You've watched this year's PinkDot video: "Someday". So the big question we want to ask you is: "What are your hopes & dreams?"
YOH @ PinkDot 2012 is presenting the 'Light Up Your Dream' project. We want you to pen down your hopes and dreams. And watch them light up in Hong Lim Park.
Starting from 430pm (come early with your friends and family!), the YOH team will be helping you to light those individual hopes and dreams up at our community booth.
So what are you waiting for? See you this Saturday @ PinkDot 2012!
As that all important PinkDot date draws even closer, we want you, the all important ones that are going to helping to fill Hong Lim Park, to have all the latest information. So here's what we have compiled so far:
Date: 30th June 2012, Saturday
Venue: Hong Lim Park (Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay NE5, Exit A)
Schedule:
430pm - YOH's booth will be officially open (So will our PinkDot 2012 Project)
530pm - Community Tent (with other LGBTQ organisations such as BearProject, Indignation, Sayoni, Pelangi Pride Center, Oogachaga, Action for AIDS, Queer Book Club, Sgrainbow, Singaypore, Women's Nite, Rainbower etc) will be in full bloom.
630pm - PinkDot 2012 Concert starts at the Telok Ayer CC Stage.
730pm (or when it's appropriately dark) - the 4th PinkDot will be formed in Hong Lim Park
Ambassadors this year include: Local entertainer Kumar, actor Lim Yu Beng, TV host and actress Sharon Au
What to WEAR and BRING: Pink! Pink! Pink! From tee shirts, to LED torch lights, to umbrellas, to drinks & food to your picnic baskets. LED torch lights, with pink cellophane, works best! Your trusty cellphone torchlight with a 'Pink filter' will work too.
Most of all, bring someone or a group of your closest friends and family members to this one unforgettable event.
Theme song: True Colours - Cyndi Lauper
We can't wait to see YOU at PinkDot. So make plans for it NOW. Get your wardrobe ready. Come down early to take part in our YOH/PinkDot 2012 project. AND share this date with your friends and loved ones by bringing them down to it, or sharing the various Youtube videos or Facebook pages.
As we are counting down the last few days to the biggest gathering on the LGBTQ calendar, we know your excitement is basically bursting at the seams. To help you quench that thirst, at least for a while, we are going to give you a small recap of what the YOH team presented at last year's PinkDot.
Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page, Twitter reel or here to get first hand news about what we're going to be doing at THIS year's PinkDot.
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!
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!".
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!)
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 atyoung-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 onTwitter: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!
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
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
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
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
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
