young out here

Join YOH in support for Spirit Day!

2011-10-20T14:32:00.001+08:00

from GLAAD's website:

WHAT IS SPIRIT DAY?

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Learn more & go purple at www.glaad.org/spiritday

PinkDot 2011 - Pretty in Pink!

2011-06-20T22:37:00.006+08:00

We're still reeling from the incredible turn out at this year's PinkDot 2011 - Yes, an estimated 10,000 decked in their finest Pink, converged on the greens of Hong Lim Park and celebrated the Freedom to Love. 10,000...let YOH repeat that - 10,000! Hong Lim Park was bursting at the seams at all the edges. We were surprised at the turn out, and very touched that there were so many out there that wanted to show their support for the local LGBTQ community.

YOH arrived on the park grounds, slightly later than the estimated time - sorry to those who came by earlier and couldn't find our stand... we had materials to be brought over, thus longer travelling time. Once the YOH pull up banner went up, our tables were set, our little pink ice cream bell rung - the YOH booth was ready for PinkDot 2011!

The "I Am" project started with a bang - with more and more people coming by to pen down their creative statements on the black paper. We saw that you poured heart and soul into those statements, and that was reflected in the multi coloured creations that you put up! Some of you pulled along your friends, some brought their family members, some of you were from the various LGBTQ organisations surrounding the YOH booth - all in all - we like to thank every single one of you that visited our booth and took part in the 'I Am' Project. We stayed till 730pm at Hong Lim Park - being one of the last community groups, other than the PinkDot organisers, who were still there. And if there was more people coming to our booth, we would have gladly stayed on much longer!

Be sure to check out all the photos from the Project via YOH's FB Page!
The "I Am" project is going places...which places? We'll tell you more in due time!

Noticed the pink uniform that YOH was wearing - yeap, it was our designed YOH/PinkDot tee shirts. Both were designed by our own YOH team, specially to commemorate this year's PinkDot! Both designs were exclusive to the YOH team, but since we've gotten many requests to make it available to the public - we're gonna start selling both YOH/PinkDot 2011 Tees soon. So watch out for it!

If you do have any comments / suggestions that you would like us to know, feel free to email us at young.out.here@gmail.com. Or if you want like to join our mailing list, join us as a volunteer in Team YOH, or join our Support Group - feel free to go to our respective pages, and sign up there!

From Team YOH to you - thanks for making out experience at PinkDot 2011 so memorable and exciting! Three cheers for PinkDot 2011!

We'll leave you now with some snapshots from this year's PinkDot 2011 & the 'I Am' Project'.

Be sure to check out the complete photo albums of YOH @ PinkDot 2011 and "I Am" (Project) @ PinkDot 2011 on our Facebook Page!

PinkDot 2011 - What's YOH doing at PinkDot?

2011-06-16T11:33:00.002+08:00

To celebrate the Freedom to Love at PinkDot's event, YOH will be having a booth in Hong Lim Park. YOH volunteers will be on hand to talk to you about us and what our programmes are. You can also sign up to be informed of the next YOH's Support Group or any other YOH event, or be part of the exciting group of YOH's volunteers.

Furthermore, we'll be kicking start a photo op project, called "I Am". Here are the details:

We are all made up of several varying different personalities and identities. And we sometimes neglect to celebrate these idiosyncrasies that make us unique.
YOH is going to provide that opportunity during this PinkDot 2011, with the launch of the “I Am” project.
Date: 18th June 2011, Saturday
Location: YOH Booth @ PinkDot 2011, Hong Lim Park, Singapore
Time: 415pm onwards

Simple?? Just come down to our YOH booth from 415pm. Pen down your "I Am" statement/thought/identity on a sign. We'll ask you whether you want your photo to be taken by our YOH photographers. We'll snap a photo of you with your sign. And post it up on our YOH's FB page after!

So start thinking about your "I Am" statements now! and we'll see you at the YOH booth @ PinkDot 2011!

"I am gay, gleek, nerd, and proud!". "I am a lover of mash potatoes, froyo and tech news!". "I am too good to be standing in front of you taking this photo!".

PinkDot 2011 - The Details...

2011-06-16T11:05:00.000+08:00

The YOH webbie is decked in Pink. You've seen Boo Junfeng's fab promo video. You've got your outfit ready. All you need now are the details for PinkDot 2011. For more information, check out the FB event page or PinkDot's official webbie. YOH will be having a booth at PinkDot itself, so do come early and join in the festivities.
Date - 18th June, Saturday
Location - Hong Lim Park, Singapore
Time - from 4pm onwards till 7pm
What to Wear - Pink (duh!)

PinkDot 2011: Exclusive - YOH's Pink Profile!

2011-06-16T10:48:00.001+08:00

If you've read our YOH Pink Profile on PinkDot Singapore's webbie, and want to know more -
Here's the EXCLUSIVE unedited version the YOH Pink Profile!
We talk to the everyday heroes who make Singapore a better place person by person, day after day. These LGBT support groups will also have a booth (or a picnic mat) at Pink Dot 2011, so come by and say hi!

Who They Are: Young Out Here aka YOH is a queer youth community group started back in 2006 by Elsa Tay, Jeremy Kwok and Benjamin Xue. It caters to queer youths between the ages of 16 to 22 and hopes to help queer youths build ties with the larger queer community.

What They Do: YOH provides a safe and inclusive space which enables the youth to talk about queer youth specific topics and issues. The Support Group programme is composed of 13 sessions, focusing on topics like Coming Out, Family, School, Safer Sex, Relationships & Self.

How To Get In Touch: Sign up for the YOH Support Group at young-out-here.blogspot.com. If you are interested to be a volunteer, send an email to young.out.here@gmail.com. You can also check out the group on Twitter: twitter.com/young_out_here and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/youngouthere

We sit down for a chat with Benjamin Xue, one of the moving forces behind Youth Out Here. Ben talks to us about how a simple catchphrase – For Queer Youths, By Queer Youths – has paved the way for the group to provide a safe and inclusive space for the queer youth community to come out, speak up and have a voice of their own.

Tell us about the first run of the YOH Support Group programme. What was memorable about it?

We learned a lot from that first run. I refer to YOH1 as the guinea pig batch as we were all new in organizing and facilitating a support group. I really have to thank the batch participants for trusting us and coming forward to join the support group. I remember one of the participants telling me that he made his first lesbian friend in YOH1! A number of YOH1 participants are still either helping with facilitation in the Support Group or are being ardent supporters of YOH. With every subsequent run, we always try to make it more relevant and interesting to the participants.

YOH5 started last March. How is it going so far?

It’s been going great! The issues brought up by the participants are really interesting. Some of them have never met another queer person in their life! Kudos to them for making each session lively! There has been a gradual shift of focus on the issues raised. Coming out was a huge deal during YOH1 and YOH2, with many of them having not told anyone else in their lives that they are queer. The emphasis is now spread over a few main topics especially about where they belong amongst the larger queer community here, and the larger Singapore community.

Of the different topics covered, which one is your personal favorite?

One Foot In, Both Feet Out – that’s the coming out session. I never get tired of listening to the participants’ coming out experiences, as each one is different and unique. Their voices do add to the fabric of the queer youth community here in Singapore – as equally and culturally diverse – and uniquely Singaporean!

In your opinion, how does the Singapore public now view the LGBT community?

Overall the sentiment on the ground, the Singapore public has grown to be more accepting of the LGBTQ community here. Though there are still big steps to be made, from talking about an all inclusive sexuality education in schools, to changes that need to be made to the dated penal laws, to a much needed update of censorship guidelines amongst mass media and the arts – friends and allies of the LGBT community are not afraid of stepping in the foreground to their queer friends (who are usually hidden from mainstream view) – and events such as PinkDot & Indignation over the past few years have provided that space for that dialogue to grow and be heard.

Is it “easier” for the younger generation to come out compared to a decade ago?

Considering I’m the ‘oldest’ in YOH, I can certainly say yes. They very much have the support and resources to turn to when they come out today – from Pelangi Pride Center to Oogachaga to YOH to Sayoni to online platforms like Trevvy and Fridae. Youths don’t have to feel that they are alone should they choose to come out.

What are the issues that today’s LGBTQ youth face today?

Lately, we’ve been hearing quite a fair bit of name calling and bullying that is going unreported in schools during our Support Group sessions. Making schools safe for queer youths is still pretty much unheard of, but there are strides in that some queer teachers in some schools have taken it upon themselves to make sure that these youths are safe and, hopefully the bullying stops and ends. It ain’t easy being a queer youth here in Singapore – with school work, CCAs, family responsibilities, and being part of the larger queer community, while keeping abreast of their multitude of interests – the list doesn’t seem to end. If there is a realization of who they are inside, their individual quirks and a celebration of that, that’s the best realization any queer youth can make for themselves here in Singapore.

In your opinion, how do events/groups like Pink Dot help LGBTs living in Singapore?

PinkDot as a movement that have grown very much larger than the main event, over the past three years. And rightfully it should. For years we’ve been talking about being racially diverse and culturally tolerant in Singapore – and it’s something that Singapore have lauded to being proud about. To add to that list, Singapore should be proud of that such a simple yet meaningful event is allowed to take place here in Singapore.

I was overseas just recently and tons of my friends in DC and NYC have seen that fabulous PinkDot promo video. And it does make you feel proud to be a queer Singaporean. My own family members and my close friends have all supported and came down for PinkDot – it’s one experience like no other.

What are you going to wear to Pink Dot?

Pink of course! We had YOH tee shirts made for the event, and we’re very busy planning our booth for the event. Do come down to PinkDot to talk to us! And most of all to enjoy and bask in the sea of Pink!

Lastly, If there’s one message SG LGBTQ youths should know, what is it?

I’m going to give three. Never lose sight of who you are inside. Feel free to feel everything you want to. Be happy doing what you are most passionate about!

Thanks AM!

PinkDot 2011 - PinkDot Parties to kick start the weekend

2011-06-15T21:56:00.002+08:00

PinkDot 2011 weekend starts in a little over 24 hours with Two Queens on Thursday and NEON on Friday. So what are you waiting for? Details are right below - Don't forget about PinkDot the next day!!

Date - 16 June 2011, Thursday
Time - 9pm to 3am
Location - PLAY Club, 21 Tanjong Pagar, Singapore

TWO QUEENS PINKDOT PARTY
Raising awareness for Pinkdot 2011 ~ Supporting the Freedom to Love

Dress in pink to celebrate the FREEDOM TO LOVE
Regardless of sexual orientation
But fear, ignorance and prejudice often stands in the way

[WHAT WOULD YOU DO]
Take part in the interactive segment to win PinkDot Goodies

[PINK DOT PHOTOBOOTH]
Commemorate the moment with PinkDot mascots

Hosted by Pamelyn Chee

Doors open at 9pm
FREE ENTRY 9-10pm
Members FREE ENTRY (sign in one guest)
Non-members $15 (incl. 1st drink)
Music policy : RnB/Vocal House ft DJ Amy van de Beuken
Table reservations please email to party@twoqueens.me

Date - 17 June 2011, Friday

Time - 9pm to 3am

Location - PLAY Club, 21 Tanjong Pagar, Singapore

Play presents VACATION: Let's Glow Neon!
This Friday night, PLAY will be transformed into a luminous disco, splattered with neon paint and decorated with glowing light sticks... we are GLOWING NEON!!

Passes to "Flow Rider" at Wave House Sentosa and bottles of Island Vodka, as well as Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" CD Hampers to be given away, so come as crazily NEON as possible!
And must must must keep a lookout for the PINK DOT mascot plushies! Since it is the night before the annual event, the organizers of Pink Dot 2011 will be there to let you take pictures (and PLAY around) with their mascot.

Dress Code
NEON, bright colours

Cover:
First 100 Free Entry before Midnight only if u are dressed in theme!!
Cover $15 inclusive of TWO drinks

Drinks Special:
GLOW shots!

It Gets Better - for me, for you, for all of us

2011-05-04T21:11:00.001+08:00

Started as a response in the 'suicide epidemic' that was sweeping US at that time due to the homophobic bullying to teenagers such as Raymond Chase, Tyler Clementi, Ryan Halligan, Asher Brown, and Seth Walsh - the 'It Gets Better' project (IGB) have swept all over the United States, Europe and here in our little island of Singapore.

With the main goal to prevent suicide of LGBT teens by offering words of advice through personal experience sharing, IGB have touched tens of thousand of LGBT teenagers in the world - providing a virtual shoulder to lean on, when things get too rough in their lives.

The man pushing IGB into the foreground is Dan Savage, who said that he never got the permission to speak to Middle or High Schools in US; and realising, in the age of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, he didn't need that permission anymore.

IGB started on 21st September 2010, with its first viral video from Savage and his partner, Terry uploaded onto YouTube, encouraging others to take part in this movement. By the end of the first week, 200 new videos were uploaded onto its YouTube account and it reached its maximum 650 videos in the account by the end of the following week. To date, over 100,000 online videos from organizations, companies, celebrities, country leaders, ordinary netizens - from a myriad of different countries including everyone from the rainbow spectrum of sexual orientations - have contributed to IGB - now all safely organised in its own website - http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

Not seeing any signs of the movement slowing down, IGB launched a book in March 2011 - a collection of essays from the videos and from the various LGBT-friendly and community organisations. By evoking a strong sense of memory and inspiring hope in its viewers, no matter whether you are 8 or 80, IGB continues till this day to let video contributors tell their stories, in any way they want.

Hopefully, in time, it will help the millions of LGBT teenagers and those young at heart around the world - to inspire them with a message of a simple of hope and understanding - cos in life, it DOES GET BETTER.

Here are a few of our favourite IGB videos:
1) the video that started it all - Dan and Terry:

2) the Presidential IGB video that got the rest of the world leaders doing the same:

3) the IGB video from this little island of Singapore:

4) Chris Colfer from "Glee" shares a personal note for the Trevor Project

5) the Google Chrome PSA, that was featured in this week's "Glee" episode that got us grabbing the hankies.

PinkDot is coming...PinkDot is coming...

2011-04-27T00:43:00.001+08:00

Mark down your calendars, iCals, Google Calendars etc... PinkDot 2011 is on 18th June 2011, Saturday.
Let the Pink Countdown begin...

Ties That Bind - a Queer Youth Coming OUT workshop

2011-03-04T13:18:00.003+08:00

To come out or not to come out? – An important question that is hard to answer; especially when the people that we want to come out to are the closest to us – our FAMILY. To help us answer this question and the other many sides of this issue, Oogachaga and Young OUT Here (YOH) presents TIES THAT BIND.

So if you are between the ages of 18 to 25, and want to learn more from others like you, in a safe inclusive space, feel free to register for this event happening on the afternoon of Saturday, 12^th March 2011!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

· Hearing from our guests speakers: a mother and her young gay son, sharing their coming out journey

· Sharing on the importance of family and your fears with regards to coming out.

· Discussing way to maintain or strengthen family ties, without coming out.

· All facilitated by queer youths like YOU!

To register go to http://www.oogachaga.com/tiesthatbind

Registration closes on 11^th March 2011, 12pm

Forum Details
Date: 12 March 2011, Saturday
Time: 2.00pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Venue will be emailed to registered participants.

Start Out with YOH!

2011-01-24T16:28:00.004+08:00

YOH Head Butt! - PinkDot 2010 Edition

2010-05-13T15:55:00.004+08:00

13 May 2010

Hey Everyone,

So we over did it a little - with our YOH blog in a shade of pink to coincide with this big community event that is happening in less than two days! But we can all use a little pink in our lives. In case you've been living under a rock for the past whole month, everyone in the community is gearing for the one big event this saturday, but before we all get carried away with PinkDot this year, HEADBUTT wants to inform you about the rest of the other community events that might have swept underneath your radar amidst all this pink fairy dust flying all over...

What's UP?

Many Single Men (MSM)

Many Single Men, is a TWO Days workshop that provides a safe space for single individuals to explore and discover more of themselves; relationships; elements of dating as well as negotiated safety.

Details are as follows:

Date - 29 May 2010 and 5 Jun 2010 (Both Saturdays)
Time - 2pm to 5pm
Fee - $25.00 per pax (for both days)
Age - 18 years old and above

For more information and registration form, please visit - http://www.oogachaga.com/manysinglemen

Singapore AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2010

The memorial is a reminder to all Singaporeans that HIV/AIDS is still a scourge that we need to be aware of and to find ways of dealing with the stigma, discrimination and other issues such as unemployment and financial difficulties. The Memorial is also a community call to action to always keep in mind those living with HIV/AIDS and to find ways to make their lives better and meaningful.

Details are as follows:

Date - 16 May 2010, Sunday
Time - 7pm to 9pm
Venue - Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green Community Centre Open Stage @ Hong Lim Park - 20 Upper Pickering Street, 058284

For more information, please visit: http://www.afa.org.sg

Conversations Between Father & Son

If you have been following local community news lately, you'll know that a section of our community have been met with constant prejudice and bombardment of discrimination, especially in the clubs. In response the transgender women have formed up a community group called 'Sisters in Solidarity'. And if you do believe that that all humans should be treated equally, Sisters in Solidarity needs your help and sign a petition. In addition, one of the main founders of Sisters in Solidarity, Marla Bendini is having multimedia installation performance with paintings, paying tribute to the artist's father.

Details are as follows:

Date - May 13th, 2010, Thursday. Exhibition ends on May 22nd 2010

Time - 6.30pm til late, performance by Marla Bendini 7.30pm
Venue - The Substation Gallery, 45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936

To sign the Petition - please visit:http://endtransgenderdiscrimination.wordpress.com/sign-our-petition/

For more information, please visit: http://marlabendini.com

PinkDot 2010

10 tips to help you 'enjoy' PinkDot 2010

Some of you maybe first timers to the event, and some of you are super excited about it from the loads of fun you've had at last year's event. Nonetheless YOH have put together a list of 10 tips for you to enjoy PinkDot 2010 to the max!

Dress code is PINK: So come in a pink tee, tank top, cap, shirt, overalls, underwear, shoes or in any of those combi. We know pink may not be the IN colour of the season now, but take a good hunt around the tee shirt shops around Bugis Junction, there are definite steals to be found.
You'll look good in pink: Oh you may think you look dumb and stupid (or too gay) in a pink top, the feeling quickly dissipates when you realise you're not the only one wearing it on the actual event.
Leave your barang barang at home: we mean leave your big barang barang of your tote & messenger bags and stuff in the car or at home. Go to the event light and you'll find that there's more freedom in mingling with the crowds and getting in the photos with your friends without the weight of your bag weighing you down.
Bring your essentials with you: this list is not mandatory for everyone: Water bottles, tissues to wipe your sweat (or in some cases, your facial blotting paper), your pink umbrella (in case the weather turns foul), your digital camera / camcorder (believe us, you'll wanna be taking photos and videos), sunglasses (it's an outdoor event, caps / hats (if you need the extra patch to cover a bald spot)
Ask your LGBT friendly mates along for this: It's not a GAY only event, it's an event for everyone, and we're sure if you're mates are with you, PinkDot will be a momentous and significant event that you'll look back with GLEE! And with the focus on FAMILY this year, bring your supportive family members down for this event!
In case you do 'lose' your friends during the event, feel free to make friends with people around you! (Have your cell phone around too..)
Be prepared to go slightly crazy. It's a fun filled almost carnival like event, leading up to the moment where the PinkDot is formed.
Prepare a PinkDot picnic basket if you and your friends are thinking of settling down on a spot, underneath the trees and just having a picnic. There is the Hong Lim Temporary Hawker Centre near by should you feel thirsty or hungry prior to the event.
Nearest MRT Stations to get to Hong Lim Park are Clarke Quay MRT or Chinatown MRT. There are directional signs from both MRT stations to lead you to Hong Lim Park.
ENJOY YOURSELF!

Here are the details should you need it -

DATE - 15th MAY 2010, Saturday
TIME - 5pm
VENUE - Hong Lim Park

For more information, please visit: http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/

YOH is proud to be promoting PinkDot 2010.

We'll See You There!

Till the next HEADBUTT,

Take Care,

YOH

YOH Head Butt! - Ugly Betty Edition

2010-05-13T00:33:00.001+08:00

12 May 2010

Hey Everyone,

Firstly a huge big sorry for the long hiatus that HEADBUTT took (were we gone for over a month?). Things in YOH have gotten a little way busy over our heads with YOH4 currently underway. We're now back, gonna keep you all updated with the latest happenings and to stir up some discussion about relevant queer youth topics.

In keeping to the one of the big topics that was handled just last week during the YOH4session - One Foot In, Both Feet Out, this edition of HEADBUTT takes a look back at one of the most beloved TV drama comedy amongst the YOH team. No, we've done our fair deal about the ever popular GLEE (we are very proud to say that we started the trend in one of the earliest HEADBUTT editions). It's UGLY BETTY!

We know that the show has since been canned and not returning, though we are keeping our finger crossed for a MOVIE to be made. However if you have been following UGLY BETTY in its last season, you know that Betty's favourite nephew, Justin Suarez, came of age, kissed a boy, danced with him and came out to his family members - all within the last four episodes of the series. Ok, so it didn't generate as big a deal as when Kurt Hummel came out to his dad in GLEE, but after watching the series for over three seasons, Justin Suarez, as a character, became a hero pretty much in all our hearts. So this HEADBUTTedition, we want to take the time and salute - Justin Suarez!

Justin crawled into our hearts by having the utmost love for his family and especially his mom, Hilda, and at the same time being fashionably forward and never giving up on his dreams to be an actor. Yeap, fighting bullies in school, facing pressure to be the 'macho guy' and hiding one's true sexuality are probably issues that some of us go through - but to see him grow up as a character, overcome his fears of rejection and being true to himself really made Season Four of UGLY BETTY worth watching.

Of course we can't keep our eyes tears free when he reached out his hands and asked his date, Austin, for a dance at his own mom's wedding - thus silently coming out to his family members. We're not advocating you to do the same, but perhaps there are lessons to be learnt from this boy - but instead of us telling you what it is - it is up for discussion. And we wouldn't go anywhere without showing you the moments that really moved us. (bring out the tissues...)

Justin / Austin (Part One) - "If you kiss someone with feelings, they know it and you know it. It's like everything else goes grey and you're the only two people left in the whole world" -

Justin / Austin (Part Two) - "You are who you are & the sooner you're okay with that...the happier you're gonna be" -

Justin / Austin (Part Three) - "Shoes are for fashion, not function..." -

MUST WATCH - Justin / Austin (Part Four) - "If you don't want anyone to know, they don't have to know...you don't have to say a word until you're ready." -

MUST WATCH - Justin / Austin (Part Five) - "When the time is right, you'll just know..." -

Justin / Austin (Final Part) -

If you are still reading this (and not sniffing away to Renee Olstead's A Love That Will Last), we would like to hear your comments and views about you've just watched in right here...

Till the next HEADBUTT,

Take care,

YOH

YOH HEADBUTT - pinkdot.sg Edition

2010-03-31T18:28:00.001+08:00

31st March 2010

Hey Everyone,
Before we get all buzzed up for the above mentioned event, we need to plug our YOH core programme for a while:

Step OUT with YOH!

We've gotten overwhelming response for the applications for the fourth run of YOH. (ok, maybe not overwhelming, but it was a certain leap from the number we've gotten from YOH3) If you are one of the very lucky ones that applied for YOH4, you should be hearing from us soon via email. Also, if you have been to one of the conversational interviews that we've started, and are impressed by the programme line up for YOH4, you have till the end of today to tell your friends all about it and ask them to join! More details at the end of this edition of HEADBUTT!

By the way, the magical number is over 50, if you are just wondering how many applicants.

Now onto the pinkie dottie event that is sure to set a few smiles on your face...

pinkdot 2010

It's that time of the year again where all good things come in the shade of PINK. 2,500 people turned up last year in varying shades of the pastel colour to express their thoughts towards the freedom to love. I'm sure most of you still have the pink tees that are probably sitting at the back of the closet, time to air those things out, cos this year's pinkdot event is gonna get bigger. So what do you have to know?

DATE - 15th MAY 2010
TIME - 5pm
VENUE - Hong Lim Park
Wear - any pink top!
More details here: http://www.pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/

But pinkdot can't get bigger without your help, and since this year's event falls on the International Day of Families, so it's only befitting that you call on your family members, close friends and buddies to come down for this event. And if you are part of the previous runs of YOH, we'll be organising a mini gathering to head down to the event as a group - so you'll never have to walk alone. Bring your cameras, your video cameras, your enthusiasm, (probably abit of sunscreen) and mark down your calendars cos we (YOH) will hope to see you at this year's pinkdot!

And if you need help inspiring your fellow friends to come down for this year's event - here's a blogpost that truly defied gravity (we could do more of such people around): excerpts from: http://tauhuayboy.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/im-a-christian-and-i-love-my-glbt-friends/

"....I’m sorry, but I don’t see anything wrong with loving my fellow human beings. My religion has also taught me to love people who different from me. Okay, while I accept that different denominations have different stance on this issue, we all share the same God, who taught us the same things.

While I don’t have to support GLBT’s actions and values, I respect their rights as a fellow human being. They are not any different from you and me...."

To end this pastel shaded edition of HEADBUTT!, we'll leave you with the beautiful songs from Jonsi (gay front man of the group Sigur Ros) - here's a first look at his new solo album titled 'Go'. Here's the full album streaming available here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125217376

For More info about YOH:

Twitter: young_out_here
Blog: young-out-here.blogspot.com
Facebook: tinyurl.com/youngouthere
To join YOH4: tinyurl.com/yoh4join

till the next edition of HEADBUTT,

Take Care,

YOH

YOH Head Butt! - Inspire-Me Edition

2010-03-16T18:29:00.010+08:00

16th March 2010
Hi Everyone,

It's mid month and news around Singapore have been surrounding a certain famous director having his own Tiger Woods fiasco - which brought up the whole public / personal privacy issue by people. Is 'Public' the new default for this current generation? Well instead of boring you with such a argument here, we'll probably take this offline and hear your comments during the upcoming sessions of YOH4. Moving on...

If your mind has been stuck on some problems and can't seem to get your head around it - this HEADBUTT is for you.Sometimes this little scribe here also can't seem to find a relevant topic to write about for each HEADBUTT. However that being said, INSPIRATION comes in mysterious ways.... Here are some ideas for you if you are stuck in a runt in your head and want to get out of it.

SIX ways to get your creative juices moving...

Take a 48 hour Computer Vacation - Yes that's right - it should possibly be the hardest thing to do since we're all so dependent on Internet to get things done. No Facebook, no L4D2, no Twitter, no checking of emails via your smartphones and Blackberries, no Google - just hang loose and go out and breath some non-radioactive air (well, no Wireless-Sg signal air).
Try Meditation - Listening to your inner thoughts and sounds and voices might be a good way to drown out all the external noise that is blocking your creative soul. and Meditation doesn't mean taking a nap or counting 'Z' monsters....
Change the Scenery - This is not just about lifting yourself out from a physical zone that is causing a blockage in your creative mind, it's also about rearranging your current workspace. Less clutter in your physical space also means less clutter in your head. If not, you can always get up, spend ten minutes dusting bookshelves, reading your favourite tabloid magazine or just make silly faces in front of the mirror (tried and tested).
Stop looking at the clock - Yes, there are deadlines to be met. and that ticking of the clock doesn't seem to be slowing things down for you - but it's making your heart beat faster and sweat coming out from your palms. Cover them up and focus on just getting the work done and ignore those deadline constraints abit.
Press the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' button - Yeap ever wondered what Lord Google will bring up to your screen? Instead of going through lists and lists of your search results, pressing the often ignored button may yield surprising results and also may lead your to more hidden treasure that you may not have expected.
just for added inspiration - look towards the pure young innocence of kids (this is not exactly a tip, but this bunch of 5th Graders in New York just recently inspired this writer) - Choral group PS22 - performing Alicia Keys' 'Empire State of Mind'. Check out other videos from the group in their Youtube page and be surprised...

What's UP?

HIV: A Volunteer's Journey

Pelangi Pride Centre presents a talk by Gwo Yinn, sharing about his experiences that he has gone through as a volunteer who's worked with HIV positive people. More details are as follows:

Date - 27 March 2010, Saturday

Time - 4pm

Venue - Pelangi Pride Centre

Admission - $6 (includes two drinks and finger food)

More details - http://pelangipridecentre.blogspot.com/

pinkdot fundraising tea party

Pink Dot will be having its fundraising tea party on the last week of March. If you are feeling generous and wanting to make this year's pink dot bigger than last year's - do go down for it. More details are below:

Date - 28 March 2010, Sunday

Time - 330pm to 630pm

Venue - HOUSE / Barracks Cafe at Dempsey (8D Dempsey Road)

Attire - PINK

Admission - $50 (includes drinks and finger food)

More details - http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/2010/03/pinkdots-tea-party-fundraiser.html

Step OUT with YOH!

We can't make leave this HEADBUTT without plugging our own programme. YOH4 is slated to start end of April and we're now accepting registrations to join YOH4! If you know of a queer youth between the age of 16 to 21, do encourage them to hop on over to our blogsite for more info about YOH4 and if they want to sign up, go to tinyurl.com/yoh4join. Registrations close on 31st March 2010.

For More info about YOH:

Twitter: young_out_here

Blog: young-out-here.blogspot.com

Facebook: tinyurl.com/youngouthere

To join YOH4: tinyurl.com/yoh4join

till the next edition of HEADBUTT,

Take Care,

YOH

Step OUT with YOH!

2010-03-05T03:03:00.003+08:00

There are only a limited number of spaces (15) in each run of YOH, so apply here today!

Closing date for registration: March 31^st 2010

YOH Head Butt! - L-O-V-E Edition

2010-03-03T17:09:00.003+08:00

03 March 2010

Hey Everyone,

we hope every one is recovering from the pigging out that was the Lunar New Year's and Valentine's Day. Here at YOH, we certainly had our loads of festive fun with the traditional Lo-Hei and a fun evening out at Games Haven. Thanks to all that turned up for it.

So why is HEAD BUTT having its L-O-V-E edition after Valentine's Day? Well there couldn't be a better time isn't it? To give you an indication, just take a look around at the newspapers (or online news) - with the double tragedies at Chile and Haiti, and all the humanitarian aid that is needed from international agencies to get the affected areas back on their feet, it does put our lives here in safe Singapore into perspective - be it our relationships with our parents, with friends or with the community. Of course being appreciative of what we have is just one part of the equation, doing what we can to help to make our lives a better one is the other. No we don't have to start singing 'We Are the World', but just take some time off your busy busy schedule - BREATHE, and make a genuine effort in making someone else smile (*cues 'Smile by' Glee Cast*)

5 Simple Ways to Show that U Care:

Have a Break, Share a Kit Kat (okay, we know that's not the tagline, but go with us on this) - Buying a favourite snack and sharing it with your loved ones maybe a small gesture, but we all know that sometimes 'Action Speaks Louder than Words'. So drop your phone, drop your laptop (not literally) and instead of sending a 'How are You' text, share how much you are appreciative of that person or people (or even your pet) buy sharing a snack!
Pick up your phone and call - remember what our phones were originally invented for before smart phones and IM-ing (or Grindr) came along? If you are too busy to do the first tip, don't send an IM message, don't even send an email and certainly don't send a Facebook / Twitter direct msg or anything that has to go through a third party social network. Dial the number and ask 'How are things going?'. You may be surprised at the answers you may get, and you'll never know what is hidden behind all the 'I'm fine' answer we get all the time.
Sharing is Caring - the last tip brings us to THIS tip: Sometimes when all we have enough is to breath for ourselves, we tend to forget everybody else. Even the customary 'We'll catch up' line becomes overused and we never do it in the end. When was the last time you poured out your inner insecurities over coffee to your loved ones? We've become masters in building up walls through our fervent use of technology that we assume that our 'status updates' show everything we need to know about a person. WRONG! If you feel that sometimes the going gets too tough for you (before you are pulling your pubic hair out), start reaching out to a trustworthy friend and lean on them for a while...(*cues 'Lean On Me' by Glee Cast*)
Undivided Attention - The last tip wouldn't be effective without this following one - Yeap, no incoming Tweets, or Status updates, or trailing eyes on the cutest and hottest babe/hunk that just walked past. Just take some time out and LISTEN. Even if you are in the midst of a busy meeting, or your project mates threatened to delete off your hard work in your hard drive, remember to take a pause and say that you'll call back & make sure you do remember to do so.
HUG - we think this last tip needs further no explanation at all. Just believe in the power of the HUG, and soon you'll be the one feeling all better (whether you are the one giving it or the one receiving it).

What's UP?

After all that helpful tips, and in line with our theme: here's what's coming your way in the community:

The Love Potion: For Lasting Same Sex Romantic Relationships

Oogachaga presents a workshop for all you seeking to maintain a healthy relationship. Details are as follows:

Date - 13 March 2010, Saturday

Time - 2pm to 5pm

Venue - 15 Philip Street, #03-00, Tan Ean Kiam Building.

Admission - FOC (please register at events@oogachaga.com to get your best seat!)

For more info - please head to this link - http://www.oogachaga.com/node/181

pinkdot 2010

Remember the big fun under the sun we had last year during this event, pinkdot this year promises to be even bigger! This year, pinkdot honours the scared bonds of family kinship. So mark down your calendars & and bring your loved ones down for a pink ole' time. Details are as follows:

Date - 15 May 2010, Saturday

For more info - please head to this link - http://www.facebook.com/pinkdot

YOH4

lastly, YOH4 is coming up and we want YOU (if you meet the age requirements that is) to be joining in. More details will be given in the following three days. In the meantime, if you do know people that would interested to join YOH4, point them towards this link to sign up - http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/joining-yoh.html

Until the next edition of HEADBUTT!

Take Care,

YOH

STEP OUT with YOH!

2010-02-28T02:25:00.003+08:00

Do YOU want to

o Gain more confidence?

o Find out more about yourself?

o Make more friends in a safe, inclusive environment?

o Voice your opinions about issues that concern you?

o Learn more about the LGBT community?

If you say ‘YES’ to any of the above questions, and you’re between the ages of 16 to 21, feel free to join Young OUT Here (YOH)!

YOH is a social support group, run by queer youths, for queer youths. We reach out to teens like YOU, who want to come together to not only learn from each other, but also to share experiences and build your social and support networks. We provide you with all that – for FREE!

The 13 Sessions cover a range of topics from coming out, family, school, friends, community, and relationships and of course… sex!

Started back in 2006, YOH is about to embark on to its fourth run (YOH4) and we are inviting you to join. Just email us your name, and your basic particulars (including cell phone number, age and interests) we’ll contact you from there!

What are you waiting for?

There are only a limited number of spaces (15) in each run of YOH, so apply here today!

Closing date for registration: March 31^st 2010

YOH coming soon

2010-02-13T12:29:00.001+08:00

YOH Head Butt! - Indie Edition (Extended Cut) - 11 Feb 2010

2010-02-12T03:48:00.000+08:00

the extended cut....

11th Feb 2010

Another week and another edition of YOH's Headbutt! Yeah we're a week behind but get ready for quite an explosive (and longer) edition of HEADBUTT!

Sometimes when we're all sick and tired of reading the same iPad news on tech blogs, or just plain irritated by hearing another single or remix from Beyonce or Lady Gaga (or noisy CNY music all around), watching another screening of Avatar 3D, it's nice to take a breather and take the road less travelled sometimes. Thus we subtitled this HEADBUTT! the Indie Edition.

Most music acts and movies (except probably from the big major blockbuster studios) had its humble beginnings as small basement projects, crafting pieces that few people appreciate but gained a following. A good example is a little known ditty that spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Top 100 charts last year - Fireflies by Owl City. Adam Young worked on his music in his parent's basement and his song grew in popularity virally online and soon he got signed on to Universal Music. and next thing you know, we can't get that song out of our heads for a period of time. So this edition is pay tribute to such brilliant artisans that pave the way forward for many of what we consider 'popular' art!

CONGRATS!

Firstly, congratulations need to be handed out. In our last issue of HEADBUTT! We've mentioned that the short films that were eligible for this year's Singapore Short Film Awards were being screened at the Substation. We're very happy to announce one of YOH's guest speakers - Loo Zihan won 'Best Script' for his short film 'Threshold'. 'Threshold' was also nominated 3 out of the 10 categories, namely 'Best Script', 'Best Soundtrack' and 'Best Cinematography'! You can view the trailer for 'Threshold' here.

Other LGBT short film makers also took home awards. Sun Koh took home the award for 'Best Director' and 'Best Fiction' award for her short film 'Dirty Bitch'. Tan Wei Keong won 'Best Animation' for 'Hush Baby'. and Royston Tan recieved an honorary award for outstanding contribution to the local film community through his short films. Congrats to all winners!

WHAT's UP?

Probably in the next coming few days, you'll be either rushing around, doing last minute shopping for CNY, or making huge plans for an upcoming V'Day hot date...in which case there are a few things happening around town that you might want to check out.

Action for AIDS (AfA) is organizing an event on 12th Feb (yes it's tmr) night in PLAY club. It's for BOTH couples and singles - it promises to be an event that celebrates everything in a relationship. More details are as follows here:

Date - 12 Feb 2010, Friday
Time - 1130pm
Price - $10 cover charge
Venue - PLAY Club: 21 Tanjong Pagar Road

If you are looking for a quiet place to celebrate that all important day of St Valentine's with your loved ones, our friendly neighbours at 'The Garden Slug' have prepared a GLBT-only Valentine's Day dinner on 15th Feb 2010. Please call to make your reservations. More details are as followshere:

Date - 15 Feb 2010, Monday
Time - starting from 6pm
Price - $55 per head or $60 per head
Venue - The Garden Slug: 55 Lorong L Telok Kurau #01-59/61

If you do recall during one of the stop's of YOH's own 'Rainbow' tour last year, we stopped by Utterly Art and found out that alot of LGBT artists held their first exhibitions there. Well we've just been informed by our dear Dr Pwee Keng Hock that there's a new exhibition from Singapore artist Wong Shih Yaw happening there. More details are as follows here:

Date - 18 to 28 Feb 2010
Time - Utterly Art's opening hours
Venue - Utterly Art: 229A South Bridge Road (2nd Level)

If you have been following Oscar news and buzz, this debut film from gay fashionista director would not be a stranger to you. Adapted from Christopher Isherwood's novel, 'A Single Man' is one of the most critically acclaimed film of this year. Be the first in Singapore to watch this film and at the same time help raise fund for the Fridae Community Fund. It will go into community led projects such as Indignation and Pink Dot - the Freedom to Love campaign. More details are as follows here.

Date - 3 Mar 2010
Time - 9pm (Reception starts at 8pm)
Venue - The Cathay @ Handy Road
Price - US $30 for VIP (with reception), US $10 for standard tickets. Get your tickets viaFridae Shop.

Indie Shuffle!

Inspired by the recent spate of amazing music acts that have landed in Singapore (or are scheduled to appear), HEADBUTT! would like to highlight some of them have been playing in our playlist and be ready to be bedazzled by them! The tracks listed below are of course not exhaustive of the great library of songs produced by these acts. What's more, go googlearound for their remixes and alternatives mixes of their songs - they are bound to bring up some surprises!

Florence + the Machine

She was just here in Singapore over the weekend and performed to a packed audience, Florence + the Machine rose to fame across quite a few music media in 2009. Her sound is generally described as soul-inspired indie rock and the band's debut album 'Lungs' rose to the number one spot in the top 40 UK charts earlier in Jan. Here are just a few tracks from their debut album to wet your appetite.

Phoenix

This French alternative rock band recently won in the Grammys for 'Best Alternative Music Album' and rightfully so! Here in YOH, we do agree that their latest album 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix' was one of the best sounding albums of 2009. A few of their tracks were used in trailers for various movies and used in top prime time shows such as CSI. Although their sound is more of alternative rock, but they have smartly blend in synth pop into their songs, making the entire album a real joy to listen to.

1901
Lisztomania
Fences
Long Distance Call (25 Hours A Day Mix)
For a list of Phoenix remixes - click here.

Passion Pit

Bringing back the sexy back on electro pop, Passion Pit's debut album 'Manners' was lauded as one of the best debut albums of last year. So far so that John Mayer recommended one of its tracks 'The Reeling' and 'Moth's Wings' in his Battle Studies blog! With a wicked mix of loose beats, fruity melodies and 'lil boy' vocals, 'Manners' is one album that will have you listening to it to lift any spirits up! (Lady Gaga took notice of Passion Pit and asked them to remix her upcoming single 'Telephone')

and to end off this really long extended HEADBUTT!, and in the same vein as Passion Pit's 'The Reeling', we found this two tracks to be absolute ear porn!

On behalf of all in YOH, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year and a Blissful Valentine's Day holiday ahead!

HEADBUTT would be taking a short break next week to recover from the overdose of bak kwa and chocolates...

Take Care,
YOH

YOH Head Butt! - What's UP Edition

2010-01-26T17:19:00.009+08:00

"I like my beers cold and my homosexuals flaming." ~ Homer Simpson

YOH HEAD BUTT! What's UP Edition!

26th Jan 2010

Hey Everyone,

Might be surprised to see another issue of HEADBUTT that soon and that fast within the space of a week, but hey, there are things out there happening and we at YOH want to inform you (in the sudden case that it becomes forgotten news and the happenings ain't that hot anymore)!

Quite a bit of emails came in and also curious Facebook status updates on our last HEADBUTT GLEE edition, thus we're gonna showcase more of such LGBT Friendly entertainment news bites in the upcoming YOH Blog entries, Twitter updates and HEADBUTTs!

What's UP!

Understanding Addiction

The final report of 2009 Men who have sex with Men (MSM) Sex Survey conducted by Fridae.com indicated that 13.4% of the respondents in Singapore consumed recreational drugs (e.g.Viagra, ecstasy, poppers, methamphetamines) for sex. Yet, the communities have very little understanding on drug use, its effect and the danger of developing drug addiction. The survey also reported that MSMs on drugs are more likely to engage in unsafe sex (51% on drugs versus 29.6% no drugs).

At the same time, oversea studies show that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals who are struggling to cope with their sexual identities, are at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviours such as drug, alcohol and sex addiction.

Oogachaga presents this first ever community talk about drug, alcohol and sex addiction. OC aims to provide a basic understanding of the various addictions in this public forum. More details can be found here.

Details - Date - 30 January 2010

Time - 4 to 7pm
Venue - Jade 1 Room, ParkRoyal at Kitchener Road Direction - Parkroyal at Kitchener Road is located near Farrer Park NE8 MRT Station. Please use Exit G or H.
Admission - Free

Please register at events@oogachaga.com for the event as seats are limited

Coming Home: Discussions from Abroad

Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC) presents a discussion of experiences. who have gone abroad and come back to Singapore. Unscripted and unrehearsed, come listen and share in the experiences of gay Singaporeans who have seen the other side of the fence and have decided to come home. What are their feelings about coming home? More details can be found here.

Where is home? Is it tied to a physical location?
What is home? How do you define it?
Why do you call Singapore home?
Can you be an openly gay person in Singapore?

Date - 6th Feb, Saturday
Time - 4pm to 6pm
Venue - 41A Neil Road
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 drinks and finger food)
RSVP - This event is by invitation only.
As there are limited seats, prior registration is required.
For an invite -please email pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Singapore Short Film Awards

Co-organised by Objectifs: Centre for Photography and Filmmaking
Supported by apbc Offices and Infinite Frameworks
25th – 31st January 2010
An entire week of short film screenings every night showcasing Singaporean short films produced in 2009!

At The Substation Theatre from January 25-31.
Admission is by donation (Any amount).
No advanced booking of tickets is necessary.

The Awards will be held on 31 January by invitation.

For the full screening schedule and details, click here.

2010 Asia Internet MSM Sex Survey

No Names, No Faces,

Only the Sordid Details.

If you are a man who has sex with other men, or a transgendered person, we invite you to participate in our community-driven survey. Participation is open to all those living in Asia.

It is completely anonymous - no names are recorded - and takes less than 10 minutes to finish.
The results will give us critical information in understanding why HIV and other sexually transmitted infection rates are rising so quickly in our community, and help us design better programs for you.
From January 1 to 28 February 2010.
To participate - please click here.
YOH Details:
Twitter - http://twitter.com/young_out_here
Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-OUT-Here
YOH Blog - http://young-out-here.blogspot.com

Quite a fair bit of things are happening, so you can't exactly say that there's nothing to do in Sg. (oh yeah who's up for L4D2 killing spree soon?!)
Till the next edition of HEADBUTT,
we're gonna leave you with a favourite MTV of our's (just simply beautiful) from the Icelandic group - Sigur Ros:

Take care,
YOH

YOH Head Butt! - Glee Edition

2010-01-22T17:00:00.002+08:00

"By its very definition, Glee is about opening yourself up to JOY" - Pilot Episode of GLEE

YOH Head Butt! Jan 2010 Edition

aka - the GLEE Edition.

Hi Everyone,

As you probably know, one of the YOH's favourite show, GLEE, won last Monday for Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy) at the star studded Golden Globes awards. And counting the numerous awards that it had garnered, here's one that didn't make much of a news unless you've been following alternative news flashes - GLEE won big (Two major awards - Best TV Series and Best TV Performance for Jane Lynch) at the first ever Dorian Awards. The Dorian Awards were voted by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, which is composed of film and television journalists and historians writing or commenting for media such as "The Advocate", "TV Guide" and "US Weekly".

Add those wins to the other nominations from within the community - The 21st Annual GLAAD Media awards, it seems that the TV phenomenon about a bunch of mis-fits high school show choir is well on the way to becoming quite a staple of the awards season happening in Hollywood now.

Though just 13 episodes in, it's got quite a huge following - over 1million 'fans' on facebook & over 2.5million iTunes downloads of its songs. and not to mention all the illegal streaming and downloads of the show over the net. What does a bunch of high school 'losers' (insert obvious 'L' sign over forehead) have that we adore so much that got us going back more and more?

GLEE-Ks and unafraid to show it!

The reason that we've often heard when asked the reason for loving GLEE so much - is that we can all relate to it. As youths, we were all 'losers' at some point in our life (and probably still feel the same now...), either in school or in life. There are several character archetypes in the show - the Divas, the Jock, the over bearing parents, the disabled kids, the over achievers and more. But what GLEE has done (almost very 'High School Musical' like), is making sure that the characters doesn't stick to their status quo.

Struggling with issues such as popularity in school, sexual identities, the search for a bigger belonging, demands of parental expectations, unexpected pregnancies, teenage crushes and love - all these relevant and but yet poignant issues were showed every week and we can't help to feel for each of the characters that were going through something.

Special shout out to Kurt, of course, by 'defying gravity, and coming out to his dad in the fourth episode and later, flunking the all important Diva-Off so that he could save the humiliation of his dad - it's such storylines and characters that keep it relevant to us and at the same time, bring hopes to thousands of us that are straddling between societal concerns and our individual 'shoulds/coulds/woulds'.

All that Song and Dance! and a whole lot of LAUGHS!

You must be tone deaf and probably blind, not to notice all the over the top and sometimes moving song and dance performances! Second reason why we love GLEE so much? it's all the songs and dance! Taking from a huge library of current tracks (Rihanna's Take a Bow, Jordin Sparks' No Air. Beyonce's Halo etc), evergreen favourites (Journey's Don't Stop Believin', REO Speedwagon's Can't Fight This Feelin' etc) & innovative mashups, GLEE made the all very dull and yes, 'right at the bottom rung of the ladder', show choir REALLY HIP and FUN!

Here's a bit of good news for all of us that are eagerly awaiting the return of the season on April 13th - in the lineup of the performances:

Madonna (She will not be performing, but she has given rights to 10 songs of hers' to be used in one episode) - What It Feels Like For A Girl, Vogue (performed by Jane Lynch!), Boderline, Open Your Heart, 4 Minutes, Like A Virgin, Like a Prayer, Burning Up, Express Yourself & Crazy for You.
Idina Menzel - Our favourite 'Wicked' star will be coming on as the role of coach of Vocal Adrenaline (the rival Glee club in the first episode that performed 'Rehab')
Olivia Newton John - (go google who she is if you have no idea) - She will be performing 'Physcial' with Jane Lynch!
and oh yes, in light of all the various - not a performance but a storyline that IS happening - Kurt's getting a boyfriend! ('Bust Your Windows' Mercedes!)

REGIONALS and then NATIONALS - Here We Come!

Watching GLEE sometimes brings back memories of back in the days of when all of us were in school and struggling to balance school work and our very tiring CCAs - and for every CCA, there always is a competition of sorts (Singapore Youth Festival, NPCC awards...etc). Seeing New Directions, with its long road to (so far) the Sectionals was both enlightening, entertaining but at the same time, reflective. It's not easy!

So why do you like GLEE - Tell us your top favourite moments and songs from the show and we'll post it up on our YOH Blog and also in the next release of HEADBUTT!

Take care everyone!

YOH

Head Butt - World AIDS Day Edition

2009-12-06T10:55:00.001+08:00

"If only learning about HIV is as simple as A-B-C" - World AIDS Day 2009

YOH HEAD BUTT!

Dec 09 Edition

Hi Everyone,

on this very commemorative day, YOH launches its first very Head Butt! monthly newsletter.Head Butt! just wants to keep everyone in sync with some of the community news out there and what's the latest going in for YOH, for YOH members past and present and supporters of YOH.

YOH4

We've launched some publicity for YOH4, but more to be unrolled tonight as well. Look out for it on all channels from Facebook to twitter to the various community channels as well. Btw, if you haven't followed YOH on twitter and on facebook - what are you waiting for?

Twitter - http://twitter.com/young_out_here

Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-OUT-Here

Facebook Group (for YOH members only) - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105921462727

YOH4 is slated to start in Jan 2010.

YOH

YOH turned THREE this year in 2009.

Here's a look back at some of the several milestones for YOH and events that YOH was involved with:

- Aug 06: YOH (Young OUT Here) was formulated by the few of us
- Jan to Jul 07: YOH 1 started with 10 sessions, 9 members
- Aug 07: 1st batch of facilitators were trained
- Dec 07 to Jun 08: YOH 2 started, 12 sessions, 14 members
- Jul 08: 2nd batch of facilitators were trained
- Aug 08: YOH Publicity during Indignation 08
- Nov 08 to Apr 09: YOH 3 started, 13 sessions, 11 members
- Apr 09: Co Organised 'Labels & Love' public forum and workshop with Oogachaga anddirrtyremixes.com
- May 09: YOH attended the first Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park
- Jun 09: 3rd batch of facilitators were trained
- Aug 09: Co Organised 'OUTRace 09' with Oogachaga and dirrtyremixes.com
- upcoming more events and YOH4

World AIDS Day 2009

As you know it's World AIDS Day today. World AIDS Day is marked by the world on the 1st of December. It started back in 1987 to raise awareness of those whom have been affected, and or infected. To this date, a short 28 years after the first HIV infection was diagnosed, close to 40 million have been infected. Today, every single of those 40million infected, is not just a statistic, but also an individual struggle yearning to be told to the rest of the world.

in conjunction with World AIDS Day, there's an art exhibition called 'Dipped in Red' held at the PLU Hangout Cafe. More details here - http://www.farm.sg/events/details/dipped_in_red/

and for more activities this World AIDS Day - hop on to http://www.livelife.org.sg/

Don't just participate in the activities and the parties, take active action today. The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Know your A-B-Cs of prevention of HIV/AIDS, do not discriminate and care for HIV positive people, know how to protect yourself and your loved ones =) As we always say - Do not hate, Relate...

Ending Lines

There are more things coming up for YOH. I'm not going to give too much away, but keep your mouse clicks and ears and eyes for more news unveiled along the Dec. YOH contributed a few articles in the biannual newsletter of AfA called the Act. If you want a copy, just ask it from me. Meanwhile, please keep safe and take care everyone. Tightest hugs. and Happy Holidays

YOH