecentre.org to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests. [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com]

So see you all NEXT Sat 10th Feb at Pelangi Pride Centre at MOX Bianco , 4pm-6pm.

Host - Sheung aka Akasha,
Queen of Longkang Holigay Tours & Travels

Overseas Chinese Talk 1/2007 - Living in a foreign land

2007-01-31T19:45:00.000+08:00

Many of us have dreamt of living and working in a foreign land, desiring a new experience or even a new life.

What about foreigners who are working or even settling here? What are their views on living in Singapore?

Some Singaporeans have spent years working and living overseas and returned to Singapore. Do they think that living in a foreign land is more exciting?

The next OC Chinese talk, two Malaysians and one Singaporean will share with us their experiences and how they integrated into the local communities, so do join us at this event.

Topic - Living in a foreign land
Date - 11.2.2007 (Sunday)
Time - 7pm
Venue - Xpose @South Bridge Road

- FA free drink will be given to the first 30 persons (who register or arrive?)
- For pre-registration, please email to bryan [at] oogachaga [dot] com
- This is an event catered for a Chinese speaking audience.

This event is brought to you by Oogachaga in collaboration with Action for AIDS.

Pelangi Pride Centre has MOVED!

2007-01-24T23:19:00.000+08:00

Pelangi Pride Centre is now open every Saturday from 4-8pm, at Bianco.
(5th Floor, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088444).
http://www.bianco.com.sg/
(space sponsored by MOX Bar & Cafe)

Want a place to hang out?
Want a place where you can be yourself and enjoy
the company of friends whilst doing a spot of reading?

Come by for an afternoon of community, friendship, books and cheap beverages!

Selection of Teas (Camomile, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Iced Tea, Iced Lemon Tea, Peppermint) and Selection of Coffees (Coffee, Double Espresso, Iced Coffee, Latte, Single Espresso) at $ 4 only!

Juices (Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Lime, Orange, Pineapple) at $3 only!

Soft Drinks at $2 only!

For more information, please email
[pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com]

See you at our new home!

Charmaine, Eileena and Nam Khim.

Pelangi Pride Centre's Event in January

2006-12-31T17:56:00.000+08:00

Myths about same-sex domestic violence -

"Domestic violence happens only in heterosexual relationships."
"Gay men cannot batter as there is no female to serve as victim and lesbians cannot be battered because there is no male to serve as perpetrator of the violence."
"The law can't help me and the police aren't interested."

This month at Pelangi Pride Centre, join us for talk by Deeksha Vasundhra, Programme Manager, Helpline and Support Services at the Association of Women for Action & Research (AWARE), as we delve into the seldom talked about issue of abuse in same-sex relationships.

Topics Covered include:

Unique aspects of same-sex domestic violence.
'Outing' as a method of control.
What is emotional abuse and how does it happen in
same-sex relationships?
Why people stay in abusive relationships?
How do you support a friend or a family member who is
experiencing domestic violence?
Where to seek help?

Never thought it could happen? Come and get the facts! The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Date: 13/01/2007 (Sat)
Time: Begins at 4:30pm
Venue: MOX Bar and Cafe,
21 Tanjong Pagar Road (4th floor)
Cost: $8.00 (includes handouts and 2 soft drinks + finger food)

To sign up, please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Pelangi Pride Centre celebrates the launch of SAFE

2006-11-30T00:27:00.000+08:00

About SAFE -
Supporting, AFfirming & Empowering our lgbtQ friends and family

Provides a support network where parents, family members and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and those who are questioning their sexuality can come for information and resources, learn from accepting families, share stories and experiences, keep communication channels open, and most of all to build strong and close relationships with loved ones. With these activities, SAFE hopes to promote a society with a healthy respect for human diversity that will in turn build up the well-being of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people.

website: (to be launched on 9th Dec 2006)
****

... and everyone’s invited!
Come by for an afternoon of community, friendship and books!

WHERE?
MOX BAR & CAFE
21 tanjong pagar road #04-01
map - http://www.mox.com.sg/contact.htm

WHEN?
Saturday, 9th december 2006, 4–8pm

PLUS...
COMMUNITY FAIR
with ECA-style recruitment booths from different gay + lesbian groups - come meet the peeps from ADLUS, Free Community Church, Heartland, Oogachaga, PLUME, RedQuEEn! and Women's Nite --

Special drink prices for the day! (4pm-8pm) Juices (Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Lime, Orange, Pineapple) at $3 only!

Soft Drinks at $2 only!

DONATION...
We welcome book donations. If you have a favourite glbt book to share with the community, bring it along to the launch.

Enquiries: pelangipridecentre [at] yahoo [dot] com

Pelangi Pride Centre's Event in November

2006-11-04T11:14:00.000+08:00

Communicating With People You Love
Speaker: Mr Alan Yeo, Counsellor

Date: 11/11/2006 (Sat)
Time: Begins at 4:30pm
Venue: MOX Bar and Cafe
21 Tanjong Pagar Road (4th floor)
Cost: $6.00 (includes 2 soft drinks and light refreshments)

It has been said that we often treat the ones we love with the least amount of kindness. Is that true? Or is it perhaps more true that we are just less careful with our words and how we say it?

Come to Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC) this November and learn ways to better communicate with partners, family members and friends. Learn tips on how to let the ones you love know that you care about them, in a basic but difficult activity: communication.

Topics Covered include:

I Hear You... Are You Listening To Me?
Fighting the Good Fight
In Praise of our Partners
Being Your own Best Friend
Question & Answer Session

About the Speaker:

Alan has a MA (Experimental Psychology) from the University of Arkansas, USA and an MEd from the Nanyang Technological University. In addition, he also holds Specialist and Graduate Diplomas in Counselling and has since 2003 run his own consultancy,
counselling on personal and family issues. He is also an Associate Lecturer, Clinical Supervisor and Personal Therapist for some local training centres.

Alan also sits on the Films Consultative Panel (Minstry of Information, Communication, and the Arts) and is a Family Life Ambassador (Ministry of Community, Youths and Sports). As the Editorial Consultant for the teen magazine LIME, he also wrote a 2 page monthly advice column.

To sign up, please email:

contact[at]pelangipridecentre[dot]org to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Pelangi Pride Centre presents conversations with Suchen Christine Lim

2006-10-03T12:22:00.000+08:00

"Writing captures our elusive changing self so that we can look at the self, appreciate and embrace who we are." Suchen

Join Pelangi Pride Centre for an afternoon with well-known, and award-winning Singaporean writer, Suchen Christine Lim. On this special occasion, Suchen will share with us stories she has written – gay, lesbian and straight – as well as her thoughts and feelings on writing.

Ever wanted to write a story? Perhaps your story? Why is it important to tell our stories? Why is it important to write our histories?

Come ask Suchen questions about writing, and share ideas you might like to explore for stories. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to express yourself, and connect and communicate with others.

Date: Saturday, 14 October 2006
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Venue: MOX Bar and Cafe
21 Tanjong Pagar Road (4th floor)
Cost: $6.00 (includes 2 soft drinks and light refreshments)

To sign up, please email [contact @ pelangipridecentre dot org] to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Suchen Christine Lim
Mother, dreamer, tree lover, beachcomber, balcony gardener, stargazer, writer...

Suchen Christine Lim is also the author of Fistful of Colours, awarded the inaugural Singapore Literature Prize in 1992. Subsequently she was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to the University of Iowa Writers’ Programme in 1996 and was invited back as its International Writer-in-Residence in 2000.

Since her inspired escape from the Ministry of Education in 2003, she has been writer-in-residence in Myanmar, Australia and the UK. In 2005, she was the first Singapore writer-in-residence in Moniack Mhor, a writers’ centre in the Scottish Highlands where she conducted fireside readings and writing sessions in Scottish schools and villages. Besides, Fistful of Colours, her other novels are Ricebowl, Gift From The Gods and A Bit of Earth. Her latest publication is a non-fiction book published in 2005, Stories of the Chinese Overseas.

Her work-in-progress are a collection of short stories that include Morning After and My Two Mothers, and a novel about love, grief and music.

Pelangi Pride Centre's Event in September:

2006-09-09T14:26:00.000+08:00

Basic Portraiture - Taking good pictures of your friends and loved ones.

Exclusively at PPC, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-01
16th September 2006, 4 - 6.30pm

Your Facilitator: Ashleigh Sim

Learn how to take brilliant images from Straits Times Photographer Ashleigh. Bring your cameras (preferably digita) and start shooting!

Program -
1. Participants to pair up, preferably with someone you dont know
2. Talk on easiest way to improve portraits:

Using the zoom
Moving to a window or a source of light eg. lamp
Reducing the intensity of flash
Compostion: Background, Colours, Lines, Framing, Positioning & Posture

3. Start shooting with paired partner (half hour)
4. Make Friends! Exchange emails with shootout partner so you can email each other the pix taken earlier. Choose one fav pix each.
5. Submit fav pix of the shootout, share views, critique
6. Q & A for any photography-related problems or how-tos

About Ashleigh -

Ashleigh Sim is a photographer with the Straits Times, which she has worked with for the past 3 and a half years. Trained in mass communications (multimedia), she has also worked as a web designer before deciding to pursue photography as a career.

Discovering photojournalism has made an impact on not only how she perceives visceral beauty but also its ability to tell a story.

Her current interests are observing cultural changes, nature conservation, and trying not to eat too much chicken rice.

Cost per person: $6 (which includes 2 soft drinks and finger food).
To sign up, please email contact@pelangipridecentre.org to RSVP with your name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.
[contact @ pelangipridecentre dot org]

GTTB is now PLUME

2006-08-28T11:07:00.000+08:00

Pelangi Pride Centre's Event in August:

2006-08-03T10:23:00.000+08:00

Massage Workshop for Couples, Friends and Family Members!
Exclusively at PPC, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-01
19 August 2006, 4-8pm

Your Facilitators: Sheung and Eileena

Massage is a wonderful way to bond with your loved ones. Couples, friends, and family members all benefit from the gift of touch! Learn the proper skills to give a good and safe massage and get the opportunity to nurture each other and alleviate complaints of pain.

During the session, part of the workshop will be spent learning massage techniques whilst the other will be spent receiving a massage! The workshop will also include a time for refreshments as well as a time to mingle or perhaps a chance to fine-tune your newly learnt skills!

Cost per person: $6 (which includes 2 soft drinks and finger food).

To sign up, please email contact(at)pelangipridecentre(dot)org to RSVP with your
name, contact number, the name/s of your guests.

What we've been busy with

2006-07-30T21:58:00.000+08:00

More to come!

August is Singapore gay pride season again

2006-07-18T11:27:00.000+08:00

PRESS RELEASE
17 July 2006
Singapore

Indignation 2006, the second annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Season, starts on 1 August and will comprise around 20 events.

The event calendar can be seen at www.plu.sg/indignation/

Like last year, there will be a number of forums on various subjects, from women's issues to gay marriage, from Indian classical literature to the recent general election.

Well-known writer Christine Suchen Lim will be reading two of her stories on 10 August in the event titled "Mothers at the edge". Acclaimed playwright Desmond Sim's new play, "Fairy Godfather" will be given a reading on 12 and 13 August.

Dominic Chua will once again be organising ContraDiction", an evening of gay poetry, on 3 August.

This year, transgendered Singaporeans will also be having their own dialogue session, also on 3 August.

The organisers of Indignation 2006 are a subgroup from People Like Us, a gay and lesbian group whose mission is public education with respect to sexuality and non-discrimination.

"There is a tremendous amount of energy and creativity among gays and lesbians," says Russell Heng, one of the organisers. "The pity is that Singapore doesn't realise the contribution made by gay and lesbian Singaporeans unless one organises a festival like this to showcase it."

Adds Alex Au: "Nor do many Singaporeans realise that straight people too, e.g. Suchen Lim, one of our contributors, support the message that ignorance and discrimination is wrong."

"Indignation is a broad tent. Everybody, straight and gay, is welcome to participate," stressed Kelvin Wong. "And hopefully, people will realise that that party set do not typify the gay community."

"The ultimate message of Indignation," says Jean Chong, "is that lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and gays are part of Singapore life and members of our families, and we should be asking ourselves, why do we discriminate against our own?"

Agreeing, Miak Siew, who is curating an art exhibition, titled "Sama-sama", says, "We want to reflect the dreams and aspirations of the gay community as part of Singapore."

Not all events are serious; Pride Season is interspersed with social evenings for light-hearted fun including an evening of Chinese singing at Xpose cafe and the Great Singapore Makeover at Mox bar and cafe. Tantric Bar is organising Paradise 2006, to celebrate National Day.

The Pride Season will round off with a book launch on 24 August, followed by a chill-out evening at Club95.

For more information, please see:

www.plu.sg/indignation/
(email link available from that site)

Events by Oogachaga

2006-07-18T01:21:00.000+08:00

Sent in by: Bryan from Oogachaga

OC Chinese Talk Series returns in July.

Coming out of the closet is a phase that all of us are familiar with.
Some of us had a smooth journey while others went through a painful one.

In our July talk, Tin and other guests will share their coming out stories with us.

Date: 19 July 2006 (wed)
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Expose @ South Bridge Road

********************

OCMEN SUPPORT GROUPS STARTING IN AUG 06 ONE MANDARIN AND ONE
ENGLISH

This message is for gay men who face challenges in their lives because of their sexual orientation and would like to meet other like-minded individuals in a safe and comfortable environment for support, friendship and personal growth.

OC Men is a support group for gay men who are coming to terms with their sexuality and want to achieve a healthy integration of their lives and sexual identity. Started in June 1999, OC Men has since given dozens of Singaporean gay men - young and older - a space in which to develop
greater self-awareness and confidence to be who they are. Through our support group meetings, we explore issues such as stereotypes, coming out, relationships, self-esteem, being single, safer sex, etc.

There will be two separate groups starting in August 2006 and run for four months. One will be facilitated in Mandarin and the other in English.

If you are interested in joining the support group, please write to Yang at yang@oogachaga.com. For more information, please visit our website at www.oogachaga.com

Calling out for writers!

2006-06-25T11:21:00.000+08:00

Straight writers are welcome too!

Your letters are our lifeblood; so do note that we still welcome your valuable contributions and if you have an odd article you wish to see published or an event for publicity, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address.

3 Degrees of Separation

2006-06-24T10:31:00.000+08:00

Written by Eileena Lee from PPC

3 Degrees of Separation
4pm Saturday 8 July PPC at MOX

Lesbian bar fights | Muscle marys face-off | Diva showdowns | Faking it straight | Sarong Party Boys | Cruising for bruisings | TV or Trannie? | AC-DC | Chest bindings vs pec implants | Brazilians or Boyzilians?|

You name it, the myth and fallacies about gay men and women of Temasek, and the entire spectrum of genders, identities, preferences, sexualities, orientations, fetishes and practices that spans between the mythical 100% straight man and confirm case straight woman.

Other than yourself and the 5 close friends makes up your gay family, do you really know anything about the other side? How many gays and lesbians do you really know?

Yes, establishing 3 degrees of separation between the average gay man and woman in Singapore. That's your challenge in our new PPC activity on Saturday July 8.

This NOT Speed Dating, it is Speed Befriending.

Everyone will have 5 minutes to establish exactly how each of you is connected to the other, man or woman. It is not that hard, we are a small country, contained almost to the point of social incest.

What is counted as valid connections?

--- real facts like schools attended, church, friends, relations, old affairs, previous sex partners, dates, business links, HDB estates, idol fan clubs, saunas and other things that really did happened.

What is not counted?

--- my ideal man or woman, who I fantasize about, the goalkeeper in the Italian football team (unless you actually did managed to sleep with him rather than his laundry shop's janitor's son)

And what's in this for you?
--- No prizes. But a chance to have a few more friends to go clubbing, eat ice kachang and movies with. And for a lucky few, something more than friendship but you shouldn't take my word for it.

Slave Driver & Ring Mistress - Akasha aka Sheung & Millie

Time Bitch - our Matchstick Bitch aka Chris

Pay a subsidised cost of $6 per person for a soft drink + makan and a chance to meet new people!

In order for us to organise catering, please do RSVP by emailing pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com
the following -
* your name
* the name/s of your guests, if any.

Women's Nite

2006-06-16T00:08:00.000+08:00

A new link for Women's Nite has been added under Activity Organisations. Do take time to visit their website. Here's a writeup on what they are about, courtesy of the Women's Nite team:

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. The event, held on the last Saturday of every month, was started in December 2003. Over a potluck dinner, we hold discussions on wide-ranging topics like self-acceptance, homophobia, relationships and identity. We also invite special guests to field questions on legal rights and sexual health, and conduct art and dance therapy nights.

For more, visit: http://women_snite.livejournal.com/

OCMSM hotline

2006-03-10T11:39:00.000+08:00

Feeling troubled and need to talk to someone? Or need to ask questions about HIV or STDs?

Call OCMSM hotline at 9151 6979, we are here to listen.

This anonymous hotline operates from 3 to 7pm on Saturdays and 2 to 6pm on Sundays and is manned by gay volunteers from Oogachaga.

You can also sms space to 9421 9357 for a weekly Safer Sex sms from us and win an iPod Nano from us.

Visit www.oogachaga.com/ocmsm.html for more details.

Note: Taken from signel

Sayoni.com

2006-02-18T17:49:00.000+08:00

This post is long overdue and most of the readers here would've probably heard of Sayoni, a portal for queer Asian women. Do take your time to visit their site. Plenty of interesting articles and posts to read.

http://sayoni.com/

The League of Notions

2006-01-22T21:55:00.000+08:00

Rife on the internet, on blogs, message boards and discussion groups is the controversy surrounding Liberty League and the government’s grant. This multi-layered issue has been dissected and examined at every possible angle, with most concentrating on the fact that they were given $100,000.

But what is of concern to me here, because of the readers of this blog, is the fact that they choose to disguise themselves as a group which accepts homosexuals and guide them through a journey of self-acceptance when really, they preach “coming out of it” as a part of sexuality. I find that simply reprehensible.

Since they plan on conducting talks in schools, I ponder about the amount of psychological damage, which could be potentially inflicted upon young minds, for some of them may be homosexuals who might leave with the impression that they can be changed, only to be entrenched with a scarring psychological battle within themselves for years to come.

I should state however, though I'm an opponent of the ex-gay agenda, it is ultimately the individual's choice should he wish to "convert", which is what Leslie Lung has decided to push for. What I have an issue with, like I stated above, is how they mask their organization into one that helps gays, lesbians and transexuals who grapple with their sexuality. If one decides to make a conscious “conversion” into heterosexuality, it his/her decision and if it makes the person happier, then so be it. However, lulling the young ones who do not have their sense of identity rooted, into thinking this is the solution, is deceitful.

Coincidentally, a Californian high school student sent a question to a website about human genetics (Understanding Genetics: Human Health and the Genome):

"Is homosexuality an inborn, unchangeable part of us or can people actually "convert"? I think it is just the way I am but my classmates and some family members think otherwise. How can I convince them that this really is the way I am supposed to be?"

In a neutral reply, Dr Barry Starr of Stanford University reported that personally, he has not seen “reliable data on the conversion of homosexuals. Or on how well it works, how happy the recently “converted” are, how long they stay “converted”, or any other statistics.” He also goes on to say that there is the rare anecdotal data but nothing absolute to make into a scientific journal.

The American Psychological Association, a professional organization with around 150,000 members representing psychology in the United States also asserted that “reparative therapy” is not effective and may lead to mental ailments like anxiety and depression which are linked to high suicide rates. And yet, Liberty League markets itself as helpful and safe.

Official statements like these are often overlooked thanks to ignorance and prejudice by influential people. A reader from livejournal alerted GTTB that even people like Love 97.2FM’s DJ Dongfang Billy has gotten into the act of dishing out baseless and ridiculous notions about homosexuality, claiming that it is a choice.(Hate speech on local radio) The reader goes on to state that an “expert” from Taiwan called in to say that 85% of homosexuals are unhappy and repressed.

A study done by Evelyn Hooker way back in 1956 compared the overall psychological functioning, emotional and mental well-being between homosexual and heterosexual men found no significant differences between these two groups.

Advocates of reparative therapy claim that homosexuality is a psychological disorder/illness. This diagnosis itself stems from social prejudices and was scrapped from the list of mental disorders.

Liberty League’s contemptible guise as a group which promotes gender and sexual health should be removed, or at least acknowledged. While I’m an opponent of reparative therapy, I believe it is up to the individual if he/she so wishes to change. The underhanded techniques LL has employed in an effort to change unknowing persons has the potential of causing psychological damage. Now look at where the disease really is.

Links:

The pseudo-science of sexual orientation conversion therapy, Douglas C. Haldeman

Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality, APA

Govt gives $100,000 to Christian-linked anti-gay group Media Release, PLU

The 3 layers of the Liberty League issue, Yawning Bread

Liberty League's S$100,000 Funding Raises Questions, Fridae.com

Why Fund a 'isguised religious cause'? PLU demands answers, Fridae.com

A letter of encouragement

2006-01-22T13:32:00.000+08:00

From: Anonymous
To: gay_2_d_bone@yahoo.com

Firstly, I would like to thank you, for your work on this project; it is uplifting to see such candour with regards to the gay individual.

I think I was lucky in that I didn't have much problems coming out to *myself*; I was able to accept the fact, and move on with my life. It was the moving on bit, however, that posed the problem.

Excited by the notion of meeting like friends, I started accounts at both Sgboy and Fridae.

It's been over two years, and I have yet to meet anyone with whom I could hold a decent conversation with, let alone a friendship.

The reasons are wide and varied, but it suffices to say that various individuals embody the most extravagant stereotypes propounded by society of the gay man; I started to question if my view that such were merely unjust assumptions was accurate.

I needed, and still do, people with whom I can talk freely with. I have a few friends with whom I can, but try as they may, it is impossible for them to see things from my point of view. I do not fault them; I doubt I could view the world as they do either, but having someone close *not* heterosexual would, or may, help.

Being a teen, and a student, I'm not out to many. I suppose I appear ambiguous, neither confessing nor dispelling accusations/rumours. I'm not going to betray myself by outright denying who I am, but neither am I confident enough in outing myself to a mini self-contained community filled with zealous homophobic sentiments.

Reading this blog, however, give me hope that perhaps here I could find other teens with whom I could relate, and equally as important, just hang out with.

Thank you.

I agree that most heterosexuals do not understand how we really feel as gay people. I came out recently, and many of my friends and relatives have said to me that they will never be able to think and feel like they are in our shoes; the possible "sufferings" and tribulations we endure.

Coming out may be a homosexual's most difficult time in his/her life, next to the start of a homosexual relationship. Coming out is especially difficult with your own parents. I think it is perfectly fine to not tell anyone about your problems, or at least find a listening ear to ease your "pain"; I don't know, but what I know is that coming out does relieve some of your pent up frustrations, and it makes you proud of who you are. What a homosexual should not do is to betray him/herself because it will, in the end, make him/her feel worse.

My personal relationships with my parents went downhill recently, perhaps it's due to my coming out, or perhaps it's just me, who needs adjustments of my parent's new knowledge about me. I spoke less and less to my parents, and ever since the day I came out, they have not mentioned the word "gay" even once.

Perhaps they are still in the phase of accepting me.

Nevertheless, please continue to submit your articles. To find out how, click here.

Migration - Part 2

2005-12-03T16:32:00.000+08:00

From: Elsa
To: gay_2_d_bone@yahoo.com

(Well, actually, this email is in response to the email from Older Gay Singaporean. I couldn't encapsulate all that I wanted to say in 300 words so I chose to email instead of 'comment'.)

You're right, you know. I was once tempted by the idea of migration because I wanted to taste that freedom you mentioned. In fact, I wanted to study overseas for the sole purpose of exploring my sexuality. But after finally getting the courage to break into the local gay community, I've changed my mind now. I've decided to stay.

The reason was simple. All that freedom in other countries didn't just fall down from the sky did it? People must have fought to achieve it. Even though countries like France, Germany etc are much more open about homosexuality right now, it was probably considered 'sinful' and socially undesirable. These countries weren't naturally 'open' and free. They evolved, and progressed, and are at a more advanced stage than where we are in S'pore. That's the reason why gay people have much more better lives over there. And even so, the homophobic element still exists becos it was initially there in the first place. GLBT activists reduced it.

Then we have our country and its 'democratic oppressiveness'. . . Are we to abandon it as it seems fruitless to change it? That gay life in Spore will never reach the normalcy that is present in other countries? That nothing can be done? But I guess the more important question is, shouldn't we even try? Because after all, to migrate and leave this country can give me a better life. Yes. True. But does it change anything? I am merely running away. Just as Older Gay Singaporean said, he couldn't wait to leave S'pore when he visited. I am no less free in the sense that even in my birthplace I cannot find the peace and happiness I want.

The thing is, we can't hide forever in the 'safe havens' of other countries. Yes, it'll benefit me but what about those who can't leave this place? The future generations of GLBT will be stuck in the same, unmoving and outdated society if everybody gay migrated. It was the activists who stay put in their homelands and struggled, who made their countries so free nowadays. It's becos of them that we now have these foreign places to run away to.

And wouldn't it be wonderful, if the whole world was gay-friendly?

S'pore society can change. And it is, bit by bit, slowly but surely. You can't stop the trend of progression. And if you see how gay activism in other societies are unfolding, you'd realise that it's always moving forwards. Opposition and conservatives only slow it down but they can never stop us. This is happening in Spore if you watch the local gay scene. Yes, though the picture currently is not rosy but its much better than the 'nothing' of decades ago. To me, the struggle for gay rights is just like the struggles against slavery, for equality and women's rights. Though it seems impossible in the present, history has shown that the enlightened always wins.

I fully agree with your letter. And it’s definitely not a lost cause. It is doubtless that the situation is moving forward, though currently the picture is less than a "rosy" one.

If we were to take a snapshot of the LGBT community and compare it with one taken a few decades ago, the contrast would’ve probably been glaring, because it wasn’t much of a community in the first place.

Island wide, a subtle change is taking place. Groups of people are stepping up to get themselves heard (eg, www.stophanging.com) for their own causes. It is on the same vein that this blog was started, because a visible platform consisting of different voices and opinions to make us seen by Singaporean masses was not available.

Sexuality issues aside, there definitely are other defining reasons why migration is on the minds of many people here. At a recent forum I attended, the facilitator asked the audience if they would like to stay in Singapore provided they had the resources to move out of this island, and the answer was a resounding no. Reasons thrown up include wanting to spread their global wings, the lack of support for polytechnic graduates to further their education and one even mentioned he had a dislike for the government.

The youth today lack the sense of belonging our peers have in other nations. The reasons are obvious and I shall not delve into them here.

Meanwhile, our struggle for an equal footing with our heterosexual counterparts continues. Let’s make it a place where we can proudly claim our citizenship.

Thank you for your contribution and I'm glad some letters here have stirred a reaction. Do continue sending them in. Because this blog is run by your letters, we encourage all contributions as long as you feel you have something to say. Click here for more details.