tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86861749579360018692024-03-19T19:22:49.242+08:00young out here| Queer Youth Group: For the Youths - By the Youths! | young.out.here@gmail.com |young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-86177498054544089042014-05-24T11:19:00.004+08:002014-05-24T11:19:40.887+08:00We've shifted! Hi there!<br />
<br />
We've relocated our online presence from this blog to <a href="http://www.young-out-here.com/">www.young-out-here.com</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056140686775637112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-22159971562004103552014-04-01T09:36:00.000+08:002014-04-01T09:36:25.483+08:00YOH9 is starting soon! <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Calling all
youths! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking for
a safe, secular space to make new friends, discuss LGBTQ related issues AND
have loads of fun at the same time? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Look no
further! Young Out Here is now opening up support group sign ups for youths
aged 16 – 22 years old. Click on “Register your Interest with YOH” on the left
to sign up now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US">Click on “YOH
Support Group” to find out more about what we do, or head over to our Facebook
page to check out what other cool stuff we’re doing too! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPOfZLcq-E6X6ArkhPh23vZIHqn7glfh-XyMMSkwQf3xw10M4cLLxZIA5ufYiI5ELfRlo1ofzf_Fk-FPS1eUlps52IcUX9B6zlEVtsW9k-qiJrgklrHm1817clJRpLjtV7diaKobLGL9t/s1600/YOH9+Marketing+Picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPOfZLcq-E6X6ArkhPh23vZIHqn7glfh-XyMMSkwQf3xw10M4cLLxZIA5ufYiI5ELfRlo1ofzf_Fk-FPS1eUlps52IcUX9B6zlEVtsW9k-qiJrgklrHm1817clJRpLjtV7diaKobLGL9t/s1600/YOH9+Marketing+Picture.png" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-20515656880367191242013-04-09T23:26:00.004+08:002013-04-09T23:26:45.928+08:00YOH's Statement on Singapore High Court's decision to uphold Section 377A<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/150480_10151529583676460_762120085_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As
a community youth group dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of young LGBTQ
Singaporeans, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/youngouthere?group_id=0">Young
OUT Here</a> is deeply disappointed with the High Court of Singapore’s
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a7732ac4-8154-4326-a04d-02d9d1fed24b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="efab141b-dda0-4112-830a-2ca2fb5dd72e" grcontextid="decision:0">decision</span> to dismiss the constitutional challenge against Section 377a of the
Penal Code. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Such
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="adac505c-a02d-4d89-b71e-faf866da6b0d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="25929c24-fe03-495c-b59a-8b25837b3d51" grcontextid="a:0">a</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> decision would have an adverse impact on the wellbeing of young Singaporeans,
</span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6f232d43-13bd-4a51-8b35-2b2fa1478438" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="00bf45cf-591e-48e7-a0c5-ef502d1c7e02" grcontextid="many:0" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">many</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of whom </span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c7f7778f-a8c7-49a1-983c-194c5c67c585" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="00bf45cf-591e-48e7-a0c5-ef502d1c7e02" grcontextid="face:1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">face</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> discrimination daily, in the form of teasing, bullying, and
</span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0eadd94f-55f4-4cef-a011-2a45311a331d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8c874430-e637-4daa-9766-f4ce3a474162" grcontextid="even:0" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">even</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> outright physical abuse. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nonetheless, YOH and our allies remain committed to championing the safety and
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4ba370f7-b1ee-4e40-b852-79e4e7957627" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="ce3479d5-ab48-4a04-b227-91b996a493d7" grcontextid="welfare:0">welfare</span> of Singapore’s LGBTQ youth, in the hopes that Singapore will one day
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2dbbc370-e415-4f1e-bf85-f058347c7898" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="35ff1cf5-6331-4cf6-8d48-3cdf1c1fcc77" grcontextid="see:0">see</span> them for the talented, unique individuals that they are.</div>
</span><br />
<br />
<br />young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-45419885539215761612013-04-08T16:21:00.000+08:002013-04-08T16:22:40.713+08:00Will I Have A Happy Life?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/563750_10151527460471460_924113790_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Getting
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="f5b214c5-85f7-4ff0-9a4f-f41a3d7a8355" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a3a87c43-5cb4-41ab-9c67-44e79dbd9415" grcontextid="picked:0">picked</span> on by classmates, being laughed at in NS, not fitting in with my friends
- <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="217ebd16-c01c-4dbe-b7d1-c1cb5d4af4f8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="436cddbf-7841-4521-8101-b5c03ff2d16d" grcontextid="do:0">do</span> things get better for me? Will it ever?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="52580108-16a5-46f6-a7cc-d90c02adf79a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a29d6e2d-e611-453f-9bd0-5899eb358622" grcontextid="you:0">you</span> want to explore such questions with other like-minded LGBTQ youths in a
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ff9a67f3-3be0-45cf-aa5e-d44e5c679e9e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8b385602-91dc-4aba-9ed7-960d4c6ea0be" grcontextid="safe:0">safe</span> & inclusive environment, sign up for YOH's support group <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a746dfed-078f-405d-bdc5-1d7e3ebdf9e9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8b385602-91dc-4aba-9ed7-960d4c6ea0be" grcontextid="programme:1">programme</span>!<br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Join us now at <span style="color: white;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh">http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh</a> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-11655243742040069152013-03-26T17:50:00.002+08:002013-03-26T17:53:40.981+08:00Cason Crane: Climbing For LGBTQ youths!<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>We sat
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="27dd3693-58f9-40c8-aba2-11d04e554a22" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5cbea7d5-5bbd-41dd-b640-aac9bf8ff33f" grcontextid="down:0">down</span> (not quite literally) before his <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="aa6abb5a-f4ef-4d55-b0a9-75dc45c1a229" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5cbea7d5-5bbd-41dd-b640-aac9bf8ff33f" grcontextid="lil:1">lil</span> trip here to Singapore and shared
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="fd784fbd-08ae-496a-a854-aabe902d4cdd" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="908e4438-a48e-4d9d-811b-3a8d81e2ae6d" grcontextid="snippets:0">snippets</span> of his life & motivations before this Friday's event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Introduce Cason Crane in ONE sentence.</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="59d26cbd-518e-4461-9cda-7d383eb8ab6c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="499fa219-bfcc-4fba-8b47-17bcc9fcd573" grcontextid="name:0">name</span> is Cason Crane and I'm a 20-year-old adventurer, mountain climber, and
LGBTQ rights activist who is currently raising awareness for suicide prevention
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b8a9ff17-a42b-4255-92e3-99b45cff59a8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="34f248e8-b9d8-4e1c-bd8c-e3edbcdd0aeb" grcontextid="in:0">in</span> the LGBTQ community by climbing the highest mountain on each continent.
<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://rainbowsummits.org/wp-content/uploads/MG_2497_LR-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rainbowsummits.org/wp-content/uploads/MG_2497_LR-200x300.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What were your motivations behind starting
'Rainbow Summits'?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3262c16d-7036-46b1-92db-f174c323d894" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2ae1feee-37ec-4f95-b918-955cf466507b" grcontextid="wanted:0">wanted</span> to use my personal initiative to climb the "Seven
Summits" as a platform to raise awareness for issues facing LGBTQ youth. I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bf938071-8e5c-4179-9489-73efd067f9d5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dd762389-a415-4ab8-a69f-0570f01f61fd" grcontextid="was:0">was</span> personally passionate about the issue of suicide prevention in the LGBTQ
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0caea6d2-13b5-4da2-a9fb-bc3b0f13b206" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4c5b2bec-2129-44d3-a352-19312038f101" grcontextid="community:0">community</span>, and so I recognized this opportunity to try to give back
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="67e4ee25-ea0a-470c-be81-b9b0d3be80c9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e08e1f79-6a3c-4d02-8abb-aae33973bfb0" grcontextid="while:0">while</span> also pursuing a lifelong dream of mine. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Climbing & scaling mountains <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="766f578e-6022-4bf1-a1cd-76932462142e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="eed3bad3-8c28-4f68-bb8c-b5abcb3c21eb" grcontextid="ain't:0">ain't</span> easy
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5afaa761-7199-472a-9e06-b6d4d1319ff7" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="42c2137d-cca1-479c-beaf-78e10b7ef05c" grcontextid="and:0">and</span> not to mention dangerous. What got you started?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6f61b49d-4bc9-434e-a2b8-29bcdc54c83f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c76ecb62-2de8-4418-9de1-05878420edb1" grcontextid="got:0">got</span> started mountain climbing when I was 15. My mother and I decided to pursue
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8f6c8853-78b7-4323-b99b-456a2eb2c770" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="456c76f4-2861-4a5d-9286-27527c2dce0e" grcontextid="a:0">a</span> fun challenge, and so we went and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="afd1ba61-8f19-491e-b00f-d0adf179f197" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="b3077104-6d80-4ee9-a9af-d6991b3f467b" grcontextid="mountain:0">mountain</span> in Africa. Honestly, the moment I reached the summit of Kili, I was
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="138d35fb-1db7-4827-888f-157830474b56" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1ef2afbf-dec0-4480-bf84-60130394dcda" grcontextid="hooked:0">hooked</span>. Something about the combination of an individual challenge,
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4d4f9d5c-73c6-49d5-a0bb-ee0e8e0da620" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7ecdf152-a9ea-4a35-a714-bf15a5322302" grcontextid="the:0">the</span> beauty of the outdoors, and the internal reflection you get from being off
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="94c92b20-2ce8-4e56-ac62-9bf6cfe64250" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="50b6197b-c91e-4e4b-9960-5c9abd5170fa" grcontextid="the:0">the</span> grid make mountain climbing a personal passion for me. I haven't looked
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5e37d958-d0be-4f2f-992d-9dd883117015" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="ca36406f-5c5b-409b-bb7f-23005942c85e" grcontextid="back:0">back</span> since!<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What made you decide to raise money for 'The Trevor
Project'?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="812f9d52-00af-49e3-b8d9-256a86df00f9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7f4a19a0-a7b7-4594-a477-9590e2024e90" grcontextid="was:0">was</span> motivated to raise money and awareness for The Trevor Project by the tragic
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3a189e8e-18d9-46b1-abfe-5f2d492b76fe" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="077324f8-ec9f-4dfc-ba1c-221fbe83d3ed" grcontextid="death:0">death</span> of a good friend of mine, and of Tyler Clementi, who was a gay student at
Rutgers, a university in my home state of New Jersey. After Charlotte and Tyler's
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="31a13ee5-c03f-4567-8045-cea25b0619a2" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8dc458ed-4435-480b-bef5-8e324ef4eefd" grcontextid="deaths:0">deaths</span>, I knew that I needed to try to make a difference on this issue, and The
Trevor Project was (and is) the only organization providing comprehensive
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e5e1ebe8-f719-49e8-963a-acb1b5a69f83" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="422882c6-bf9f-44f1-bec6-3f6e8413d0a5" grcontextid="suicide:0">suicide</span> prevention and crisis intervention services to LGBTQ youth in the
United States.<b> </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://www.glaad.org/files/styles/large/public/Vinson2rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.glaad.org/files/styles/large/public/Vinson2rainbow.jpg" width="284" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Have you encountered any obstacles thus far?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="62a4e956-2571-4bb8-a7a1-8cd3f2d7a383" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9c91f874-6d13-42f0-adf8-79625f2b2e4d" grcontextid="have:0">have</span> encountered many obstacles...far too many to recount here. One of the
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="79cd6f77-c50f-4cc4-a256-824253bf9905" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="146a7195-e923-4e90-b0f5-5f7e92b12d00" grcontextid="things:0">things</span> that make mountaineering such a compelling sport is that it requires
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="15c37504-e651-43fa-b62b-4e1a345841a3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a71798b8-38cd-47cc-afbf-0e2e59d7b552" grcontextid="more:0">more</span> than just physical exertion. There is that, obviously, but it is also
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a4acb22e-40f8-4f30-af96-a7d3662a36aa" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dab31730-d77b-4040-90ca-e064b6822224" grcontextid="hugely:0">hugely</span> mental, and requires a lot of preparation, planning, and logistics.
Basically, that means you've got to be on your toes all the time and that
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="77a297b2-f95d-4762-a9be-173605ff330f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a52acfce-1a0b-49e2-b07d-28614f1570bb" grcontextid="you:0">you</span>'re faced with all sorts of difference challenges, even at times when you
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="301f84c4-166d-47ae-af21-5ead3589cf6a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6d7529b7-61e4-40c4-a2cd-11d321115022" grcontextid="don't:0">don't</span> expect them.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What's your greatest challenge yet?</span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I would
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3b91cab1-9856-4265-aec6-bf3185b254c8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4647c8a7-d257-4541-aedc-13df4ee9ee68" grcontextid="say:0">say</span> that the most significant challenge I have faced so far was my period of
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9acf13db-877f-4b94-a597-376f5b0edd6f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d7d2ee15-a276-4e26-89ae-2ebd6f549c03" grcontextid="internal:0">internal</span> reflection after I was unable to summit Denali (Mt. McKinley, the
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2cad1df1-211c-40c2-a057-9e6fb0f72954" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0fd01fa0-c8e5-465b-8deb-53089dd2ba4c" grcontextid="highest:0">highest</span> mountain in North America), last summer due to weather conditions. I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="f54e8d5a-f45a-40c5-a54b-3ab6f2f859db" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="045ffe16-c539-4562-a2bd-03718c76adc6" grcontextid="had:0">had</span> hoped that it would be my fourth of the Seven Summits, and I had to ask
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b3875245-c9a6-4012-923d-0a526c58cbec" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c487f8c5-ea12-4fb6-9ae8-f9b90fe59513" grcontextid="myself:0">myself</span> a lot of tough questions after I didn't make the top. "Could I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ad3633f3-fd65-4c30-bb03-9a5bbfcf0fa6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="162c7239-5023-4ac7-8b09-50bb7082c804" grcontextid="complete:0">complete</span> my challenge?" "Do I have the mental and physical strength
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="af175510-ff57-4c57-a295-2169aa2681e3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="131c922f-eb8c-4dc4-80b4-5ca8f82ebde4" grcontextid="to:0">to</span> keep going?" "What would this mean for my project and my fundraising?"
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1116e790-40b6-4d71-9fe8-0c9b48abb5c0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d6461cef-765b-4ca9-91c6-0eae6425027c" grcontextid="were:0">were</span> just a few of the many questions floating around in my head. In the end, I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2a6d8509-ddca-45aa-bef6-d7fd27120028" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="12060887-21ec-456f-929a-90db82e18528" grcontextid="realized:0">realized</span> that even though I hadn't summited Denali -- even if I never was able
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="850db91c-270a-4313-9a49-636d5f2b47a6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1c2f97f0-a020-4e39-ae4e-fe0c98f5ef29" grcontextid="to:0">to</span> -- it would mean a lot more for me to keep going despite that setback because in
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4a5e24f9-4155-4f1a-b21c-c225959d3092" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d8e8a3bc-1936-4bef-98e7-e1550faf461a" grcontextid="reality:0">reality</span> it doesn't matter where on
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="cf3e880b-1da1-4efa-b948-249a8cfc75f5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="176ed7fd-0386-4a54-ba7a-a4d2b1990c79" grcontextid="the:0">the</span> mountain you end up as long as you know you've given it your all and tried
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1fc9cd31-88ad-4f19-8918-947a4bb535bb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f688e10f-a408-4009-9f5f-f5555ea840db" grcontextid="your:0">your</span> best. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkg_nKNaYpyiE0gVK5f31MYfz6UR8xQEH4DLFzHrdv418VC4Yx10OurVFL7ucJjqK2yznZmo6j75sHslAGalvzUQppENWzW2AXvRFZ_9_5ejbBsIFvQqfEgZcsxTTqinhAJYQ7KYrOIEc/s1600/vinson4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkg_nKNaYpyiE0gVK5f31MYfz6UR8xQEH4DLFzHrdv418VC4Yx10OurVFL7ucJjqK2yznZmo6j75sHslAGalvzUQppENWzW2AXvRFZ_9_5ejbBsIFvQqfEgZcsxTTqinhAJYQ7KYrOIEc/s320/vinson4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What have you taken away from it so far?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I've
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c5a233dd-c344-4eb1-9b90-6fb0fe43534a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7da3d043-bf32-4d62-a226-0c508418ecb6" grcontextid="taken:0">taken</span> away so many things...I mean to think of how much I've learned in the
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="66184c35-fbc6-43e4-8aa2-610270cdfda5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a169f9c9-caec-403b-822c-bea9e1b33fad" grcontextid="past:0">past</span> year about the world, mountain climbing, public speaking, fundraising...it
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="48a0b895-3b72-421f-a96d-31ee795d3126" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="440b45b9-fac7-41dd-a21c-159049c4e25f" grcontextid="really:0">really</span> runs the gamut. I would say my top <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3de8adf1-f4f6-4023-9d0a-c269ffde4c13" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d4155e29-fcfc-4379-bc18-6416eaaa494e" grcontextid="take-away:0">take-away</span> from the project is that I
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="fdb35a70-3197-4122-bd48-00bcb29f65d5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7f05d547-7fa1-4468-bd6e-a61f54acba86" grcontextid="have:0">have</span> learned that anyone and
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8e280d94-ca0f-460d-ada3-67c8dd96b88c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5bd76e7b-bbf9-4722-a827-1e66060b1833" grcontextid="everyone:0">everyone</span> can and SHOULD be
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4bb7ef4c-d678-4407-8bb7-caed9f86f18f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="bfd0f324-73e4-4c1a-ba1a-21ba7c952993" grcontextid="an:0">an</span> activist for some issue that they are passionate about. I am passionate
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0af4f8b2-c079-4f07-a4f0-b9f9bb3d747b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dbb8d865-ce34-4ac0-ad5d-eda66bb17ca8" grcontextid="about:0">about</span> LGBTQ issues, and I am trying to do what I can to make positive change
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0aba290d-0a96-473e-be8c-46a8d1be3d69" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1ebd79e1-d6b6-4115-b2f4-be58666d2b01" grcontextid="happen:0">happen</span> by contributing my unique interests and talents. If we all do this, the world will be a
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="90d35e54-b5d7-439f-886d-c40682301ee5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f0d64868-7917-4098-ab20-af92ae18a5c6" grcontextid="much:0">much</span> better and happier planet.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What are you looking forward to here in Singapore?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/rainbowsummits" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CoM_OiATgGvl3HmlNBW0b0VXR-_XKdUbTuKejw-YwIsOJDVzmGUY9Fpxk-3UmY7PMi8j50BLrID-h1ipFmpGNxk0O_4BVT5if1p3oBwpx5K_egUVn86oeijdronn7WzmrhOEoSMC9XoF/s200/Climb+Every+Mountain+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I'm
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="97259c4e-1c50-4103-880b-21cd86ea0f7b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8de3ce81-d03c-441b-b2d1-0909b677846e" grcontextid="most:0">most</span> looking forward to meeting and connecting with other young LGBTQ people in
Singapore and talking about how they can climb their own "Everest,"
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3545410a-214a-4699-a51f-c7fc2008f919" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5fc11408-e553-4b8b-ab69-9cdeecd16c2a" grcontextid="be:0">be</span> it literal or metaphorical! <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Event Note: Cason will be sharing his story this Friday,
29th Mar 2013, 3pm @ YOH's 'Climb Every Mountain' event. Sign up now at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/rainbowsummits"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: white;">http://tinyurl.com/rainbowsummits</span></span></a><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-54755310849302890302013-03-25T16:42:00.001+08:002013-03-25T16:43:11.601+08:00YOH Presents: Climb Every Mountain! - Sign Up<iframe frameborder="0" height="1400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rF9vN1VcNE-hARFihkJrATh4JuO_nRPKwGfgxa4Q1zk/viewform?embedded=true" width="580">Loading...</iframe>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-62824453107852084562013-03-25T16:38:00.001+08:002013-03-25T16:40:22.555+08:00YOH Presents: Climb Every Mountain!<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-21VSaYTD2yE76q2AAYWk69aIMnXRPGwj8rukSNO2jYJOwQKps-PBCn6HgTQAhnQ5I-88vDWJDQQ8Z79fihtpaaKgt_jkw1tr3T5m3I6R1woFUnyYqRE450YCpHeVP-7PasKlFMgvC3AC/s640/Climb+Every+Mountain+2.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="560" /><br />
young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-13673369573550426262013-03-25T13:49:00.000+08:002014-01-12T15:07:54.122+08:00Am I The Only One?<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269317_10151500285481460_370304754_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Uniquely, you are the only one. However, there are others like you on this small island of our's, but where can you find them?<br />
<br />
If you want to explore such questions with other like-minded LGBTQ youths in a safe & inclusive environment, sign up for YOH's support group programme!<br />
(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)<br />
<br />
Join us now at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh">http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh</a><br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-13927723072619402222013-03-20T17:11:00.004+08:002013-03-20T17:12:40.138+08:00How Do I Tell Them?<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555052_10151496942861460_890563514_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Whether it's coming out to your family, friends, loved ones, bunkmates or even online, is there a safe way to do so? </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you want to explore such questions with other like-minded LGBTQ youths in a safe & inclusive environment, sign up for YOH's support group <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="53d9ba1e-e561-4903-9efb-2a75b363ab19" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c7a80315-7bed-4734-88fc-72c257fb8c3b" grcontextid="programme:0">programme</span>! </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)</span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Join us now at</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fjoinyoh&h=LAQFHvaih&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh</span></a></span><br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-726604160343775212013-03-15T18:20:00.000+08:002013-03-15T18:44:18.882+08:00Is It A Choice?<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429651_10151488390276460_1188096797_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Some say "you're born this way", </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Others say "you're a lifestyle", </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">What do you think? </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you want to explore such questions with other like-minded LGBTQ youths in a safe & inclusive environment, sign up for YOH's support group <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5e3cd5a0-37e6-4b53-9424-7a1fc86dd076" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="adff2037-5b83-46b6-adbe-63e9ae7bc861" grcontextid="programme:0">programme</span>! </span><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)<br /><br />Join us now at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-50271045546418771592013-01-30T20:29:00.000+08:002013-01-31T09:23:32.531+08:00i.matter - share your story on bullying & discrimination.<br />
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<img border="0" height="194" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8422325639_23b38193f3_c.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Calling all LGBTQ youths and straight allies!</b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a start to '<span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="i.:0" grmarkguid="fb9e228e-81c5-44c1-9e53-8b5d2a5f43b2" gruiphraseguid="d04c433c-3612-41e4-b37b-0122b2430835">i.</span>matter', we're touching on a topic <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="that:0" grmarkguid="dbc442a8-0f84-4a48-a7e1-85638df4079e" gruiphraseguid="379aa6f6-d5fb-49e1-959b-7b8c70ad6175">that</span> is pretty close to our hearts and minds. It's a topic that might touch a raw <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="nerve:0" grmarkguid="69f95f45-a5ef-4407-83b4-ae41a22a0243" gruiphraseguid="5d0cd1b0-020d-4187-b0e4-f53fc52c323b">nerve</span> in us as we might be guilty of it ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A simple "That's so Gay!" remark by a </span><span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="classmate:0" grmarkguid="cdb54029-5750-4c57-9fcb-726393c3879d" gruiphraseguid="c3b3252b-742f-4109-b056-4aa5c4ab4fa5" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">classmate</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, to being ostracized by platoon mates during National Service for </span><span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="being:0" grmarkguid="8969dad4-dcff-490a-90de-5dac9e5b5653" gruiphraseguid="431ba1e9-385d-41cd-989e-57292543476e" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">being</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 'feminine looking', or even being 'outed' intentionally by teachers, </span><span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="to:1" grmarkguid="9cdb6fe5-7e72-4bb3-8e3f-91f4f062aed0" gruiphraseguid="431ba1e9-385d-41cd-989e-57292543476e" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="being:0" grmarkguid="a764ee77-2764-4299-9cca-649f052084cc" gruiphraseguid="81ee98ff-79c5-4cbd-a93f-51193f282f60" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">being</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> chased out of a workplace for 'dressing different'.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On the flip side, if you have <b>stood up</b> for your fellow LGBTQ friend in a class debate, or <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="made:0" grmarkguid="ceabd848-3bbe-4de2-9b28-3b8fd441ffe4" gruiphraseguid="81394e5c-2f83-4bcc-b0a4-d873f0fec1b1">made</span> he/she feel included team sports in school, <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="or:0" grmarkguid="18a8999f-51bc-4fe5-9f62-23d9702cf008" gruiphraseguid="22457c76-a47f-4894-bf78-7ffe13455e32">or</span> even stopping an act of insensitive remark commenting on social media; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We want to hear your <b>stories and voices</b>! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Highlight not <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="only:0" grmarkguid="daccb302-be63-4cbc-8798-383d25b9747f" gruiphraseguid="5b078200-99b0-44b0-9260-a3435487a126">only</span> the experience, the struggles & the lessons learnt from it but <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="feel:1" grmarkguid="073456a5-27a6-4b68-8ad8-198d197d302f" gruiphraseguid="5b078200-99b0-44b0-9260-a3435487a126">feel</span> <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="free:0" grmarkguid="279e9e26-8fd9-4e57-b91d-1a58937199dc" gruiphraseguid="703a6cf6-ca96-4055-8f1b-ad23f50eb049">free</span> to showcase your emotions throughout it too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="Disclaimer:0" grmarkguid="931e3b7a-6b82-45f4-8087-4a9a3e2f59d5" gruiphraseguid="e70d1e6a-650d-45d2-9616-468d40ad5ad9">Disclaimer</span> - Your private information <b>will not be <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="shared:0" grmarkguid="d7c6a41d-6ee4-46d2-a227-4bd9d78ad3f7" gruiphraseguid="4b076541-fead-437a-a11b-1a1027a6ab66">shared</span> out onto public sphere</b>, unless we've got your permission. We'll contact <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="you:0" grmarkguid="ed28c06b-9c5f-4753-8377-379ef5921a8d" gruiphraseguid="095a58f3-decb-4211-9aad-1c9135789cdc">you</span> via email for any further clarifications or to seek permission to share <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="your:0" grmarkguid="97157aa3-1e73-4d05-bd39-3079a6205fd0" gruiphraseguid="e93ebb7f-7491-448e-837c-b77fbb1202dd">your</span> story out.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join in the conversation below or on twitter, using the <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="hashtag:0" grmarkguid="dddb8af9-3f5e-428d-881e-48d588fd0972" gruiphraseguid="b3f3d9e3-7fdb-4f08-a905-b5fc7f6f406c">hashtag</span> "<b>#imatter2013</b>" & tell your friends all about it!</span><br />
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<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-94585099713378042013-01-30T09:00:00.000+08:002013-01-30T09:00:04.174+08:00i.matter in my community: Joint Community Statement<br />
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<br />young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-71571844614325459562013-01-28T17:06:00.003+08:002013-01-30T04:34:54.892+08:00WHY DO I.MATTER?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-61341184205400124332012-06-28T21:26:00.001+08:002012-06-28T22:14:50.008+08:00YOH @ PinkDot 2012: Light Up Your Dream<img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4bzkBWCmwXroy9d_DPKHxREOv3HyM5AjUZg1-uagov2MPrH3uYwLf8-kodtH4k9Ven03kJWjowEcnN09RaqcMFcoYHEo62Gy0sQlc52vuY18nKQhm6ZbwdUTHjdFRsX8eWYResZEkJzC/s640/Light+Up+Your+Dream+-+Cover+Facebook.jpg" width="560" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You've watched this year's PinkDot video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qpf6EVEOXg">"Someday"</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So the big question we want to ask you is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"What are your <b>hopes & dreams</b>?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>YOH @ PinkDot 2012</b> is presenting the '<b>Light Up Your Dream</b>' project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We want you to pen down your hopes and dreams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And watch them light up in <b>Hong Lim Park</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting from <b>430pm</b> (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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So what are you waiting for? See you this Saturday @ PinkDot 2012!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2zdRvnPg7Ig?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-20376155457278963012012-06-23T19:36:00.001+08:002012-06-24T12:27:56.813+08:00PinkDot 2012 - The Important Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7urjl0bX9EoxZLh3p5q66_5SIC95wScyyQuZWbRsKU4lZ7G1nXurQDHnf9oYRZa7mtxPBcystpwN1dgX3ph31uwMFCwDUrJBU6bHzhTxMdP16Eo6Exo4wtfNd7JlH4oOEjtZ8vobkjWu/s1600/savethedate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7urjl0bX9EoxZLh3p5q66_5SIC95wScyyQuZWbRsKU4lZ7G1nXurQDHnf9oYRZa7mtxPBcystpwN1dgX3ph31uwMFCwDUrJBU6bHzhTxMdP16Eo6Exo4wtfNd7JlH4oOEjtZ8vobkjWu/s640/savethedate.png" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Date: <b>30th June 2012, Saturday</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Venue: <b>Hong Lim Park </b>(Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay NE5, Exit A)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii27nVC4suIG-JT-y5uvsCYV3xMLM8pbgFEt0KIXu6SuyBZ3zT7e-zvd_YnyVD0bqU87eXOmv2pFKVM0JivPEWdBq1F522_kolEdIrlgdJeSZNy8bVfbSDkkUNagHNbCfB7hEjDEkgdVCC/s1600/PinkDot+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii27nVC4suIG-JT-y5uvsCYV3xMLM8pbgFEt0KIXu6SuyBZ3zT7e-zvd_YnyVD0bqU87eXOmv2pFKVM0JivPEWdBq1F522_kolEdIrlgdJeSZNy8bVfbSDkkUNagHNbCfB7hEjDEkgdVCC/s1600/PinkDot+Map.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Schedule:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>430pm</b> - YOH's booth will be officially open (So will our PinkDot 2012 Project)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>530pm</b> - 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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>630pm</b> - PinkDot 2012 Concert starts at the Telok Ayer CC Stage. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq54dQCCBsjv8Py2Lfl2e7ZOua1KxlyGGXkEWv91NC8QIZ5i2mBbjacUkXEoze2t_3B-oWl74wL6cjFH6MX9xYirqQ1s0ZdqXZifMj2nWBIbndkCEW7cZqLzpKbpeLo9YfsA_7-Dyr8TVX/s1600/PinkDot+2012+-+Concert+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img 400="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq54dQCCBsjv8Py2Lfl2e7ZOua1KxlyGGXkEWv91NC8QIZ5i2mBbjacUkXEoze2t_3B-oWl74wL6cjFH6MX9xYirqQ1s0ZdqXZifMj2nWBIbndkCEW7cZqLzpKbpeLo9YfsA_7-Dyr8TVX/s640/PinkDot+2012+-+Concert+Details.jpg" width="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>730pm</b> (or when it's appropriately dark) - the 4th PinkDot will be formed in Hong Lim Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ambassadors</b> this year include: Local entertainer <b>Kumar</b>, actor <b>Lim Yu Beng</b>, TV host and actress <b>Sharon Au</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What to WEAR and BRING: <b>Pink! Pink! Pink!</b> 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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most of all, bring someone or a group of your closest friends and family members to this one unforgettable event.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Theme song: <b>True Colours - Cyndi Lauper</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='560' height='349' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KnYa9R4N-8c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See you there!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-70133770517920731922012-06-23T17:26:00.000+08:002012-06-23T17:36:35.911+08:00Pretty in Pink: YOH @ PinkDot 2011<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span></span></div></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-32747425711213038242011-10-20T14:32:00.001+08:002011-10-20T14:34:10.015+08:00Join YOH in support for Spirit Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.glaad.org/files/styles/large/public/spiritday-badge-2011.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">from GLAAD's website:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e9e8d3; color: #82817f; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div><h1 style="color: #6e2f8f; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WHAT IS SPIRIT DAY?</span></h1><div style="color: #6e2f8f; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Millions of Americans wear purple on <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday" style="color: #6e2f8f; text-decoration: none;">Spirit Day</a> 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 <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday" style="color: #6e2f8f; text-decoration: none;"><strong>www.glaad.org/spiritday</strong></a></span></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-74235225495659865622011-06-20T22:37:00.006+08:002011-06-20T22:56:04.333+08:00PinkDot 2011 - Pretty in Pink!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sJ0aPyNbzns" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We're still reeling from the incredible turn out at this year's <a href="http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/">PinkDot 2011</a> - 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. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255036_10150221631466460_164475421459_7225782_3730_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263660_10150221629991460_164475421459_7225757_428436_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be sure to check out all the photos from the Project via <a href="http://www.fb.com/youngouthere">YOH's FB Page</a>! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The "I Am" project is going places...which places? We'll tell you more in due time!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5835494517_b55d0ee36a.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5836045272_7d8178e79d.jpg" width="226" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you do have any comments / suggestions that you would like us to know, feel free to email us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="mailto:young.out.here@gmail.com">young.out.here@gmail.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Or if you want like to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/joining-yohs-mailing-list.html"> join our mailing list</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/join-yohs-group-of-volunteers.html">join us as a volunteer in Team YOH</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/joining-yoh.html">join our Support Group</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - feel free to go to our respective pages, and sign up there! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From Team YOH to you - thanks for making out experience at PinkDot 2011 so memorable and exciting! Three cheers for PinkDot 2011!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We'll leave you now with some snapshots from this year's PinkDot 2011 & the 'I Am' Project'. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/259829_10150221649411460_164475421459_7226145_6941096_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251202_10150221574846460_164475421459_7225063_1934864_n.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263452_10150221566361460_164475421459_7224942_5377843_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262280_10150221554856460_164475421459_7224772_4141538_n.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255706_10150221553631460_164475421459_7224743_6121506_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264456_10150221571386460_164475421459_7225003_7831671_n.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254470_10150221559001460_164475421459_7224829_3425206_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be sure to check out the complete photo albums of YOH @ PinkDot 2011 and "I Am" (Project) @ PinkDot 2011 on our <a href="http://www.fb.com/youngouthere">Facebook Page</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</span></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-40474431557566092212011-06-16T11:33:00.002+08:002011-06-16T12:28:59.350+08:00PinkDot 2011 - What's YOH doing at PinkDot?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To celebrate the Freedom to Love at <a href="http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/">PinkDot's event</a>, <b>YOH</b> will be having a booth in Hong Lim Park. <b>YOH</b> 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 <a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/joining-yoh.html">next YOH's Support Group</a> or <a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/joining-yohs-mailing-list.html">any other YOH event</a>, or be part of <a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/p/join-yohs-group-of-volunteers.html">the exciting group of YOH's volunteers</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Furthermore, we'll be kicking start a photo op project, called "I Am". Here are the details: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are all made up of several varying different personalities and identities. And we sometimes neglect to celebrate these idiosyncrasies that make us unique.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>YOH</b> is going to provide that opportunity during this PinkDot 2011, with the launch of the “<b><i>I Am</i></b>” project.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Date: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>18th June 2011, Saturday</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: <b>YOH Booth @ PinkDot 2011, Hong Lim Park, Singapore</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time: <b>415pm onwards</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Simple?? Just come down to our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>YOH</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> booth from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>415pm</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Pen down your "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>I Am</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" statement/thought/identity on a sign. We'll ask you whether you want your photo to be taken by our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>YOH</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> photographers. We'll snap a photo of you with your sign. And post it up on our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/youngouthere">YOH's FB page</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> after!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So start thinking about your "<b><i>I Am</i></b>" statements now! and we'll see you at the <b>YOH</b> booth @ PinkDot 2011!</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"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!". </span></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0Hong Lim Park, Singapore 2595691.2862965 103.846443899999941.285382 103.84526589999994 1.2872109999999999 103.84762189999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-9846672430070307502011-06-16T11:05:00.000+08:002011-06-16T11:05:07.340+08:00PinkDot 2011 - The Details...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=213227668705748">FB event page</a> or <a href="http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/">PinkDot's official webbie</a>. YOH will be having a booth at PinkDot itself, so do come early and join in the festivities. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Date - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>18th June, Saturday</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Hong Lim Park, Singapore</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>from 4pm onwards till 7pm</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What to Wear - <b>Pink (duh!)</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKFcJITikAxjspRNzeS3CBWK3cPMF9YTxPRBBayJwWA1viGTN_vhYCsCSJ4ehjnxTcU_FQ0UKKwoBZVyutreG_2yAFOfxnBGnQd3EuFrig74XzHezRLVjbfD_oVaXTKkaTX0JdEatqXI/s640/concertflyer1.jpg" width="456" /></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0Hong Lim Park, Singapore 2595691.2862965 103.846443899999941.285382 103.84526589999994 1.2872109999999999 103.84762189999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-32178375748016818692011-06-16T10:48:00.001+08:002011-06-16T10:50:09.560+08:00PinkDot 2011: Exclusive - YOH's Pink Profile!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you've read our YOH Pink Profile on <a href="http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-profiles-young-out-here.html">PinkDot Singapore's webbie</a>, and want to know more - </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's the EXCLUSIVE unedited version the YOH Pink Profile!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">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!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who They Are:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">Young Out Here aka <b>YOH</b> 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.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><b>What They Do:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">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.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><b>How To Get In Touch</b>:<b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">Sign up for the YOH Support Group at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/" style="color: #dd6599; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">young-out-here.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">. 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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://twitter.com/young_out_here" style="color: #dd6599; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Twitter:</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">twitter.com/young_out_here and on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/youngouthere" style="color: #dd6599; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"> Facebook:</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">www.facebook.com/youngouthere</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 115%;">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 </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">a safe and inclusive </span></i><i><span style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 115%;">space for the queer youth community to come out, speak up and have a voice of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/5835794303_0c5a46468a.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Tell us about the first run of the YOH Support Group programme. What was memorable about it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">YOH5 started last March. How is it going so far?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/5835794709_50645390b2.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="line-height: 18px;">Of the different topics covered, which one is your personal favorite?</span></i></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">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!</span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 0.5in;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><i>In your opinion, how does the Singapore public now view the LGBT community? </i></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;">Ov</span>erall 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.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/5835793711_50eb436e30.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Is it “easier” for the younger generation to come out compared to a decade ago?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5312/5835795465_8ab433807b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">What are the issues that today’s LGBTQ youth face today?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5836344980_df4a1b91c9.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>In your opinion, how do events/groups like Pink Dot help LGBTs living in Singapore?</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">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.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474b4e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/5835795221_01e02ea8f9.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">What are you going to wear to Pink Dot?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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!<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Lastly, If there’s one message SG LGBTQ youths should know, what is it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thanks AM!</span></div></span></span></div></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-38009939688930117262011-06-15T21:56:00.002+08:002011-06-15T21:57:54.515+08:00PinkDot 2011 - PinkDot Parties to kick start the weekend<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/">PinkDot 2011</a></b> weekend starts in a little over 24 hours with <a href="http://www.twoqueens.me/">Two Queens</a> on Thursday and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206278499417655">NEON</a> on Friday. So what are you waiting for? Details are right below - Don't forget about PinkDot the next day!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253443_10150283222615915_625355914_9530377_6221_n.jpg" width="425" /></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Date - 16 June 2011, Thursday</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time - 9pm to 3am</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location - PLAY Club, 21 Tanjong Pagar, Singapore</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195969910449613">TWO QUEENS PINKDOT PARTY</a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Raising awareness for Pinkdot 2011 ~ Supporting the Freedom to Love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Dress in pink to celebrate the FREEDOM TO LOVE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Regardless of sexual orientation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">But fear, ignorance and prejudice often stands in the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">[WHAT WOULD YOU DO]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Take part in the interactive segment to win PinkDot Goodies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">[PINK DOT PHOTOBOOTH]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Commemorate the moment with PinkDot mascots</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Hosted by Pamelyn Chee</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Doors open at 9pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">FREE ENTRY 9-10pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Members FREE ENTRY (sign in one guest)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Non-members $15 (incl. 1st drink)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Music policy : RnB/Vocal House ft DJ Amy van de Beuken</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Table reservations please email to party@twoqueens.me</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/5834380797_840a767f88.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Date - 17 June 2011, Friday</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time - 9pm to 3am</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location - PLAY Club, 21 Tanjong Pagar, Singapore</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206278499417655">Play presents VACATION: Let's Glow Neon!</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">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!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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!<br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">Dress Code</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NEON, bright colours<br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cover:<br />
First 100 Free Entry before Midnight only if u are dressed in theme!!<br />
Cover $15 inclusive of TWO drinks<br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Drinks Special:<br />
GLOW shots!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com021 Tanjong Pagar, Singapore1.279491 103.844001599999961.1432799999999999 103.60699159999996 1.415702 104.08101159999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-11138755335716980822011-05-04T21:11:00.001+08:002011-05-04T21:13:17.951+08:00It Gets Better - for me, for you, for all of us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswXjTKjkbFSapGH-C24wQvHYkl3rdI673YnyGxLN3YPtrm3UQZGqZPA4ZgbZW4Z8Fzka9DnXGDL_R4JkhqOS6ycMYXHbAR8GzlPPLA8iRwS8WiLk0AwnQpHIa1qEtgREXB2V44EEwZgk/s400/It-Gets-Better-Logo.jpg" width="400" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Started as a response in the 'suicide epidemic' that was sweeping US at that time due to the homophobic bullying to teenagers such as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Raymond Chase, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Tyler Clementi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Ryan Halligan</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">, Asher Brown, and Seth Walsh - the '<b>It Gets Better</b>' project (<b>IGB</b>) have swept all over the United States, Europe and here in our little island of Singapore. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">With the main goal to prevent suicide of LGBT teens by offering words of advice through personal experience sharing, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> 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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">The man pushing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> 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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b> 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<b> IGB</b> - now all safely organised in its own website - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">http://www.itgetsbetter.org/</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Not seeing any signs of the movement slowing down,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b> IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> 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, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> continues till this day to let video contributors tell their stories, in any way they want. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">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, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>it DOES GET BETTER</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Here are a few of our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">favourite </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> videos: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">1) the video that started it all - Dan and Terry:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7IcVyvg2Qlo" width="425"></iframe></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">2) the Presidential <b>IGB </b>video that got the rest of the world leaders doing the same:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">3) the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>IGB</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> video from this little island of Singapore:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">4) Chris Colfer from "Glee" shares a personal note for the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>Trevor Project</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">5) the Google Chrome PSA, that was featured in this week's "Glee" episode that got us grabbing the hankies. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7skPnJOZYdA" width="560"></iframe></span>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-85787116411970369192011-04-27T00:43:00.001+08:002011-04-27T00:44:11.905+08:00PinkDot is coming...PinkDot is coming...<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mDqE4qx4mY0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Mark down your calendars, iCals, Google Calendars etc... <b>PinkDot 2011 is on 18th June 2011, Saturday.</b><br />
Let the Pink Countdown begin...young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686174957936001869.post-23170285929335386252011-03-04T13:18:00.003+08:002011-03-04T13:25:18.721+08:00Ties That Bind - a Queer Youth Coming OUT workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oogachaga.com/tiesthatbind" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5495699847_1024eebce8_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>To come out or not to come out?</i></b> – 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, <a href="http://www.oogachaga.com/"><b>Oogachaga</b></a> and <b><a href="http://young-out-here.blogspot.com/">Young OUT Here (YOH)</a></b> presents <b>TIES THAT BIND</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So if you are between the ages of<b> 18 to 25</b>, 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<b> Saturday, 12<sup>th</sup> March 2011!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here’s what you can look forward to:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Hearing from our guests speakers: a mother and her young gay son, sharing their coming out journey</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Sharing on the importance of family and your fears with regards to coming out.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Discussing way to maintain or strengthen family ties, without coming out.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>All facilitated by queer youths like <b>YOU</b>!<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To register go to <a href="http://www.oogachaga.com/tiesthatbind">http://www.oogachaga.com/tiesthatbind</a></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Registration closes on <b>11<sup>th</sup> March 2011, 12pm</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333333;"><u>Forum Details</u></span></strong><b><br />
</b>Date: <b>12 March 2011, Saturday</b><br />
Time: <b>2.00pm – 5.30pm</b><br />
Venue: Venue will be emailed to registered participants.</span></div>young out herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258075775461710677noreply@blogger.com0