We Have Received Your Donation and or Payment.

Through your generous contributions, we will be able to

  • provide services and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS

  • as well as emotional and financial support to their family members.

Defeating HIV will require a comprehensive response, and effective programs must be scaled up to treat people already infected and prevent new infections. Capacity has to be built; network and collaboration need to be forged. We need more support and donations in order to work towards the local and global vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Only with your generous support, are we able to continue our aim of achieving the three zeros.

Thank you for helping us, so that we can do more and do better. We are honoured to put your generosity into affirmative action.

What Else Can You Do?

LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed

I refer to this week’s Talking Point, “When kids think of suicide”. Studies across the world have proven that one group with a higher risk of suicidal behaviour is LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth.

Research in the United States shows that these youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers; nearly half of young transgender people have thought seriously about suicide, and one-quarter report having attempted it.

In Singapore, homophobia and transphobia may be prevalent. In a survey by Oogachaga Counselling and Support, a non-profit agency catering for the LGBT and queer community, 60.2 per cent of respondents indicated having experienced abuse and discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The survey also found that such abuse and discrimination led to a significantly higher incidence rate of having suicidal thoughts or attempts. This is alarming.

Thankfully, the Health Promotion Board has published a FAQ on sexuality on its website that validates the humanity of LGBT persons.

However, it removed links to LGBT-affirmative counselling hotlines, which makes access to support for LGBT persons more difficult.

School leaders should pay attention to fostering safe, healthy school environments.

For example, micro-aggressions, which are everyday encounters of subtle discrimination marginalised groups face, towards LGBT persons can cause depression, psychological distress and even cardiovascular issues.

Using words such as “faggot”, “sissy” or “ah gua” as insults or jokes is an example of micro-aggression towards LGBT persons, even if the words are not directed at them.

In a study published in the Journal of LGBT Issues in Counselling, LGBT and queer participants said they felt depressed, anxious and even traumatised when they experienced micro-aggressions.

We have much to do to make Singapore a safe place for all children.


First Published on Today
By BRYAN KWA JIE WEN
PUBLISHED: 4:16 AM, APRIL 29, 2015


If you need assistance or know someone who is in distressed and need help, please call our hotline at 6254 0212
or visit our supportive network page.

Songkran 2015

Songkran starts this weekend and many of us will be travelling up to Bangkok for this wonderful and fun festival. Here are some tips we gathered from seasoned travellers. If you have any tips, add them to the comment section !

#1 Sunscreen

It’s going to be HOT. Make sure you apply sunscreen on all the exposed area to prevent from getting burned especially if you are going to a pool party. Carry it with you and re-apply as often as required. Sunscreens are very common and can be found in many pharmacies located on every corner of Bangkok. Remember: you only want to get wet, not sun-burned.

#2: To wear or not to wear

Flip flops are highly recommended, but make sure they are not slippery on wet grounds. Make sure to pack an extra pair of shoes if you plan to head to club. However, bring shoes you do not mind getting soiled. You will definitely get wet the moment you step out of your hotel. So be mentally prepared. It may be easier to go topless or wear a singlet. If you do, be proud of your own body, and have fun.

#3: Personal Safety

Song Kran is all about having fun and meeting new people. You wouldn’t want to worry about losing your items. Most clubs, circuit parties and pool parties will have a coat check where you can leave your bags. Use a back pack when in crowded places, and carry it in front where you can see it at all times.

Carrying light, only bring the important items, such as wallets, handphone, condoms, lube and a light change of clothes. Seal them in good quality ziplock bags to keep them water proof.

Need to pick up free condoms and lube sachets? Drop by our office.

#4: Eating

Make sure you have a light meal before going to the party, do not go with an empty stomach if you intend to have alcohol. If you are going to have sex, take note what food give you the runs, so you are in your top form.

#5: Accidents and emergencies

Here is a list of hotlines in case of an accident or emergency.

Local hospitals –

24 hr helpline for illicit drugs related issues and emergencies – 
Telephone: +66(0) 828112686
http://www.na-thailand.org/

If your condom broke or was exposed to HIV –
Go to any emergency centre and ask for P.E.P (What is P.E.P?) or visit the Thai Red cross on Ratchadamri Road.

The Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre
104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan,
Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 256 4107 – 09
Fax: +66 2 254 7577
E-mail: aids@trcarc.org
http://www.trcarc.org

DragonStack Takes Over Operations of Fridae

Singapore – Fridae’s original shareholders have decided that Fridae is best placed in being run by the LGBT Community that it is set up to serve. With that in mind, telecommunications and travel company DragonStack have taken over the operation of Fridae. The group of LGBT professionals with a strong technology and communications portfolio are perfectly placed to develop Fridae as the website for LGBT networking in Asia and beyond.

Fridae has always strived to be a voice for the LGBT Community in Asia and a fruitful platform for news, events and information and we now believe we are better placed than ever to do this.

To celebrate this new and exciting era for Fridae we will be offering a specially discounted perks membership – just in case you haven’t met your beau yet during the romantic months of spring. Watch out in your email in the next couple of days.

Fridae has always strived to be a voice for the LGBT Community in Asia and a fruitful platform for news, events and information. Over the last couple of years we have attempted to adapt new technologies for Fridae to continue to work for you on new platforms and devices.

With this in mind you have got these updates to look forward to in the coming months:

  • An Android App
  • A new iOS App
  • An improved and updated Fridae website
  • An LGBT travel site with local ambassadors
  • A specialist LGBT hotel booking and Gay AIRBNB portal

We will of course continue to support Asia’s LGBT Community with a Community News and information service as well as continuing and improving our dating and networking. As ever, we welcome feedback from our members as to how we can improve and members can support Fridae’s growth by:

  • Contacting us with your comments and suggestions
  • Considering becoming a local representative/ambassador
  • Taking out a Perks membership
  • When booking hotels – use the Agoda link on the site
  • Advertising your business or event on the site