Come as you are... Here are some LGBTQ+ resources that will quicken your way to a new found community

Come as you are... Here are some LGBTQ+ resources that will quicken your way to a new found community

This page is a curated guide for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Singapore seeking support, information, and community. Whether you're navigating health concerns, exploring legal options, looking for social connections, or building a family, these resources are here to help you live your fullest, most authentic life.

 

I. Mental Health & Counselling Services

Mental well-being is paramount. These organizations offer affirming and confidential support tailored to the unique experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Oogachaga: Singapore's most established non-profit providing professional counselling and support services for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families.

    • What they offer: Individual, couple, and family counselling, WhatsApp and email counselling, professional training.

    • Website: oogachaga.com

    • Helpline: 6226 2002

  • Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy: Offers LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

    • What they offer: Expertise in identity, relationships, mental health challenges.

    • Website: listeningearclinic.com

  • Sofia Wellness Clinic: Provides inclusive LGBTQ+ counselling services, with a focus on understanding gender identity, exploring sexuality, coming out, and managing mental health conditions.

  • Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): While not LGBTQ+-specific, SOS provides confidential emotional support to individuals facing a crisis, thinking of suicide, or affected by suicide. They are a crucial general mental health resource.

 

II. Sexual Health & HIV/STI Services

Accessible and discreet sexual health services are vital for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Pink Carpet Service (gayhealth.sg by Action for AIDS - AfA): A sexual health service operating within AfA's Anonymous Test Site (ATS) specifically for gay, bi, questioning/queer (GBQ) men. Provides anonymous HIV and STI testing.

    • What they offer: 4th Gen and 3rd Gen HIV tests, free consultation, PrEP discussion, STI screening. Run by trained gay/bi male volunteers.

    • Website: gayhealth.sg/pinkcarpet/

  • PULSE CLINIC Singapore: Provides transgender healthcare, including health screening, hormone therapy, managing mental health concerns, and sexual health testing. Also offers feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy.

  • DTAP Clinic @ Robertson: Offers anonymous HIV testing and a range of HIV tests. Known to be LGBTQI+ friendly. (Note: Only Robertson branch offers anonymous testing).

    • Website: Check their main website and specifically look for the Robertson branch.

  • PrEP Access:

    • Artisan Health Clinic: Offers HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) as a preventive treatment for HIV.

    • Note: It's important to consult with a doctor to determine if PrEP is suitable and to understand the regimen and necessary monitoring.

 

III. Legal & Financial Guidance

Navigating legal and financial matters can be complex, especially for same-sex couples in Singapore.

  • Legal Aid Bureau (LAB): Provides legal aid for various matters. While not LGBTQ+-specific, it's a general resource for legal assistance.

  • PFPFA - Estate Planning for LGBT Community: Offers insights and solutions for estate planning, including Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPAs), which are crucial for LGBTQ+ couples to ensure their wishes are legally recognized given the lack of marriage recognition.

  • Prident: An LGBTQ+ collective providing financial wisdom and guidance tailored to the community's unique needs.

 

IV. Housing Options

Understanding housing options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Singapore is essential.

  • A Space Between - Housing For LGBTQ People In Singapore: Provides a clear breakdown of HDB (public housing) and private property options, acknowledging the challenges faced by same-sex couples due to the lack of marriage recognition.

 

V. Family Planning & Parenting

For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking to start or grow families.

  • Proud Parents Singapore: An inclusive online resource celebrating all families, founded and run by a group of queer parents. It aims to increase the visibility of all family types and foster acceptance of all routes to parenthood in Singapore.

    • What they offer: Information on parenting options like adoption (note changes in laws), sperm/egg donation, and surrogacy (often pursued overseas due to local regulations).

    • Website: proudparents.sg

  • First Fertility - Surrogacy in Singapore for Same-Sex Couples: Provides information on surrogacy options, acknowledging the legal complexities in Singapore and highlighting overseas possibilities.

 

VI. Community & Social Support

Connecting with others who share similar experiences is vital for well-being and a sense of belonging.

  • Pelangi Pride Centre: Singapore's first LGBTQ+ resource center, community space, and library. A safe space for gatherings and learning.

  • Prout: A community organization that connects the LGBTQ+ community through various events and initiatives.

  • Sayoni: A feminist organization advocating for queer women in Singapore, providing emotional and peer support.

  • The T Project / Alicia Community Centre: Singapore's first social service for the transgender community, offering counselling, a shelter, and resources.

  • TransBefrienders: A befriender service for transgender individuals in Singapore.

  • Young OUT Here: A youth community group for LGBTQ+ youths (16-22) providing an open support group called "Our Queer Conversations."

    • Social Media: Search for "Young OUT Here" on Facebook/Instagram.

  • Pink Dot SG: The annual non-profit event supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. Their website also lists many other community groups.

 

VII. General Information & Advocacy

For understanding LGBTQ+ rights, terminology, and broader advocacy efforts.

 

VIII. Addiction Support & Counselling

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, substance abuse or behavioral addictions can be a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or discrimination. Seeking help in a safe and non-judgmental environment is a crucial step towards healing. These resources provide affirming support for those navigating addiction, as well as for their families and loved ones.

  • Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy: This clinic explicitly states that it offers LGBTQIA+ affirmative counselling for a wide range of issues, including addiction and self-harm. They take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to help clients address the root causes of addiction.

    • What they offer: Individual and couples counselling, trauma-informed therapies like EMDR, and a 12-step program adapted for the LGBTQ+ community.

    • Website: listeningearclinic.com/lgbtq-addiction/

  • Oogachaga: As a leading LGBTQ+ non-profit, Oogachaga's professional counsellors are trained in gay-affirmative practice. They have experience working with clients on a variety of issues, including those related to addiction.

  • The Greenhouse: A trauma and addiction recovery center that specifically works with marginalized and vulnerable communities, including those who are LGBT+. Their approach is data-driven, evidence-based, and trauma-responsive.

    • What they offer: Addiction recovery, advocacy for compassionate care, and a community space.

    • Website: www.greenhouse.org.sg

  • WE CARE Community Services: A non-profit organization that provides comprehensive support for a wide range of addictions, including drugs, alcohol, and compulsive behaviors. While not exclusively LGBTQ+-focused, they provide a community-based, non-judgmental environment.

    • What they offer: Individual counselling, group therapy, support groups for both those in recovery and their families, and a drop-in center.

    • Helpline: 3165 8017 (Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm)

    • Website: wecare.org.sg

  • National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) - IMH: The national provider of addiction treatment in Singapore. NAMS offers a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment and is a formal, reputable medical service.

    • What they offer: Treatment for a broad range of addictions, including drugs, alcohol, gambling, and gaming. They provide inpatient and outpatient services.

    • Helpline: 6-RECOVER (6-7326837)

    • Website: www.nams.sg

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Singapore: A worldwide, self-funded organization that provides a platform for people recovering from alcoholism to support each other. They have various meetings and support groups.

    • What they offer: Peer support groups.

    • Helpline: 8112 8089

    • Website: singaporeaa.org

  • Al-Anon Family Groups Singapore: Provides help and support to family and friends of alcoholics.


IX. Safe Spaces & Emergency Housing

For LGBTQ+ individuals facing family rejection, homelessness, or an unsafe living environment, finding a safe place is an acute need. These organizations offer safe spaces, temporary shelter, and support to help individuals get back on their feet.

  • The T Project: Singapore's first and only social service and shelter for the transgender community. The T Project provides a temporary safe haven for homeless transgender individuals. The shelter is a dignified and safe space where residents can stay for a temporary period (up to 6 months) while seeking employment and more permanent housing.

    • What they offer: Temporary shelter for homeless transgender individuals and peer counselling services.

    • Website: www.thetprojectsg.org

    • Note: The shelter is specifically for transgender individuals. You can contact them for information on their intake and referral process.

  • The Greenhouse: While its primary focus is addiction recovery, The Greenhouse's mission is to provide support for marginalized and vulnerable communities who may be facing homelessness due to their circumstances. They provide a safe, communal space for recovery.

    • What they offer: Trauma and addiction recovery, which can include a safe and supportive environment for individuals in crisis.

    • Website: www.greenhouse.org.sg

  • Proud Spaces: A community-led initiative that creates safe and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to gather, collaborate, and hold events. While not a residential shelter, their physical space is a valuable resource for finding community and support when you need it most.

    • What they offer: A safe, physical space for community events, which can be a lifeline for individuals in need of a temporary refuge from isolation or unsafe environments.

    • Website: proudspaces.sg

  • Mainstream Shelters & Social Services: If a specific LGBTQ+-focused shelter is unavailable or not the right fit, mainstream social service agencies and shelters can provide assistance.

    • Family Service Centres (FSCs): These are community-based social service agencies that can provide casework and counselling to individuals and families. They can also provide referrals to Transitional Shelters (TS) for those facing homelessness.

      • What they offer: Counselling, referrals, and help with applications for mainstream shelters.

      • How to find one: You can call the Comcare Hotline at 1800-222-0000 or use the SupportGoWhere website to find the nearest FSC in your neighborhood.

    • Transitional Shelters (TS): These shelters provide temporary accommodation and social work intervention for homeless individuals and families.

  • New Hope Community Services: This organization provides temporary shelters for displaced individuals and families who have exhausted all other means of accommodation. They focus on restoring hope to those who are disadvantaged.


Being proud is about being sure of who you are and confident in your future, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of others. For many, including those with deep roots in faith or religion, identity can feel complex and at times, conflicting. True pride doesn't require us to erase these differences or force others to agree. Instead, it invites us to show up with empathy and a commitment to unity. It's always best to maintain harmonious ties with one another, so when words fail or arguments arise, don't speak or argue—just tie the difference up in a rainbow bow. Let our shared humanity be the language that binds us, in a world where every color finds a place.

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