Development of the National LGBT Census 2013 was informed by various sources.
Since 2006, Sayoni has been surveying the lives of lesbian, bisexual and queer women in its Biennial Survey. In 2011, it made its first report to the CEDAW committee, documenting discrimination faced by the community. These past surveys and reports uncovered even greater needs for information and understanding about the different aspect of the lives of people within the LGBTQ community. This led to the initiation of the National LGBT Census 2013, a first collaboration between Sayoni, Pink Dot and Oogachaga, to understand the different aspects of the lives of all LGBT persons -- not just the women -- in Singapore. Apart from Sayoni's survey, the National LGBT Census 2013 team also took inspiration from other local and international surveys and studies. In 2012, Oogachaga conducted the first Homophobia and Transphobia survey of the local LGBT community, documenting the experiences of discrimination and abuse attributed to sexual orientation and gender identity. Fridae has also been conducting the MSM Sex Survey, which expanded beyond Singapore to many Asian cities in 2010.
Since 2006, Sayoni has been surveying the lives of lesbian, bisexual and queer women in its Biennial Survey. In 2011, it made its first report to the CEDAW committee, documenting discrimination faced by the community. These past surveys and reports uncovered even greater needs for information and understanding about the different aspect of the lives of people within the LGBTQ community. This led to the initiation of the National LGBT Census 2013, a first collaboration between Sayoni, Pink Dot and Oogachaga, to understand the different aspects of the lives of all LGBT persons -- not just the women -- in Singapore. Apart from Sayoni's survey, the National LGBT Census 2013 team also took inspiration from other local and international surveys and studies. In 2012, Oogachaga conducted the first Homophobia and Transphobia survey of the local LGBT community, documenting the experiences of discrimination and abuse attributed to sexual orientation and gender identity. Fridae has also been conducting the MSM Sex Survey, which expanded beyond Singapore to many Asian cities in 2010.
Internationally, we looked at GLSEN's Gay, Lesbian and Straight Network’s 2007, 2009 and 2011 National School Climate Survey. GLSEN’s Research Department conducts research and provides research-related technical assistance and tools designed to be used by educators and students in their own LGBTQ communities.
We also looked at survey findings from the Greater Twin Cities United Way and PFund Foundation. Greater Twin Cities United Way provides access to health care for low-income uninsured people. They supported the independence of seniors and caregivers through 43 community partner programs throughout the region as well as systems change and collaborative initiatives in ageing services. PFund Foundation advances social justice for LGBTQ and allied communities in the Upper Midwest. Their survey findings enabled healthcare providers to better meet the needs of LGBTQ seniors.
To understand how LGBTQ’s needs are provided for by housing providers, we looked at research funded by local governments in the UK and how they served as a guide for housing providers and services in their respective localities. They include:
We looked at The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People Report 2011 commissioned by the US government body, the National Institutes of Health, and conducted by the Institute of Medicine. This study assesses the health status of LGBTQ populations in order to determine the gaps in the health services and research in the United States.
Another insightful survey we used and looked at is The National Transgender Discrimination Survey conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Transgender and gender non-conforming people face rampant discrimination in every area of life: education, employment, family life, public accommodations, housing health, etc. Survey data from National Transgender Discrimination Survey quantifies and documents discrimination faced by transgender people and informs their advocacy efforts.
We also referred to various workplace inclusion and diversity surveys and indices around the region. Mingle is the First Annual LGBTQ Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Survey in India. The aim of Mingle’s LGBTQ Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Survey was to gauge the workplace environment vis-à-vis gay and lesbian employees in the Indian corporate workplace. Even in the UK, as more LGBTQ employees are coming out of the closet, organisations have to learn to deal with LGBTQ related issues in a sensitive manner so that their workplaces will be more welcoming for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
The UK Stonewall Workplace Equality Index informs workplaces on best practices and provides publicity for best performing companies to recruit LGBT talents. The UK Stonewall workplace Equality index served as an incentive for companies to build their reputation as models and leaders for their industries. A similar workplace diversity and inclusion index is the Australian Workplace Equality Index - a national benchmark on LGBT workplace inclusion. Its scores are used as an external measure of progress annually by an external body Pride in Diversity - Australia's leading employer support program for all aspects of LGBTI workplace inclusion.
The twin objectives of the Chicago LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment to gather data about the assets, needs and challenges of the LGBTQ community in the Chicago area and to inform future funding decisions made by the Steering Committee also gave us a headlight as to purposes and functionalities of needs assessment in Singapore.
Lastly, one of the few sources that we turned to to look at how we might be able to gauge and assess LGBTQ consumer needs in Singapore was the Harris Interactive’s (HI) market research that helped companies to understand the preferences, needs and characteristics of LGBTQ consumers.
LOCAL RESOURCES
A non-profit movement started by a group of individuals who care deeply about the place that LGBT Singaporeans call home. Pink Dot 2012 attracted more than 15,000 people to Hong Lim Park in the name of inclusivity, diversity and the freedom to love.
A community of queer women, including lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, that organises and advocates for equality in wellbeing and dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Counselling and personal development organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals
Support group for LGBT youths, facilitated by youths
Mailing group that discusses issues that affect the GLBTQ community
An LGBT resource centre that also organises talks and workshops for LGBT Singaporeans
A non-profit social youth group that aims to provide a platform for GLBT youths to grow as individuals and raise awareness
Email forum for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered Singaporeans and Singapore residents
A Singapore-based not-for-profit organisation that provides an effective business platform that brings together LGBTQ professionals to network, exchange ideas and tap potential opportunities.
Commercial event that hosts women’s parties
Singapore's oldest email discussion group for queer women
Commercial event that hosts women’s parties
An avenue for women to discuss issues through workshops, talks and so on.
A gay community for "bears" to hang out, exchange ideas and mingle
Gay, social networking portal with articles and resources for gay Asian men
An online portal to discuss issues and voice opinions that help contributes to a better understanding of the transgendered group.
A LGBT friendly group that welcomes those who are cd (cross dresser), transvestite (cds on hormones), transsexuals (M2F, F2M) in Singapore or abroad
Personal website of Singaporean transsexual, author and entrepreneur
An organisation working to end discrimination against transgender women
A gay Buddhist fellowship that has a mailing list aiming to reach out to subscribers regarding application of Buddhist teachings
Singapore’s only gay-inclusive church that affirms that all individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, are individuals of sacred worth created in God’s image.
Dedicated towards helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ; or queer for short) Muslims living in Singapore to reconcile their sexuality with their faith through a safe and peaceful platform
An organisation made up of parents, families and friends of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) person
Aims to bridge gaps between queer and straight people
Aims to debunk myths about sexual orientation and clear up popular misconceptions about LGBT people
Chronicles developments in the LGBT landscape in Singapore – run by social activist Alex Au. Also includes twenty FAQ on homosexuality
A Singapore gay and lesbian group focussed on advocacy and public education
Social networking portal with articles and resources for Asia's LGBT community
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
The largest scientific and professional organisation for psychology in the United States and globally.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) provides opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
EMERGENCY HELPLINES
Oogachaga
Counselling services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Call 6226-2002 or leave a message at: www.oogachaga.com/care
Samaritans of Singapore
Distress-management and suicide-prevention hotline. 1800-221-4444 (24-hour hotline) (http://www.samaritans.org.sg & pat@samaritans.org.sg)
Counselling & Care Centre
Professional agency offering psychological counselling services. 6536-6366 (http://www.counsel.org.sg/)
