We've shifted!

Hi there!

We've relocated our online presence from this blog to www.young-out-here.com!

YOH9 is starting soon!

Calling all youths!

Looking for a safe, secular space to make new friends, discuss LGBTQ related issues AND have loads of fun at the same time?

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!

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! J

YOH's Statement on Singapore High Court's decision to uphold Section 377A

As a community youth group dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of young LGBTQ Singaporeans, Young OUT Here is deeply disappointed with the High Court of Singapore’s decision to dismiss the constitutional challenge against Section 377a of the Penal Code. 

Such a decision would have an adverse impact on the wellbeing of young Singaporeans, many of whom face discrimination daily, in the form of teasing, bullying, and even outright physical abuse. 

Nonetheless, YOH and our allies remain committed to championing the safety and welfare of Singapore’s LGBTQ youth, in the hopes that Singapore will one day see them for the talented, unique individuals that they are.

Will I Have A Happy Life?

Getting picked on by classmates, being laughed at in NS, not fitting in with my friends - do things get better for me? Will it ever?

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!

(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22) 

Join us now at http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh  

Cason Crane: Climbing For LGBTQ youths!

We sat down (not quite literally) before his lil trip here to Singapore and shared snippets of his life & motivations before this Friday's event.

Introduce Cason Crane in ONE sentence.

My name 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 in the LGBTQ community by climbing the highest mountain on each continent.  

 

What were your motivations behind starting 'Rainbow Summits'?

I wanted to use my personal initiative to climb the "Seven Summits" as a platform to raise awareness for issues facing LGBTQ youth. I was personally passionate about the issue of suicide prevention in the LGBTQ community, and so I recognized this opportunity to try to give back while also pursuing a lifelong dream of mine. 

Climbing & scaling mountains ain't easy and not to mention dangerous. What got you started?

I got started mountain climbing when I was 15. My mother and I decided to pursue a fun challenge, and so we went and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Honestly, the moment I reached the summit of Kili, I was hooked. Something about the combination of an individual challenge, the beauty of the outdoors, and the internal reflection you get from being off the grid make mountain climbing a personal passion for me. I haven't looked back since! 

What made you decide to raise money for 'The Trevor Project'?

I was motivated to raise money and awareness for The Trevor Project by the tragic death 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 deaths, 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 suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to LGBTQ youth in the United States. 

  

Have you encountered any obstacles thus far?

I have encountered many obstacles...far too many to recount here. One of the things that make mountaineering such a compelling sport is that it requires more than just physical exertion. There is that, obviously, but it is also hugely 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 you're faced with all sorts of difference challenges, even at times when you don't expect them.

What's your greatest challenge yet?

I would say that the most significant challenge I have faced so far was my period of internal reflection after I was unable to summit Denali (Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America), last summer due to weather conditions. I had hoped that it would be my fourth of the Seven Summits, and I had to ask myself a lot of tough questions after I didn't make the top. "Could I complete my challenge?" "Do I have the mental and physical strength to keep going?" "What would this mean for my project and my fundraising?" were just a few of the many questions floating around in my head. In the end, I realized that even though I hadn't summited Denali -- even if I never was able to -- it would mean a lot more for me to keep going despite that setback because in reality it doesn't matter where on the mountain you end up as long as you know you've given it your all and tried your best. 

What have you taken away from it so far?

I've taken away so many things...I mean to think of how much I've learned in the past year about the world, mountain climbing, public speaking, fundraising...it really runs the gamut. I would say my top take-away from the project is that I have learned that anyone and everyone can and SHOULD be an activist for some issue that they are passionate about. I am passionate about LGBTQ issues, and I am trying to do what I can to make positive change happen by contributing my unique interests and talents. If we all do this, the world will be a much better and happier planet.  

What are you looking forward to here in Singapore?

I'm most looking forward to meeting and connecting with other young LGBTQ people in Singapore and talking about how they can climb their own "Everest," be it literal or metaphorical! 

Event Note: Cason will be sharing his story this Friday, 29th Mar 2013, 3pm @ YOH's 'Climb Every Mountain' event. Sign up now at http://tinyurl.com/rainbowsummits

YOH Presents: Climb Every Mountain! - Sign Up

YOH Presents: Climb Every Mountain!

Am I The Only One?

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?

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!
(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)

Join us now at http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh

How Do I Tell Them?

Whether it's coming out to your family, friends, loved ones, bunkmates or even online, is there a safe way to do so? 

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! 
(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)

Join us now at http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh

Is It A Choice?

Some say "you're born this way", 
Others say "you're a lifestyle", 
What do you think? 

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! 
(Open to LGBTQ youths from the ages of 16 to 22)

Join us now at http://tinyurl.com/joinyoh

i.matter - share your story on bullying & discrimination.

Calling all LGBTQ youths and straight allies!

As a start to 'i.matter', we're touching on a topic that is pretty close to our hearts and minds. It's a topic that might touch a raw nerve in us as we might be guilty of it ourselves.

A simple "That's so Gay!" remark by a classmate, to being ostracized by platoon mates during National Service for being 'feminine looking', or even being 'outed' intentionally by teachers, to being chased out of a workplace for 'dressing different'.

On the flip side, if you have stood up for your fellow LGBTQ friend in a class debate, or made he/she feel included team sports in school, or even stopping an act of insensitive remark commenting on social media;

We want to hear your stories and voices! 
Highlight not only the experience, the struggles & the lessons learnt from it but feel free to showcase your emotions throughout it too!

Disclaimer - Your private information will not be shared out onto public sphere, unless we've got your permission. We'll contact you via email for any further clarifications or to seek permission to share your story out.

Join in the conversation below or on twitter, using the hashtag "#imatter2013" & tell your friends all about it!

i.matter in my community: Joint Community Statement

WHY DO I.MATTER?

YOH @ PinkDot 2012: Light Up Your Dream

You've watched this year's PinkDot video: "Someday".
So the big question we want to ask you is:
"What are your hopes & dreams?"


YOH @ PinkDot 2012 is presenting the 'Light Up Your Dream' project.
We want you to pen down your hopes and dreams.
And watch them light up in Hong Lim Park.


Starting from 430pm (come early with your friends and family!), the YOH team will be helping you to light those individual hopes and dreams up at our community booth.


So what are you waiting for? See you this Saturday @ PinkDot 2012!

PinkDot 2012 - The Important Details

As that all important PinkDot date draws even closer, we want you, the all important ones that are going to helping to fill Hong Lim Park, to have all the latest information. So here's what we have compiled so far:

Date: 30th June 2012, Saturday

Venue: Hong Lim Park (Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay NE5, Exit A)

Schedule:

430pm - YOH's booth will be officially open (So will our PinkDot 2012 Project)

530pm - Community Tent (with other LGBTQ organisations such as BearProject, Indignation, Sayoni, Pelangi Pride Center, Oogachaga, Action for AIDS, Queer Book Club, Sgrainbow, Singaypore, Women's Nite, Rainbower etc) will be in full bloom.  

630pm - PinkDot 2012 Concert starts at the Telok Ayer CC Stage. 

730pm (or when it's appropriately dark) - the 4th PinkDot will be formed in Hong Lim Park

Ambassadors this year include: Local entertainer Kumar, actor Lim Yu Beng, TV host and actress Sharon Au

What to WEAR and BRING: Pink! Pink! Pink! From tee shirts, to LED torch lights, to umbrellas, to drinks & food to your picnic baskets. LED torch lights, with pink cellophane, works best! Your trusty cellphone torchlight with a 'Pink filter' will work too. 

Most of all, bring someone or a group of your closest friends and family members to this one unforgettable event.

Theme song: True Colours - Cyndi Lauper

We can't wait to see YOU at PinkDot. So make plans for it NOW. Get your wardrobe ready. Come down early to take part in our YOH/PinkDot 2012 project. AND share this date with your friends and loved ones by bringing them down to it, or sharing the various Youtube videos or Facebook pages. 

See you there!

Pretty in Pink: YOH @ PinkDot 2011

As we are counting down the last few days to the biggest gathering on the LGBTQ calendar, we know your excitement is basically bursting at the seams. To help you quench that thirst, at least for a while, we are going to give you a small recap of what the YOH team presented at last year's PinkDot. 

Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page, Twitter reel or here to get first hand news about what we're going to be doing at THIS year's PinkDot. 

Join YOH in support for Spirit Day!

from GLAAD's website:

WHAT IS SPIRIT DAY?

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

PinkDot 2011 - Pretty in Pink!

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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

PinkDot 2011 - What's YOH doing at PinkDot?

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


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


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

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


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

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

PinkDot 2011 - The Details...

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