r y e

Safe Spaces: Prout

prout

Prout is a safer meet up and support platform for the LGBTQIA+ community in Singapore and beyond.

what inspired you to actively create a safe and accepting space for the lgbtqia+ community in singapore?

C: As a queer woman in Singapore (and most recently, a proud queer mom to our 10-month-old daughter), I've always wanted to create enduring spaces where our community can come together to celebrate our growth and share our stories. When we first started in 2018, we wanted to challenge the misconception that queer gatherings were solely temporary, such as monthly parties or social outings. While there's nothing wrong with partying, we wanted to emphasize meaningful connections based on shared interests. This is why Prout's events, like our annual flagship Queer Trivia Night SG, are designed to be interest-based, welcoming everyone across the LGBTQ+ spectrum to join, shine, compete, and occasionally have epic dance-offs.

Since the pandemic, our focus has shifted slightly to highlight the critical services our community needs: healthcare, legal aid, housing, and employment. These are the pillars that will support and empower our community to build and redefine their futures in Singapore.

why is it important to have safe spaces for the lgbtqia+ community like prout in singapore?

C: Having a queer space in Singapore gives folks a safe place to be themselves without worrying about discrimination. It's a community where we can connect with others who understand what we're going through and support each other. These spaces also help us be more visible in society, which is crucial for fighting stereotypes and advocating for our rights.

Now that we are queer moms, we are also actively involved in creating events under Prout for queer families to see how we can shine more visibility on the fact that — yes, we are queer, and we also have children because we want to build our own families.

what are some important steps everyone can take to help extend safe spaces and ensure the safety and acceptance of the lgbtqia+ community throughout singapore?

C: It doesn't have to be anything big or dramatic; even donating a small amount or sponsoring items for a queer event or space can be extremely helpful. It signals to the groups that they have support for what they are doing and gives their events and/or spaces a boost to reach more people. We are grateful that our events always attract new and returning partners who help us make the entire experience fabulous for both the team and attendees.

what are your future goals and aspirations for continuing to support and enhance the safety and acceptance of the lgbtqia+ community?

C: The ultimate goal is that Prout will one day become redundant because society recognises that we just want equal rights, not their rights - we are not depleting their share of the pie, we are simply pointing out that the oven can fit additional pies for everyone.

"The ultimate goal is that Prout will one day become redundant because society recognises that we just want equal rights, not their rights - we are not depleting their share of the pie, we are simply pointing out that the oven can fit additional pies for everyone."

over the years, what challenges or obstacles have you faced in establishing and maintaining this space to be safe for the lgbtqia+ community?

C: Funding is definitely a major issue, as many local queer groups, including Prout, are volunteer-based and expenses are often covered out-of-pocket. Prout's events, resources, and even our upcoming platform are developed, organized, and executed during our personal time and at our own expense, meaning we do all of this outside of our day jobs, family obligations, and other commitments. We also rely on the support of inclusive businesses and venues to run our programs, as space is incredibly limited in Singapore.

r y e's pride campaign this year is titled 'people like us,' a term that has gained widespread use as slang for being queer among singapore's queer community. what does 'people like us' mean to you?

C: Queerness doesn't just have to refer to how we identify; rather, it's a way of seeing and acknowledging that things don't have to conform to a single way. While 'People Like Us' reinforces a sense of unity in diversity (I know it's an oxymoron), it is also an invitation to hear and be part of our stories through acts of allyship, inclusion, and celebration.

"While 'People Like Us' reinforces a sense of unity in diversity (I know it's an oxymoron), it is also an invitation to hear and be part of our stories through acts of allyship, inclusion, and celebration."

Our ‘Love+’ scarves are available in a spectrum of colours to symbolise love, unity, and interconnections.

All profits from the sale of the scarves go directly to The T Project, that proudly supports the transgender community in Singapore. Read more about their work here.

Illustrations Sarah Kelly Ng

Interviewed by Shenali Wijesinghe

Featuring Prout

Special Thanks Bessie Ye

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