Pelangi Pride Centre

Closing this blog

2010-08-01T08:01:00.002+08:00

Dear Friends

This blog will be discontinued effective immediately.

All news and updates will be posted on our newly revamped website.

Please visit and bookmark our website for the latest happening at Pelangi Pride Centre.

http://www.pelangipridecentre.org

thanks

PPC and Free Community Church present Free To Be You

2010-06-17T16:45:00.003+08:00

Event: PPC and Free Community Church present Free To Be You
Date: 26 June 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger foods)
RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com]
with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

-----------
Free To Be You - Free to be a gay Christian youth.

The youths of the Free Community Church will be sharing their experience as gay Christian youths struggling and journeying with God through music, stand up comedy, personal stories and sharing.

If you're a gay Christian youth struggling with your faith and sexuality or if you're simply curious about what it's like, then this event is for you. Come, listen and share with us your problems and experiences.

About the Free Community Church:
http://www.freecomchurch.org/

Event - PPC and SAFE presents: Journeys - The road to acceptance

2010-05-26T09:18:00.001+08:00

Event: PPC and SAFE presents: Journeys - The road to acceptance.
Date: 5 June 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)
RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com]
with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

-----------

**Coming out to grandpa - An original short story.
told by Joo Hymn
It's been so long since I've been able to have a meaningful conversation
with grandparents...

about Joo Hymn -
Joo Hymn was the President of AWARE (2006 to 2007), current exco member of
AWARE, a founding member of SAFE, one of the co-petitioners to repeal Penal
Code's Section 377A in 2007, current exco member of the Breast Feeding
Mothers' Support Group, and an aspiring story teller.

**Our journey - Mdm Yiap Geok Khuan and Eileena Lee.
http://pinkdotsg.blogspot.com/2010/04/when-one-door-closes-closet-door-opens.html

"Yiap Geok Khuan, 67, mother of Eileena Lee who's openly lesbian, told the
crowd why she was there: "This (homosexuality, bisexuality and
transgenderism) is God's gift to them (gays, lesbians, bisexuals and
transgender people) and is a natural trait. It's is not an easy journey for
them and as parents, we should stand by them and overcome society's
prejudices."" Fridae.com

about SAFE -
http://safesingapore.blogspot.com/

Highlights of Pink Dot 2010!

2010-05-22T22:29:00.002+08:00

Well done everyone and we're very proud of you, E and Mum! :)

We will be closed next Sat, 15 May because we will all be at Pink Dot!

2010-05-08T21:13:00.002+08:00

That's right! We'll be closed next Sat, 15 May because we would like to encourage all our friends to join us and support Pink Dot! Email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com for the FREE TSHIRT DESIGN and PRINT IT on your own Tshirt!

See you at Pink Dot!
The PPC Team

We are open tomorrow! 8 May 2010!

2010-05-07T21:32:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

Just a gentle reminder that we will be open from 4-8pm tomorrow (Sat, 8 May) :) The other Sats that we will be open in May are 22nd and 29th!

Kindly note that we will be closed on Sat 15 May cos we will all be at Pink Dot!

Take care and see you!

Show your support for Pink Dot and PPC by wearing this Tshirt! FREE Design, Print Your Own Tee!

2010-05-06T18:41:00.003+08:00

Email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com for the high-resolution image!

Friends of PPC, volunteer for Pink Dot!

2010-05-06T18:35:00.001+08:00

Friends of PPC, Pink Dot 2010 needs volunteers!

If you are able to help out on 15 May 2010 at Hong Lim Park (Speaker's Corner) from 1-730pm (do indicate if you can only report at a later time), then please email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com

We will collate your replies and send them on to Pink Dot by Sunday, 9 May.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS CAN DO

Formation markers:
Guide participants to create the human formation of Pink Dot and other shapes.

Ushers:
Hand out leaflets and free gifts, and show participants around.

Stage crew:
Assist performers and Pink Dot ambassadors during their appearances.

Photography:
Shooting and processing. On the ground or from the air.

Videography:
Shooting and post-production.

First Aid:
On the standby for anyone in need.

Miscellaneous:
And of course, everyone will contribute towards setting up, decorating, dismantling and area cleaning at the park.

Transport:
We are looking for a lorry or van that is available with driver for the entire day on 15 May.

The stage is set!!

HOW TO JOIN

Email to pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com (heading: "Pink Dot Volunteer") with:

Name:
Mobile No.:
Email:
Nationality: Singaporean / PR / Foreigner*
Preferred Role: Formation/Usher/Stage Crew/Photography/Videography/First Aid/Transport/Anything*
Other Comments:

[* delete whichever inapplicable]

"Coming Out" with Eileena Lee, one of PPC's Founders and Her Mum

2010-04-20T16:11:00.004+08:00

PPC is proud of Eileena Lee and her mum for sharing their "coming out" journey, as part of this year's Pink Dot publicity videos! If you have trouble viewing the video, click here!

Missed April's Event? Catch the Snippets Here!

2010-04-19T17:42:00.006+08:00

Hi everyone

If you missed April's event with Otto Fong, you can catch a snippet here!

UPDATE! Another snippet here!

See you at PPC soon!

Library open this Sat (24 April) but closed on LABOUR DAY (1 May)

2010-04-18T22:19:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone

We will be open this Saturday, 24 April but will be closed on the subsequent Saturday for Labour Day (1st May). Everyone who has books that are due on 1st May can take them for another week and return them on 8th May :)

We are also planning to support Pink Dot (15th May) and will provide information on how you can join us shortly!

Take care!

The PPC Team

Free Books!

2010-04-10T23:35:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone

We have TONS of books to give away! We just did another lot of spring cleaning and there's tons to release back to the community for FREE!

Here are some of the titles...

Here are the stacks of books we are giving away!

So come down and visit us any Saturday between 4-8pm at 41A Neil Road, borrow books and "tapao" these freebies!

Take care!

2010-04-05T15:38:00.005+08:00

Event - Otto Fong's "Who Is Standing Between Me and My Big Gay Heaven?"

17 of April 2010 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE presents

Otto Fong's "Who Is Standing Between Me and My Big Gay Heaven?"

Details at a Glance
Date: 17 April 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Who Is Standing Between Me and My Big Gay Heaven?

I've been an openly-gay man since September 2007.

I came out because I saw that carrying the closet with me for 30 years did not give me the life I wanted.

I want a career in comic book creation.

I want to live in a country as cool as South Korea or Japan.

I want my family and my partner's family to know each other!

And I want a dog!

But dang! Those homophobes are so in my way!

They stood there like a herd of medieval warriors and said my kind of sex should be illegal!

In the two years that I have been openly-gay, I explored the world outside the closet. Would you like to know what's out there?

Come join us on the 17th of April at PPC!

New Pictures on our Facebook Fan Page!

2010-03-18T23:45:00.005+08:00

Hi everyone

It's been a long time coming but we've posted photos from our numerous moves!

Come visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and journey with us through memory lane as we show what goes on behind the scenes, as we have carted our ever-growing library from one place to another.

Kindly note that volunteers pictured are a mixture of people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and straight community.

Take care!

The PPC Team

Get your copy of the updated LGBTQ Resource List!

2010-03-18T00:40:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone

We've updated our LGBTQ Resource List. Get you copy here!

Take care!

The PPC Team

2010-03-15T10:36:00.003+08:00

Event - HIV: A Volunteer's Journey

27 of March 2010 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

"HIV: A Volunteer's Journey"

Details at a Glance
Date: 27 March 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

HIV: A Volunteer's Journey

You may know that HIV is now generally considered a chronic disease by the medical establishment. With Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), having HIV is no longer considered a death sentence. In fact, if you look at the ads for HAART in men's magazines, you would usually see a couple of buffed, good-looking men enjoying life.

Some are saying that these are part of the reason/s more people are not using condoms.

"New infections in Singapore, with a population of 4.6million, rose to 456 in 2008 from 242 in 2003" - Health Ministry statistics.

"The numbers they announced are probably much lower than the numbers they have" - Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Medicine for her discovery of the virus that causes AIDS.

"I have seen too many AIDS patients die. Most die alone. There is no warmth, no care for them. They are not ready to die - you see it in their eyes. I told myself I had to do something worthwhile for myself and for the cause - to clear the path for future patients, so they will not die like that." - Paddy Chew (March 29, 1960 to August 2, 1999), the first Singaporean to come out as having HIV/AIDS.

About the Speaker:

Gwo Yinn trained as a Civil Engineer and now works as a Workplace Safety and Health Officer on construction sites. He has been a volunteer in the community since 2005, amongst which are Assisi Hospice, Action for Aids, Oogachaga and Pelangi Pride Centre.

During the session, he will share with you his journey of volunteering in the field of HIV/AIDS. In the process, he hopes that you will gain a new understanding of what a person with HIV has to deal with everyday in terms of acceptance, disclosure, school and work, health and leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

2010-03-06T13:01:00.004+08:00

Hi and welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions!

GENERAL INFO

1) What is Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC)?

PPC is a resource space and library for sexual minorities in Singapore. We have an extensive library of fiction, non-fiction, reference, Chinese and local books which can be borrowed or read within our premises. We also have resources for HIV-related materials.

2) Where is PPC located?

PPC is located at 41A Neil Road (venue sponsored by DYMK).

3) What are your operating hours?

PPC is open Saturdays from 4-8pm, we usually have event days on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

4) How do I get more information about PPC?

You can visit our website, browse this blogsite or join us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com

5) Do you have a contact number?

Yes, please do ring us between 4-8pm Saturdays at 8410 3938

LIBRARY

1) What books can I borrow at PPC?

We have an extensive range of books ranging from the academic to fiction titles. Some of our more popular books deal with relationships, coming-out as well as fiction titles. We also have an extensive collection on HIV-related issues.

2) Does PPC have an Online Catalogue?

Yes we do! Please visit www.pelangipridecentre/library/opac

3) How many books can I borrow and for how long?

You can borrow up to 2 titles from the library (excluding reference materials) for a period of 2 weeks.

4) Do I have to pay for the books?

We collect a small book deposit of $10 per book borrowed (2 titles =$20), which is returned when the book is returned, so in its essence, borrowing books at PPC is free.

5) What if I cannot return the books on time?

In the event that books cannot be returned on time, we will collect a nominal fee of $2 per week it is overdue. These funds will be re-channelled to buy new books for the library.

DONATION OF BOOKS

1) Can I donate my books to PPC?

We will be happy to receive your donations of LGBTQ related books. Please visit our Online Catalogue to see if we already have a copy of the book, and donate titles that we don't have. Or you can email us (pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com) a list of the books you have and we can run through them and let you know which titles to donate to us. We apologise that we cannot take all donations due to limitations in shelf-space.

VOLUNTEERING

1) Can I volunteer at PPC?

Please do! PPC is a solely volunteer-run space and hence we are always on the lookout for new and good help! Please email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com for more information.

New Books at PPC!

2010-03-02T22:02:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone

We have loads of new books at PPC! Here are some of our new titles!

The Transgender Child - A Handbook for Families and Professionals

Lesbians at Midlife - The Creative Transition

Invisible Trade - High class sex for Sale in Singapore

The Testosterone Files - My Hormonal and Social Transformation

Beloved Daughter - Family Letter Project

The First Time - Women Speak Out about "Loosing Their Virginity"

Same Sex in the City - So Your Prince Charming is really a Cinderella

Between Mom and Jo

Lesbian Couples - Creating Healthy Relationship for the 90s

Finding the Boyfriend Within - A Practical Guide for Tapping into Your Own Source of Love ...

The Lesbian S/M Safety Manual

Our online catalogue can be found at www.pelangipridecentre.org/library/opac

Take care!

The PPC Team

More Free Books!

2010-02-27T19:16:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone

I know it's post-CNY but we're still spring cleaning :) and we have more books to release to the community!

Here are some of the titles:

Calendar Girl - Stella Duffy

Tea - Stacey D'Erasmo

Monopolies of Loss - Adam Mars-Jones

The Beautiful Room is Empty - Edmund White

A Boy's Own Story - Edmund White

Almost History - Christopher Bram

The Boys on the Rock - John Fox

Hold Tight - Christopher Bram

In Memory of Angel Clare - Christopher Bram

Father of Frankenstein - Christopher Bram

She Came by the Book - Mary Wings

Godspeed - Lynn Breedlove

Running Fiercely Toward a High Thin Sound - Judith Katz

Bound in Blood: The Erotic Journey of a Vampire - David Thomas Lord

The Object of My Affection - Stephen McCauley

A Home at the End of the World - Michael Cunningham

and many more...

So come by on Saturdays and pick these books up together with your new book loans/returns!

Take care!

The PPC Team

Recruiting Volunteers!

2010-02-26T03:31:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

As you may know, PPC is run solely by volunteers and we're in need of new pairs of hands to help us with the space! :)

PPC volunteers usually help out with the running of our LGBTQ library (we have over 1000 books!) so that will include general librarian work (loans/returns, shelving, cataloging and wrapping of books and so on).

In addition, when we have events, volunteers usually help out with registration and whatever is necessary! :)

Training will be provided so don't worry if you don't know how to run a library, in addition, you will also be partnered with someone who has more experience.

Volunteers only need to help out one Saturday a month (or every other month, depending on your schedule) from 4-8pm.

If you're able to help out, please email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com

Thanks!

The PPC Team

PPC now on Google Maps!

2010-02-12T15:09:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone

Yaayy! We are now on Google Maps! Simply type in "pelangi pride centre singapore" in Google or on Google Maps and out pops our location and other details.

Do let your friends who have yet to visit us know yah?

Take care and see you back at PPC on 20 Feb!

The PPC Team

Closed on 13 Feb for CNY Break!

2010-02-08T16:16:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone

We will be taking a short break this Saturday, 13 Feb for the Lunar New Year holidays and will re-open on 20 Feb from 4-8pm.

Wishing all our friends who celebrate Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Huat ah! :)

The PPC Team

Ring Us!

2010-01-29T01:57:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone

Just to share that PPC now has a mobile number so you can ring us if you need assistance on our location, renew books etc! We are reachable at +65 8410 3938 between the hours of 4-8pm every Saturday!

Take care!

FREE Books!

2010-01-24T00:31:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone

Thanks to the generosity of the community, we're over-run with certain titles and hence we are donating these books back to members of the public. The next time you're at PPC, check out our FREE Books box and take whichever titles that catch your fancy.

At the moment, we have books like "Last Watch of the Night", "Becoming a Man" both by Paul Monette, "The Culture of Desire" by Frank Browning, "Accidental Activist" by Candace Gingrich and many others... first come, first served! :)

See you at PPC!

Event - Coming Home: Discussions from Abroad

2010-01-23T11:11:00.004+08:00

6 of February 2010 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

"Coming Home: Discussions from Abroad"

Details at a Glance
Date: 6 February 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Coming Home: Discussions from Abroad

To discuss the experiences of people who have gone abroad and come back to Singapore. Unscripted and unrehearsed, come listen and share in the experiences of gay Singaporeans who have seen the other side of the fence and have decided to come home. What are their feelings about coming home?

Where is home? Is it tied to a physical location?

What is home? How do you define it?

Why do you call Singapore home?

Can you be an openly gay person in Singapore?

Who should attend this event?

Those who have always wondered what is it like on the other side of the fence and adjustments, differences and experiences of those who have lived aboard. Those that are in transition, those that have gone abroad and back and those that are still searching for the meaning of home.

Panel Members

Leow Yangfa graduated after 3 years of study at Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom. Since returning to Singapore in 1999, he has been working & volunteering in the social services sector. He is also a proud uncle to 5 princesses who were born in 3 different countries.

Aaron Ho is a PhD candidate and studied under Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick. He taught at Queens College, City University of New York and is published in _Genders_ and _General Themes in Literature_ (forthcoming). He is interested in Darwinism, film studies, Victorian literature, Singapore gay history, queer theories and men.

Nicholas Deroose is currently a Journalism Junior at Temple Univeristy Philadelphia and is about to head off for a semester in Shanghai where he will no doubt have a fabulous time.

Leona Lo
Amazing transgender activist

Event - 11 days North East Thailand with 3 gay men and 2 lesbians

2010-01-20T20:12:00.003+08:00

30 of January 2010 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "11 days North East Thailand with 3 gay men and 2 lesbians"

Details at a Glance
Date: 30 January 2010 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

11 days North East Thailand with 3 gay men and 2 lesbians

You may think that after seeing Angkor Wat and Borobudur, there are no more ancient cities to top them. Well you are wrong. You need to go to Esaan.

*Descending the 15 naga stairways towards the prang of Phanom Rung
*Finding 500bahts in toilet of a restaurant run by sistas in Phimai
*Noodle soup next to ancient ruins of Lopburi
*Getting lost within a banyan tree in Sai Ngam
*Dancing amongst sunflowers in the plains of Khao Jeen Lae
*Phad thai, pink century eggs, kai yeang and khao niaow on the night train up north.
*The white temple and golden toilets of Chiangrai's Wat Rong Khun
*Checking out a temple of silver in Wualai Road
*Learning how to cook a vegetarian feast from Mai Kaidee
*And singing My Way in a karaoke bear bar in Bangkok

At the end of last year, 5 guys and girls scooted off to Bangkok and spent the next 11 days exploring the North East Thailand, aka Esaan, a land of rich history and human poverty. Yeah, it was rough at times trying to sleep on public buses and trains. Sometimes, you even have to yell at fellow backpackers to "Knock it off!!" In a harsh land of dry infertile soil, people descended
from the Khmers still try to eke a living there; while sending their children overseas for a better life as unskilled migrant workers. And a most heartwarming surprise was discovering how transgender people are so well accepted in the rural society.

Getting out of the 1000baht per night comfort zone meant sleeping in quaint guesthouses, learning to wait for the bus, getting to eat street hawker food in night markets, meeting the friendly locals, contributing to local economy at the most direct level; and looking out for by including each other into your personal space.

Of course, when you put 3 gay men and 2 lesbians together for 11 days & 10 nights, you will get a lot of talk of size, shapes, curves, colour, hair, chubs, monks, sistas, mei nu ........ which will be featured.

Come and see for yourself what a great time we had!

Event Day Postponed!

2010-01-12T02:26:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone

Sorry we'll be postponing Event Day because we need more time to organise the event. More details will be out shortly. In the meantime, come by and visit us on Sat, 16 Jan from 4-8pm.

Take care!

Happy 2010! Event Day moved to 16 Jan!

2009-12-31T00:35:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

Wishing you good health and happiness today and in 2010!

We will be open for "business" on Sat 9 Jan from 4-8pm so do come by and say hi!

Also, we will be shifting our Event Day to 16 Jan so that people won't need to choose between attending the PPC event day and OC's 10th Anniversary (Happy 10th OC!) celebration.

Details of event day to come out soon!

Take care!

Taking a Short Break until 9 Jan 2010

2009-12-20T02:40:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone

PPC is taking a short break over the festive season and will re-open on Sat, 9 Jan 2010 from 4-8pm at 41A Neil Road.

We will also be holding an event on the day (details to come soon!)

Wishing all you compliments of the festive season, and good health, joy and love in the coming year!

Happy Holidays!

The PPC Team

Be Our Facebook Friend!

2009-12-15T01:33:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone!

We've received word that some of you find it "lehcheh" (inconvenient) to join our Facebook Group/Fan Page because it's something that you won't check often, and so, you have requested that we create a Facebook ID and you can be our friend.

So, we've done that! Search Pelangi Pride Centre and you'll see us.

Looking forward to be "friends"!

Take care!

The PPC Team

Borrow Books on Sat 19 Dec and get them till 9 Jan!

2009-12-13T00:44:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone

If you borrow books on Sat 19 Dec, you will get to keep them till 9 Jan! This is because we will be taking a break on 26 Dec and 2 Jan, so you get a "free" extension!

Grab your books on Sat 19 Dec! We will be open from 4-8pm.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

The PPC Team

Getting to the new PPC@NeilRoad

2009-12-04T13:03:00.005+08:00

Hi all

A few of you have asked for directions on getting to the new PPC@Neil Road.

Here's the nearest public transport information:

Nearest MRT Stations:

Outram Park Interchange (NE3) – NEL Station (300 Eu Tong Sen St) 1.05km
Outram Park Interchange (EW16) – (10 Outram Rd) 1.2km

Nearest Bus Stops:

After Kreta Ayer Rd – Bus 166, 197, 61 (0.94km)
Opposite Pearl’s Centre – 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 124, 143, 147, 190, 520, 851, 961, 961C, 970, 124A, 147A, CT8, CT18, CT28 (1.02km)
Pearl’s Centre – 54, 124, 143, 147, 166, 190, 520, 851, 970, CT8, CT28 (1.05km)

Our address is 41A Neil Road (up the single flight of wooden steps) and we are open every Saturday from 4-8pm.

See you soon!

To Live is Better Than to Die

2009-12-01T11:10:00.003+08:00

12 of December 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

In Commemoration of World AIDS Day, Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "To Live is Better Than to Die"

Details at a Glance
Date: 12 December 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

To Live is Better Than to Die

While the AIDS epidemic began to gradually subside in the West in the 1990s, it tragically exploded in many other parts of the world. At the dawn of the 21st century, the village of Wenlou in Henan province, Central China was especially hard hit, with 60 percent of its people testing positive for the HIV virus, largely due to faulty preventative measures taken during the government-directed blood drives.

Chinese documentary filmmaker, Chen Weijun spent a year living with a family in Wenlou who were struggling with the onslaught of the disease -- only one member of the household has been spared from HIV. To Live is Better Than to Die is a document not only of their battle with AIDS but also their resolve to make the most of their lives.

http://www.allmovie .com/work/ to-live-is- better-than- to-die-280939

PPC re-opens next Sat (28 Nov) from 4-8pm

2009-11-22T15:29:00.004+08:00

Hi all

Thanks to all the awesome help from our volunteers and the bears, we were able to move into the new space without a hitch... and within 4hrs!

We are very excited and happy to announce that we will re-open at our new location (41A Neil Road) next Saturday, 28 Nov, 4-8pm.

Do come by and visit us! We're REALLY looking forward to meeting you!

Need to know what is happening at PPC? Keep in touch with the following methods:

Visit pelangipridecentre.org

Join our Facebook Group or Fan Page

Keep up-to-date with our Twitter updates

Take care!

PPC is moving to our new location this Saturday (21 Nov)

2009-11-18T18:27:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

Sorry for the silence but good news! We will be moving to our new location this Saturday - 21 Nov and will be open for business shortly! Our new address is 41A Neil Road. :)

If you're on Facebook, you can get updates via our Fan Page or Group, or you can join our Yahoogroups mailing list and now... also follow us on Twitter (pelangipridectr). Of course, our website (to be updated soon) will also carry information.

Take care and we'll be in touch shortly!

PPC will be closed temporary

2009-08-15T08:41:00.002+08:00

Our host DYMK is moving to a new location. PPC will be moving with DYMK.

In order to facilitate the move and for us to settle down in the new location, we will be closed from 29 Aug 2009 onwards through Sept 2009.

We will notify everyone of the new location and opening dates once we are settled.

Please check back for the latest updates!

Library not open on 8 August

2009-08-05T21:04:00.001+08:00

The library will not be open on the 8 August, the eve of the National Day.

We wish Singapore and all residents a happy National Day holiday.

There Is No Name for This

2009-07-09T20:53:00.002+08:00

18 of July 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "There Is No Name For This"

Details at a Glance
Date: 18 July 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
To get an invitation - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Note: Thanks to Miak for making this event possible!

There is no Name for This

There is No Name For This explores the joys and difficulties of coming out across cultural and language barriers among Chinese and Chinese-American lesbians, gays and bisexuals. The first video to examine the lack of vocabulary to explain issues of identity in Chinese languages, There is No Name For This introduces 21 individuals in various stages of coming out and how their family and friends have responded to them.

Dir. Ming-Yuen S. Ma, Cianna P. Stewart and Jessica Yu.
Running time: 49 minutes.
Prod. Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center.

Saturday, 13 June 09: Screening - Coming Out, Coming Home

2009-06-03T07:17:00.003+08:00

13 of June 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "Coming Out, Coming Home"

Details at a Glance
Date: 13 June 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)
RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Note: Thanks to Miak for making this event possible!

Coming Out, Coming Home

Asian & Pacific Islander Family Stories, a 44-minute color video featuring interviews of one Filipino and three Chinese families and a dialogue among parents of these gay children. Speaking in English, the families talk about shame, grief, love, growth, the importance of family and how they handled their conflicts around homosexuality.

No event day in May :)

2009-05-17T23:33:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

Just to update you that we will be taking an "event day hiatus" in May. (Tired lah...)

In the meantime, the library will be open on Saturdays, 4-8pm.

We will be back with event day in June so please do check in with us closer to the date!

Take care and have a great week ahead!
Charm on behalf of the PPC Team

PPC will be closed on 9 May

2009-04-25T17:16:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone

PPC will be taking a break on 9 May (Vesak Day public holiday):)

We will be open all other Saturdays in May and our event day (details out shortly!) will be on 23 May.

Please take note!

Take care and see you soon!
Charm on behalf of the PPC Team

Saturday, 4 April 09: Screening - A Very British Sex Scandal

2009-03-24T08:00:00.009+08:00

4 of April 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "A Very British Sex Scandal"

Details at a Glance
Date: 4 April 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)
RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
As there are LIMITED seats, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

A Very British Sex Scandal
See also: Review in Chinese from Fridae 汇乐

In January 1954, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, a 28-year-old aristocratic socialite, and his friend Peter Wildeblood, the newly-appointed diplomatic correspondent of The Daily Mail, were arrested after a concerted effort by the police to ensnare them for homosexual offences. The subsequent case scandalised high society, electrified the nation and was to change the course of British history.

Mixing drama with documentary testimony, this moving film re-lives the extraordinary events of the trial and paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be gay in 50s Britain. With contributions from 50s figures including Lord Montagu and veteran gay rights campaigners Allan Horsfall and Michael Brown, the film also dramatises the meetings of the Wolfenden Committee whose landmark recommendations led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain - forty years ago.

Homosexuals persecuted

In the 1950s, relaxed wartime attitudes to sex had begun to tighten and homosexual acts, even if conducted in private, could lead to lengthy jail sentences. Men were persecuted by the police, hounded by the press and faced the threat of blackmail by unscrupulous sexual partners. Amid the paranoia of the Cold War, as many as 1,000 gay men were locked up in Britain's prisons every year.

Where some older gay men discovered a vibrant underworld with pubs and clubs, secret codes and language, and plenty of opportunity for sex, others describe experiences of confusion and isolation. The film's contributors also explain how homosexuality was rarely, if ever, mentioned in public and, if it was suspected, they could find themselves at the mercy of well meaning doctors and psychiatrists, prescribing electric shock therapy or oestrogen tablets in an attempt to cure" them of their 'disease.'

Montagu Trial

During the Montagu trial Peter Wildeblood caused a media sensation by publicly admitting his homosexuality in court. The authorities had got their men, but their prosecution provoked a great wave of sympathy from press and public alike. After the trial reached its sensational climax, it became clear that things had to change. The law was out of step with public opinion which expressed widespread sympathy for the convicted men - Wildeblood, Lord Montagu and Michael Pitt Rivers.

Wolfenden Committee

Wildeblood's determination to raise awareness of the plight of homosexuals resulted in him writing a groundbreaking book, Against the Law. But in 1955 he gave what was, for him, his most important contribution to the debate about homosexuality. His appearance before the Wolfenden Committee defended the rights of homosexuals to a selection of public figures, most of whom knew nothing about the subject. In a pivotal moment in gay history, Wildeblood advocated changes which, although conservative by today's standards, were revolutionary for the time.

Saturday, 14 March 2009: An Afternoon with Loretta Chen

2009-03-10T07:48:00.005+08:00

14 of March 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - an afternoon with Loretta Chen

Details at a Glance
Date: 14 March 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)
RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
LIMITED to only 30 pax, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests, by 13th Mar 2009.

No stranger to controversy and known for her out-and-about bravado (having paved the way to the Repeal 377A campaign after her infamous questions to the Minister Mentor), Artistic Director of Zebra Crossing Productions, Loretta Chen, sheds her usual zany, bubbly demeanour and shares with us her close brush with death, suicide and depression in an intimate, no-holds barred session. She will share her journey to recovery after losing her partner to suicide 7 years ago and will share with you her tips for getting better and stronger every day.

From London to Los Angeles, Loretta has counselled youths and worked with adults through their times of crisis and invites you to an afternoon of casual chatter and friendly camaraderie amongst the comfort and security of people like us.

For more information on Loretta Chen, log on to http://www.loretta-chen.com and http://www.zebracrossing.com.sg/

So do make a date with us March 14 ...... For an invite -please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

Saturday, 28 February 09: Documentary Screening - The Times of Harvey Milk (Re-screening)

2009-02-18T17:15:00.006+08:00

28 of February 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Pelangi Pride Centre presents - "THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK" (Re-screening)
( this is not the Gus Van Sant 2008 "Milk")

Due to a technical fault at our previous screening, we will be re-screening "The Times of Harvey Milk".
Our apologies to our friends who came last Saturday - this one's on us. :)
(please do RSVP so that we can add you to our invite list)

Details at a Glance
Date: 28 February 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)
friends who came last Saturday - this one's on us. :)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
LIMITED to only 30 pax, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests, by 27th Feb 2009.

The Times of Harvey Milk

The film was produced after Milk's death using original interviews, exclusive documentary footage, news reports, and archival footage, so that Milk is credited as the lead (posthumously). Other politicians including San Francisco mayor George Moscone (who was assassinated with Milk), and Moscone's successor and now United States Senator Dianne Feinstein appear in archival footage. The movie opens with a tearful Feinstein delivering her announcement to the media that Moscone and Milk had been assassinated by Dan White.

Also featured in the film is then-schoolteacher Tom Ammiano, who has been a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors since 1994, and was recently elected to the California State Assembly.

The film was narrated by Harvey Fierstein with an original score by Mark Isham.

The film was directed by Rob Epstein and produced Richard Schmiechen. Richard Schmiechen died from AIDS several years after the completion of the film.

Saturday, 14 February 09: Documentary Screening - The Times of Harvey Milk

2009-02-05T07:50:00.005+08:00

14 of February 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Screening of "THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK"
( this is not the Gus Van Sant 2008 "Milk")

Details at a Glance
Date: 14 February 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

Open this Saturday! (24 Jan 09)

2009-01-20T01:09:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone!

We're working extra hard this year and won't be taking our usual break during the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, so come by and hang out with us this Saturday, 24 Jan 09, we'll be open from 4-8pm as usual :)

Wishing all PPC friends who celebrate CNY a Happy "Niu" Year! :)

All the best!
Nam Khim, Eileena and Charm

Saturday, 10 January 09: Documentary Screening - This Film Is Not Yet Rated

2009-01-04T20:32:00.002+08:00

10 of January 2009 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Screening of "THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED"

Details at a Glance
Date: 10 January 2009 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost per person: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP: This event is by invitation only.
LIMITED to only 30 pax, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com]with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests, by 8th Jan 2009.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film Is Not Yet Rated is an independent documentary film about the Motion Picture Association of America's rating system and its effect on American culture, directed by Kirby Dick and produced by Eddie Schmidt. It premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and was released limited on September 1, 2006. The Independent Film Channel, the film's producer, aired the film later that year.

The MPAA gave the original cut of the film an NC-17 rating for "some graphic sexual content" - scenes that illustrated the content a film could include to garner an NC-17 rating. Kirby Dick appealed, and descriptions of the ratings deliberations and appeal were included in the documentary. The new version of the film is not rated.

The film discusses disparities the filmmaker sees in ratings and feedback: between Hollywood and independent films, between homosexual and heterosexual sexual situations, between male and female sexual depictions, and between violence and sexual content.

Themes and discussion
Much of the film's press coverage was devoted to Dick and his crew's use of a private investigator to unmask the identities of the ratings and appeals board members.

Other revelations in the film include: the discovery that many ratings board members either have children 18 and over or have no children at all (typically, the MPAA has suggested it hires only parents with children between the ages of 5 and 17); that the board seems to treat homosexual material much more harshly than heterosexual material (this assertion is supported by an MPAA spokesperson's statement in USA Today that "We don't create standards; we just follow them"); that the board's raters receive no training and are deliberately chosen because of their lack of expertise in media literacy or child development; that senior raters have direct contact in the form of required meetings with studio personnel after movie screenings; and that the MPAA's appeals board is just as secretive as the ratings board, its members being mostly movie theater chain and studio executives. Also included on the appeals board are two members of the clergy (one Catholic and one Episcopalian, who may or may not have voting power).

Prior to Sundance, the film sparked initial press interest when it was handed an NC-17 rating by the MPAA for "some graphic sexual content." When it premiered at Sundance, the film's ratings deliberations, along with Kirby Dick's appeal, were included in the documentary. Since the film had changed dramatically from the time of the NC-17 rating, the film cannot be released with an MPAA rating without the film being resubmitted for review.

The film went on to draw crowds at many other festivals, including South by Southwest and the Seattle International Film Festival, and was slated for theatrical release in fall 2006.

more info at - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Film_Is_Not_Yet_Rated

PPC open every Saturday in December!

2008-12-13T17:10:00.004+08:00

Hi all

Greetings from the PPC Team!

Apologies that the PPC website has been offline since early December 2008. Whilst we are sorting out the technical difficulties, we want to reiterate we are still very much OPEN every Saturday from 4-8pm! :)

Come by for a visit at DYMK (9 Kreta Ayer Road) and chill out whilst enjoying the latest read!

For more information, please drop us an email at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com

Take care and see you soon!

Saturday, 8 November 08: Documentaries Screening - "The Celluloid Closet" and "Sex Change Soldier"

2008-10-31T07:31:00.004+08:00

8 of November 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Screening of "THE CELLULOID CLOSET" and "SEX CHANGE SOLDIER"

Date: 8 November (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

RSVP - This event is by invitation only.
LIMITED to only 30 pax, prior registration is required.
For an invite - please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name (in full), contact number, the name/s of your guests.

1) The Celluloid Closet

The film is based on the 1981 (revised 1987) book of the same name written by Vito Russo, and on previous lecture and film clip presentations given in person by Russo 1972-82. Russo researched the history of how motion pictures, especially Hollywood films, had portrayed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters. It was given a limited release in select theatres, including the Castro Theatre in San Francisco in April 1996, and then shown on cable channel HBO.

The documentary interviews various men and women connected to the Hollywood industry to comment on various film clips and their own personal experiences with the treatment of LGBT characters in film. From the sissy characters, to the censorship of the Hollywood Production Code, the coded gay characters and cruel stereotypes to the progress made in the early 1990s.

Vito Russo wanted his book to be transformed into a documentary film and helped out on the project until he died in 1990. Some critics of the documentary noted that it was less political than the book and ended on a more positive note. However, Russo had wanted the documentary to be entertaining and to reflect the positive changes that had occurred up to 1990.

Directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Produced by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Written by Vito Russo, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Sharon Wood, Armistead Maupin
Starring Lily Tomlin (narrator)
Music by Carter Burwell
Running time 107 min.
Subtitles - Yes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celluloid_Closet

2) Sex Change Soldier
C4's sex change soldier
By DEREK ROBINS
Published: 06 Mar 2008

THE story of the first ever Para to have a sex change is to be told in a Channel 4 documentary.
Sex Change Soldier tells the story of Parachute Regiment Captain Ian Hamilton, 43, who last year had sex change surgery and is now known as Jan.

Before the op Ian was one of the British Army's most decorated officers following service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

A C4 spokesman said: "The documentary is an intimate and raw portrait of a remarkable year as the alpha male Para transforms into an ultra-feminine woman.

"He has a more feminine face thanks to facial feminisation surgery, breasts have replaced his pecs and he's had sexual reassignment surgery to become a complete woman.

"Now Jan has more battles to face - to be accepted by her friends and family and the Army - she was not allowed to take up a posting as an Army Media Liaison Officer in Gibraltar and is now taking the Army to an industrial tribunal."

The programme reveals how Ian fought to suppress his feminine side by joining the Army at 18 doing officer training at Sandhurst.

He took a career break to train as a cameraman working in war zones covering the first Gulf War and the Bosnian conflict.

He then rejoined the Paras as a captain fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article884976.ece
http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/cutting_edge/sex_change_soldier/index.html

Present Day PPC@DYMK!

2008-10-30T22:42:00.000+08:00

Pictures of our First PPC at Rowell Road

2008-10-29T23:15:00.000+08:00

Pelangi Pride Centre Needs Volunteers!

2008-10-20T09:46:00.000+08:00

Hi there!

Pelangi Pride Centre needs your help!

If you have always wanted to do your bit for the community, how about considering volunteering a Saturday (for four hours and a bit) every month at Pelangi Pride Centre?

With on-going events as well as a library that needs continual upkeep, we need your hands, legs and brain cells!

Your time commitment: A Saturday a Month, from 3:30-8pm at PPC@DYMK (9 Kreta Ayer Rd)

Don't worry, training will be provided and you will always be paired with a "veteran" volunteer so there's plenty of available help if you're new to all of
this!

If you would like more information or to volunteer, please email us at pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com,stating your full name and contact number.

Thanks!
Eileena, Nam Khim and Charm
Pelangi Pride Centre Team

www.pelangipridecentre.org

Reflections III: "I Am" by Leona Lo

2008-10-18T10:38:00.007+08:00

Leona Lo from - http://fatsumomo.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/leona-lo/
by Julianne Seah

I met Leona Lo yesterday at this completely new lesbian and gay bar/cafe DYKM (Does Your Mama Know). It is also occupied by the Pelangi Pride Library where it moved since The Mox Cafe at Tanjong Pagar. I jumped immediately at the chance of RedQuEEn!’s email to meet Leona Lo as she would be giving a motivational talk and RSVP-ed our names (Spearmints and I) to Eileena Lee who is the founder of RedQuEEn! I was and still am exciting having to meet Leona and met her.

Leona wrote an inspirational book on her journey to womanhood - From Leonard to Leona. If you still do not have any idea, she is the first transgendered woman to come out aggressively to the public voicing her anger and bitterness since the Pump Room incident where she was singled out and denied entry to the Pump Room as reason given: “We don’t welcome Ladyboys.”

From Leonard to Leona - I must have read about 10 times all over and raved a million. Every single read, I discovered new feelings and new perspectives that I have missed out from the last read. It never failed to capture my attention time and time again because all of her words felt so real and there was pain in this book. I think she deserved all of the fairness and the good because she took a leap of faith to write this journey recollecting agonizing memories and for all I know, this might not be all.

At this point of time, you will think probably I have thoughts of changing my gender since I am so into stuffs like this. Shame on you shallow pigs. Yes I would love to have a sex change to a woman. I need to like do something about my very manly features. Get it? Ok never mind. But whoever said that you have to be one of them to understand what they feel and desire?

So I met Leona Lo. Lo and Behold (No pun intended), wah she is beautiful and she is really captivating. Honestly, she is attractive and wow charismatic and she looks SO much better in person than her pictures which made her look trannish (no offence!) Her skin is flawless, her body is tone, her legs are long - damn it all in all, all biological women should be ashamed! SHAME ON US!

There are quite a number of participants from all walks of life, from all orientations - straights, gays, lesbians and transgenders. One of them captured my attention - Fanny whom appeared in the Straits’ Time with a whole section dedicated to transgenders. Fanny is the main character of the section “When Papa become Mama” - even my father is reading it. Fanny, an divorcee, brought her daughter along whom told her then-father that it will be okay to be mother because she gets to enjoy both papa and mama’s love. I was like wow…

Another interesting participant would be this single mother whom came because of her son who wishes to go through the transition and she was here to find out more. I was in awe. Mother fucking hell! She is really cool and understanding towards her 19 year old NS-exempted boy’s desire to transit into a woman. I honestly thought she is the best mom in the world to be able to accept this wholesome deal.

Leona began talking and she is really witty. Talking about life before transition, her anger/bitterness, her career and etc. I was really into her. I mean her words, she is well-articulated, intelligent and she really packs a punch. She is the kind of model that young transgenders should look up to and never to end up being streetwalkers. Maybe I don’t exactly have the right to say that because all are circumstantial and maybe Leona is lucky and she is blessed with brains and opportunities but of course, all these came with a price that she have fully paid since young.

The talk lasted for slightly above 2 hours with all sorts of questions being thrown onto the floor. We were in close proximity with her. I was in close proximity, like 1 step in front, and I was totally mesmerized. I wanted to ask if lesbians hit on her.

She shared one story which she read in literature (She was invited to University of York to read English Literature on scholarship). Back in US, where African American Civil Rights war was going on, the blacks were ostracized and all those things about slavery and zero equal rights. They even had rules on the bus, where it is divided into two sections.

The first four rows of bus seats were reserved for white people. Buses had “colored” sections for black people—who made up more than 75% of the bus system’s riders—generally in the rear of the bus. These sections were not fixed in size but were determined by the placement of a movable sign. Black people also could sit in the middle rows, until the white section was full. Then they had to move to seats in the rear, stand, or, if there was no room, leave the bus.

Black people were not allowed to sit across the aisle from white people. The driver also could move the “colored” section sign, or remove it altogether. If white people were already sitting in the front, black people could board to pay the fare, but then had to disembark and reenter through the rear door. There were times when the bus departed before the black customers who had paid made it to the back entrance.

So there was this lady Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) made history and this was the strength that gave Leona.

Rosa Parks was in the bus, which later on filled with the white people. The bus driver came around and asked those African Americans (AA) to give up their seats to the white people. There were 4 AA and 3 gave up their seats except for Rosa. The bus driver motioned her and asked her to move.

Bus Driver: Let me have these seats
She never budged.
Bus Driver: Why don’t you stand up?
Rosa Parks: I am not giving up my seat.
Bus Driver: Well, if you don’t stand up, I’m going to have to call the police and have you arrested.
Rosa Parks: You may do that.

Rosa Parks was arrested that fateful night.
Quoting Rosa Parks:

I did not want to be mistreated, I did not want to be deprived of a seat that I had paid for. It was just time… there was opportunity for me to take a stand to express the way I felt about being treated in that manner. I had not planned to get arrested. I had plenty to do without having to end up in jail. But when I had to face that decision, I didn’t hesitate to do so because I felt that we had endured that too long. The more we gave in, the more we complied with that kind of treatment, the more oppressive it became

It became apparent to Leona, that it is time to take her stand in to be treated as equal as a real woman. Rosa Parks’s spirit is very much present in Leona Lo.

Today we are seeing many news with regards to the LGBT. We are finally reaching the 21st century and more milestones for LGBT. Like what Leona says, it is time.

P.s. Do not attempt Rosa Parks spirit in Singapore buses or trains. Please do give up seats for elderly, pregnant women and .. tired looking nurses..

P.p.s I managed to talk to Leona for good 15minutes. GOD AMAZING..

Reflections II: "I Am" by Leona Lo

2008-10-18T10:25:00.001+08:00

"I had attended the "I Am - Motivational Talk” by Ms Leona Lo at PPC on 11 Oct 08 with my daughter. Beside giving us the information on Transsexual issue, she also gave us the opportunity to ask her questions during the Q&A session. Even my daughter also listening to her talk as it was quite interesting and she also mentioned about her past events. She brought books which are interesting too. Ms Leona said something about IPL which she did was cost about $100 only but as many people were talking to her after her Talk, I got no chance to find out more information on where she had done her IPL. I intend to email her and ask her about it and hope that she will reply me (as I know she is very busy) and let me know the information so that I can post in Sgbutterfly website to share this information. Cheers. "

by Fanny Ler - hyperlinked to - http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080908-86462.html

Reflections I: "I Am" by Leona Lo

2008-10-18T10:16:00.012+08:00

Eye- (and Mind) Opening Session with Leona Lo by Bian Tan

Yesterday, I went to hear Leona Lo speak. I had heard of her through the local GLBTQ internet postings, and since I have a few friends who are transgender, I attended the event to learn more and to show support for the transgender community. The event was held at the Pelangi Pride Centre , now at its new location in DYMK Café (Does Your Mother Know) on Kreta Ayer Street.

There were about 38 people who attended Leona’s informal sharing, which I thought was quite encouraging. Leona spoke about her experiences growing up in Singapore and facing discrimination in subtle and not so subtle ways. And also receiving understanding, acceptance, and help from unlikely people. What struck me was how different the gay and lesbian experience is from the transgender experience, and how much more difficult it has been for the latter to overcome emotional, psychological, and medical problems, while at the same time trying to find a safe space within their own social community to be who they are.

From the general discussion between the audience and Leona, I learned about the small but positive changes that appear to be happening in Singapore , about how different sexual ways of being in people are becoming more accepted, and especially how the government may be viewing the GLBTQ community in a more positive light. Especially insightful were observations made about how we can all affect positive change in social attitudes towards GLBTQ people by not hiding ourselves from our own friends and family. I also realized that I had my own misconceptions about transgender people, and that it is incorrect to lump transgender people with gay and lesbian people.

It was inspiring to hear Leona speak in a candid way about her feelings regarding discrimination. She related to us about having a lot of anger when faced with discrimination, but has now come to understand that the discrimination or negative reaction from people is only a result of their upbringing, fear, and ignorance, and that they really cannot help it. She is now very zen about it and shakes off such incidents as water from a duck’s back. At the end of the session, my heart was full of respect and admiration for Leona. She has gone through a huge amount of pain and struggle, experienced vast personal growth, and emerged radiant, strong, and wise. I was touched by her beautiful human spirit, as I’m sure many in the audience were as well.

I would like to thank the Pelangi Pride Centre for organizing and hosting Leona’s sharing session, and applaud its efforts to bring us together to better understand ourselves. I wish more people realized how wonderful a resource the PPC is. It is a safe space for GLBTQ people to socialize, make friends, look up resources in the Library, and interact face-to-face in a non-scene, non-sexual environment. Congratulations Pelangi, and heartfelt thanks for a great session with Leona!

Saturday, 11 October 2008: I Am - Motivational Talk by Leona Lo

2008-09-17T20:12:00.005+08:00

11 of October 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

I Am - Motivational Talk by Leona Lo

Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC) Presents -

An afternoon with Leona Lo, author of "My Sisters, Their Stories" and "From Leonard to Leona - A Singapore Transsexual's Journey to Womanhood."

More about Leona:

Leona's website - http://www.leonalo.com/

Leona's interview with Fridae - http://www.fridae.com/newsfeatures/article.php?articleid=2235&viewarticle=1

Leona's interview with Reuters - http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSSP3059820070925

Date: 11 October 2008 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre (DYMK Bar & Cafe)
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 drinks & finger food)

As this event is by invitation only, prior registration is required. For an invite, please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] to RSVP with your name (in full), contact number and the name/s of your guests.

For more information:
EMAIL: pelangipridecentre [at] yahoo dot com
or visit
URL: http://www.pelangipridecentre.org/
BLOG: http://pelangipridecentre.blogspot.com/

Your FAQs answered :)

2008-09-14T00:38:00.005+08:00

Hi all

Thanks to everyone who has popped by PPC@DYMK the last 2 Saturdays to hang out and chill with us :) We are also glad that there have been new users of the library, we hope you have a good time exploring our collection!

To address some of your FAQs:

1) Does PPC loan books out?
YES! We do :) Just pass us your details and a $10 book deposit (you can take 2 books out for 2 weeks - so that's $20 book deposit) and when you return the books in 2 weeks time, we return you your $20 (in short, it's free if you return the books, PLEASE return the books so that our collection doesn't deplete!)

2) What if I return my books late?
Just a $2 fine (per book) for each week you are late. We use the funds to purchase plastic wrap, labels and to patch books. No, it doesn't come into our pockets!

3) Where can I find your library catalogue?
Visit http://pelangipridecentre.org/library/opac/ to navigate our library catalogue (yes just like a "regular" library).

4) What are PPC's operating hours?
Saturdays, 4-8pm, we would love to open during other hours but being volunteer- run it's hard to get the manpower to staff the library during the week.

5) How can I help?
Donate $ to help with the running of PPC, we take any amount of $! The $ will be used to purchase new books as well as to offset our operating costs such as patching books, upgrading our computer system and so on, we are also always on the lookout for volunteers so if you can spare a Saturday a month, please let us know!

6) How can I contact PPC?
Email us at pelangipridecentre@yahoo.com

Take care everyone and see you on the 20th!
The PPC Team

PS: Don't forget to sign up for our upcoming event on the 2nd Saturday of October - Leona Lo will be at PPC!

Come join us for our first Saturday at DYMK (6th September, 4-8pm) :)

2008-09-03T12:19:00.005+08:00

Hi all

PPC@DYMK will be open for our FIRST Saturday of operations this Saturday, 6th September from 4-8pm.

Come by to chill out and enjoy the collection of books whilst sipping fine teas/coffees and so on!

Special beverage/cake deals for PPC users (through the kindness of our friends at DYMK)

$2 for Soft Drinks (Normally $5)
$3 for Juice (Normally $6)
$5 a cup of Coffee (cos expensive beans) (Normally $8)
$5 a pot of Tea (cos expensive bag) (Normally $8)

Tea time special - Any cake with coffee/tea $8

The address of PPC@DYMK is 9 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088985

To come by train, exit at Outram Park or Chinatown Station

To come by bus,
Neil Road - 166,197
Kreta Ayer Road - 80,145
New Bridge Road &
Eu Tong Sen Street - 2,12,33,54,63,124,143,147

See you on Saturday!
The PPC Team (Eileena, Nam Khim & Charm)

Pelangi Pride Centre Re-Opens at DYMK on 6th September 2008 (4-8pm)

2008-08-25T13:01:00.002+08:00

Hi all

YES! We are BACK! :) Please pencil this in your diaries, PDAs, blackberry, whatever.. :P that PPC@DYMK will be open on the first Saturday of September - 6th September from 4-8pm.

For those who have borrowed books when we were at Rowell Road, Mox and so on, it's a chance to see the library in the new space and to chill out in the rather nice and lil cosy cafe. (Got [nice] coffee/tea and non-alcoholic drinks too!!!)

Our friends at DYMK have also worked out a special beverage/cake deal for PPC users so that everything is a lil cheaper during Saturdays, 4-8pm.

$2 for Soft Drinks (Normally $5)
$3 for Juice (Normally $6)
$5 a cup of Coffee (cos expensive beans) (Normally $8)
$5 a pot of Tea (cos expensive bag) (Normally $8)

Tea time special - Any cake with coffee/tea $8

We will also be open for the rest of the Saturdays in September so if you don't get a chance to say hello on 6th September, there are other opportunities!

See you soon!
The PPC Team (Eileena, Nam Khim & Charm)

DYMK is located at 9 Kreta Ayer Road - http://www.pelangipridecentre.org/contact/contact.htm

Pelangi Pride Centre has Moved!

2008-08-17T20:04:00.001+08:00

Dear all,

A big "Thank You" to all the volunteers, the dragon boaters and the 3 drivers (who volunteered the lorry and the 2 cars), who helped out with the big move on Saturday 16 August 2008.

Our thanks also to Dr Kaan Sheung Kin (affectionately known to all of us as Sheung) for generously housing PPC in his home and opening his home to the community every saturday since March 08.

Pelangi Pride Centre will be closed for the next 2 weeks for us to settle down in our new home.

We will re-open on the 6th of September 2008.

Please watch this space for more info about future activities in our new home.

With thanks,

Charm, Nam Khim and Eileena.

Pelangi Pride Centre celebrates Singapore's 43rd Birthday!

2008-08-07T18:02:00.002+08:00

Dear Friends

PPC will be taking a break this Saturday, 9 August to observe Singapore's 43rd Birthday (staying home to watch the Parade lah...)

Happy National Day to all our Singaporean friends.

Take care
The PPC Team

Check the Availability of Books Online!

2008-08-07T17:55:00.004+08:00

Did you know that you can look for books that are available at PPC online?

Check out the following link http://pelangipridecentre.org/library/opac/ to search according to title/author or subject

See you at the new PPC@DYMK! (Opening details to follow!)

Take care
Charm :)

A Big Thank You to Our Volunteers

2008-08-02T08:00:00.000+08:00

A big thank you to Ying Ying, Mike, Lynn and Su-Lin for the hard work they put in today to pack PPC in preparation for our big move on 16 August.

It was a solid two and a half hours of packing but now what used to be our library at Rowell Road is all safely encased in many little cardboard boxes.

We are still looking for help for the move on 16 August, so if you can spare a few hours to flex some muscles, please drop us an email at [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com].

Thanks and see you soon!
Charm

Pelangi Pride Centre needs your MUSCLES! - we're moving (AGAIN!)

2008-07-30T20:49:00.002+08:00

Pelangi Pride Centre needs your MUSCLES! - we're moving (AGAIN!)

Yup, you read the subject heading RIGHT! :)

We are moving (AGAIN!) - from our present location in Rowell Road to our new home, DYMK - http://www.dymk.sg/

We are very grateful to Dr Kaan Sheung Kin (affectionately known to all of us as Sheung) for generously housing PPC in his home and opening his home to the community every saturday since March 08.

As with all our previous moves, we need your MUSCLES on the 16th of August, 5pm at our current home in Rowell Road.

To help out and for more details, please email Eileena at [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] with your name and contact number (so that we can contact you if there are any last minute changes)

Cheers,

Eileena Lee

Saturday, 12 July 08: Documentary Screening - The Celluloid Closet

2008-06-27T08:00:00.008+08:00

21 of June 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Screening of "THE CELLULOID CLOSET"

The film is based on the 1981 (revised 1987) book of the same name written by Vito Russo, and on previous lecture and film clip presentations given in person by Russo 1972-82. Russo researched the history of how motion pictures, especially Hollywood films, had portrayed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters. It was given a limited release in select theatres, including the Castro Theatre in San Francisco in April 1996, and then shown on cable channel HBO.

The documentary interviews various men and women connected to the Hollywood industry to comment on various film clips and their own personal experiences with the treatment of LGBT characters in film. From the sissy characters, to the censorship of the Hollywood Production Code, the coded gay characters and cruel stereotypes to the progress made in the early 1990s.

Vito Russo wanted his book to be transformed into a documentary film and helped out on the project until he died in 1990. Some critics of the documentary noted that it was less political than the book and ended on a more positive note. However, Russo had wanted the documentary to be entertaining and to reflect the positive changes that had occurred up to 1990.

Directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Produced by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Written by Vito Russo, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Sharon Wood, Armistead Maupin
Starring Lily Tomlin (narrator)
Music by Carter Burwell
Running time 107 min.
Subtitles - Yes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celluloid_Closet

As this event is by invitation only, prior registration is required. To sign up, please email [pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com] to RSVP with your name, contact number and the name/s of your guests.

Date: 12 July 2008 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre - 54 Rowell Road (in Little India)
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

Directions to the new PPC:

Come into Hindoo Road from Jalan Besar. Look for tall HDB block 639 at the end of the road. Corner terrace house with grapevines growing. Come in from the back door.

Saturday, 21 June 08: SafeHaven + PPC presents - For the Bible tells me so

2008-06-12T08:00:00.007+08:00

21 of June 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Screening of "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO"

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate?

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

There will be a discussion moderated by Miak from The Free Community
Church, following the screening.

Date: 21 June 2008 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre - 54 Rowell Road (in Little India)
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

Directions to the new PPC:

Come into Hindoo Road from Jalan Besar. Look for tall HDB block 639 at the end of the road. Corner terrace house with grapevines growing. Come in from the back door.

Saturday, 7 June 08: Documentaries Screening- "Dangerous Living" and "Shalom in the home"

2008-06-02T08:00:00.005+08:00

7 of June 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Documentaries screening
"Dangerous Living" and "Shalom in the home"

1) Dangerous Living: Coming Out in the Developing World

Dangerous Living: Coming Out in the Developing World, is a feature-length documentary that explores the immense changes that occurred for gays, lesbians and transgender people living in the Global South. In the last decade of the 20th Century, a new heightened visibility began spreading throughout the developing world and the battles between families, fundamentalist religions, and governments around sexual and gender identity had begun. But in the West, few people knew about this historic social upheaval, until 52 men on Cairo's Queen Boat discothèque were arrested for crimes of debauchery. That explosive story focused attention to the lives and trials of gay people coming out in the developing world and the film chronicles those events.

Dangerous Living opens with one of the Cairo 52 defendant's, Ashraf Zanati, who was tortured, humiliated, beaten and forced to spend 13 months in prison. His simple, but powerful statement sets out the basic theme for the film: "My sexuality is my own sexuality. It doesn't belong to anybody. Not to my government, not to my brother, my sister, my family. No."

Directed by John Scagliotti and Produced by Janet Baus and Dan Hunt. Executive Producer is Reid Williams. Major sponsor includes The H. van Ameringen Foundation.

2) Shalom in the home

"Shalom in the home" is a series about a Rabbi counselling couples with problems dealing with family life.

This particular episode features a lesbian couple who are having issues with one of their 2 daughters. One of the two mums, her father is a civil-rights lawyer, but could not accept her daughter is lesbian. In order to prove to people that gay people are capable of being good parents, she ended up pushing her own daughter too hard.

Without letting on too much - basically this episode focuses on the effects that a homophobic society have on gay people such that the downstream effects can hurt our own children at the end of the day. (This was shown on CableTV in March 2007)

Date: 7 June 2008 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre - 54 Rowell Road (in Little India)
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

Directions to the new PPC:

Come into Hindoo Road from Jalan Besar. Look for tall HDB block 639 at the end of the road. Corner terrace house with grapevines growing. Come in from the back door.

Saturday, 10 May 08: Documentaries Screening- "Trembling before God" and "Rene's Story"

2008-05-01T08:00:00.006+08:00

10 of May 2008 @ PELANGI PRIDE CENTRE

Documentaries screening

"Trembling before God" and "Rene's Story"

1) Trembling before God (84mins)
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Trembling_ Before_G- d

2) Rene's Story (77mins)
Rene, 31, a female-to-male gender reassignment candidate took hormones for years and "passed" as a man for all of his adult life. Married to his high-school sweetheart, Wona, a heterosexual woman, for 12 years, no one would guess Rene was biologically a woman. Living under a veil of secrecy and lies, Rene and Wona's lives seemed fine until someone "outted" the couple at their beloved church and everything they knew was destroyed. The public revelation of Rene's secret starts to unravel his marriage to Wona. Through all of it, Rene continues to hold on to his lifelong obsession to become a biological male and goes
on a cross-country search to find the best transgender surgeon, only to discover that the current surgery options are flawed. At the last minute, Rene finds a surgeon who has created an experimental procedure, which will be seen in THE OPPOSITE SEX for the first time.

Date: 10 May 2008 (Sat)
Time: 4pm
Venue: Pelangi Pride Centre - 54 Rowell Road (in Little India)
Cost: $6 (cost of 2 soft drinks and finger food)

Directions to the new PPC:

Come into Hindoo Road from Jalan Besar. Look for tall HDB block 639 at the end of the road. Corner terrace house with grapevines growing. Come in from the back door.

Pelangi Pride Centre Re-Opens Today! (19 April 2008) 4-8pm

2008-04-19T08:00:00.002+08:00

Dear all

Just a gentle reminder that Pelangi Pride Centre re-opens in our new home - 54 Rowell Road (in Little India), TODAY (19 April) from 4-8pm

For directions on how to get to the new PPC:

Come into Hindoo Road from Jalan Besar. Look for tall HDB block 639 at the end of the road. Corner terrace house with grapevines growing. Come in from the back door.

Take care and see you!
Charm
Pelangi Pride Centre
pelangipridecentre at yahoo dot com

Pelangi Pride Centre has moved

2008-04-03T08:00:00.002+08:00

Dear all,

A big "Thank You" to all the volunteers and The Bears who helped out with the big move on Sunday 30 March 2008.

Pelangi Pride Centre will be closed for the next 2 weeks for us to settle down in our new home.

We will re-open on the 19th of April 2008.

Please watch this space for more info about future activities in our new home.

with thanks,

Charm, Nam Khim and Eileena.