June is Pride Month! Looking for LGBTQ+ resources to support your queer child? Here are some local organisations that can help.
Here at HoneyKids, we’re proud to celebrate diversity and inclusion in different ways, like by starting a conversation about race with our kids, or by curling up with a book that teaches them the importance of diversity. After all, Pride Month is a chance to celebrate all-inclusive love and a time for allies to support members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re a parent of a queer child and are trying to deeper understand your child, here are some LGBTQ+ resources in Singapore for parents to check out.
LGBTQ+ resources for parents in Singapore
1. Oogachaga
If your child has recently come out to you, you may find it hard to understand what they’re going through and are looking for ways to help them. Chances are, they might not want to talk about this to you because they’re still figuring themselves out. Besides being loving and accepting in their coming out, check out Oogachaga – Singapore’s most established LGBTQ+ community, a non-profit organisation for individuals, couples, and families.
Oogachaga not only has counselling and support services for your LGBTQ+ child but also dedicated hotline and Whatsapp numbers you can contact. Alternatively, you can also fix an appointment with a member of its team of professional counsellors who work with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families, and family members of those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Looking for other resources? Congregaytion is an LGBTQ+ community resource portal started by the folks from Oogachaga. It has articles, videos and other publications for parents and those in the community.
What parents say: “When my son came out, I felt completely lost. Oogachaga helped me understand him better, and gave us both the confidence to move forward.” – Parent, anonymous (shared via Oogachaga’s support forum)
2. Pink Dot SG
Perhaps the most well-known organisation on the list, Pink Dot SG is a non-profit organisation for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. You can keep up with LGBTQ+ news in the country or volunteer at its annual Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park. Though foreigners are unable to attend Pink Dot, you can support the movement by contributing in whichever way you can.
What the organisers say: “To me, Pink Dot will exist as long as discrimination against the LGBTQ community exists. As we can see today, repeal was a significant milestone, but LGBTQ individuals and their families continue to be marginalised in so many different ways. As long as that remains true, Pink Dot will always take place.” – Clement Tan, Pink Dot organiser.
3. Proud Parents SG
LGBTQ+ parents can turn to Proud Parents SG. It operates as a support group for LGBTQ+ parents with children and also provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ people who are looking to start a family.
What the organisers say: “Here’s to a Singapore that is kinder to LGBTQ+ individuals, families & our broader community in the future.”
4. Young OUT Here
This dedicated community and space is a platform that supports LGBTQ+ youths by fostering a healthy identity, moral responsibility and secular and inclusive thinking. Plus, it’s also a space for those who may be questioning their sexuality. Join its Facebook group to find out more!
From the Young OUT Here Facebook forum: “It is about chosen, found family; and in Singapore, we are celebrating local houses.” – Irzie KasiCunt & Jess 007
5. Transgender SG
An education and resource portal for transgender persons in Singapore, Transgender SG is a great web resource for parents of transgender children to consult. Parents can learn more about the issues faced by transgenders during transitioning, and where to get help for issues such as hormone therapy, surgeries, voice training, gender dysmorphia and more within Singapore. There are also additional LGBTQ+ resources, support groups and organisations that you can reach out to.
What the organisers say: “Whether you are transgender yourself, have a loved one who just came out, are a healthcare provider or simply wish to find out more about transgender issues in Singapore, we hope that here you will find useful information, support, and the assurance that you are not alone.” – Transgender SG website
6. Pelangi Pride Centre
Looking for some queer books for your child? Check out Pelangi Pride Centre, an LGBTQ+ community and resource centre. It has a library of fiction and non-fiction titles that you can borrow in person, and parents can volunteer at the library if they wish to do so.
7. Sayoni
Founded by six women from diverse backgrounds in 2006, Sayoni aims to empower queer women, including lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women. The Singapore-based, volunteer-led organisation believes everyone has a part to play in improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community.
What the organisers say: “Sayoni works to uphold human rights protections for queer women, including lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. We organise and advocate for equality in well-being and dignity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and sex characteristics. We believe that everyone has a part to play in improving the lives of LBTQ people. Donate or volunteer with us!” – Sayoni website
8. The T Project
An independent community initiative that’s set up by two sisters, The T Project is Singapore’s first (and only) social service that caters to the transgender community. It runs a shelter as a temporary haven for those who are homeless. The Alicia Community Centre was set up in 2018 as a safe space for transgender and gender non-binary individuals. On top of that, it also has a library and a museum.
What the organisers say: “We support our community through outreach and advocacy. Founded by June Chua and her late sister Alicia Chua in 2014, The T Project is the first trans-led social service for the transgender community in Singapore.” – The T Project website
9. Same But Different
Here’s a helpful resource that parents can refer to for free and easily understandable legal advice on issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. A volunteer-run non-profit project, Same But Different also provides a directory of LGBTQ-friendly lawyers. You can also download a free legal guidebook that answers families frequently ask. Topics covered in the book include marriage and divorce, wills and inheritance, children, and more.
What the organisers say: “Our vision is for a Singapore where LGBTQ people lead healthy, whole and fulfilling lives. We work towards our vision by creating resources to help the LGBTQ community in Singapore navigate legal and institutional challenges. We also conduct research to understand the issues and challenges that LGBTQ people in Singapore face and raise awareness among the public.” – Same but Different website
10. Prident
This is probably a little too ahead for your child, but it’s always good to plan ahead. Prident aims to provide advice on matters such as financial services and personal development. This collective’s made up of professionals, so you can be assured that everything you’re receiving is sound.
What the organisers say: “We are a professional collective looking to empower Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community with financial wisdom.” – Prident.co website
11. SAFE
Support, affirm, and empower LGBTQ+ friends and family members is the name of the game from the folks at SAFE. You’ll find information to understand your loved ones better, FAQs on sexuality, sexual orientation, homophobia and more. Specifically, it has an FAQ page for parents of LGBTQ+ persons which you may find helpful, too.
What the organisers say: “We are inviting you to share stories of real, lived experiences of different types of families in Singapore, in particular families that comprise members of the LGBTQ+ community. We hope to publish these stories in the near future.” – SAFE Singapore website
Bonus LGBTQ+ resources for parents in Singapore
12. Always My Child by Kevin Jennings, with Pat Shapiro
Sometimes, as parents, it’s easier for us to understand our kids’ behaviours by reading a book. Written by Kevin Jennings and Pat Shapiro, Always My Child has real-life stories, scientific research and practical advice to guide parents in understanding their LGBTQ+ children better. The book also consists of sample conversations that may help facilitate an open channel for communication with your child and has topic-specific chapters to help.
13. My Kid is Gay
Despite being based in the United States, My Kid Is Gay is a fantastic resource for parents to tap into so that families can read to help understand their LGBTQ+ kids. After all, isn’t that what we want to do? It also has specific articles that deal with bullying, religion, mental health and more to help your child navigate any problems they might be having since coming out, and how you can help as a parent.
14. Counselling
Wellness services like Sofia offer counselling to learn how to support LGBTQ+ children if you want to go the extra mile. It’s also a great place for your kids who have come out to learn more about themselves and how to deal with discrimination they might experience or just be a safe space for them to ask questions.
Happy Pride Month!
This article was originally written by Melodi Ghui in 2020 and updated by Raiz Redwan in 2024.
