published MAY 2023

Supporting Queer Futures - An IndigNation 2023 Workshop

 
 
 

Our workshop facilitators introducing the objectives of the “Supporting Queer Futures” workshop at IndigNation 2023

 

“Social and workplace stigma is still faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and employees today, along with a need for more visible out and proud representation by senior queer leaders.”

On 19th March 2023, Q Chamber organized a workshop themed “Supporting Queer Futures”, as part of Indignation 2023: Beyond Repeal. The workshop aimed to identify and address key barriers and opportunities in society through the lens of Q Chamber’s existing mission to connect LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and individuals in Singapore to support and promote our shared economic interests, values and aspirations. 

The discussion saw 30+ participants from various community organisations and companies coming together in a forum-style discussion to understand existing challenges to queer communities in Singapore, and to envision potential solutions. 

The group collectively uncovered these relevant barriers concerning queer individuals and organizations in Singapore, including:

  • Social and workplace stigma is still faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and employees today, along with a need for more visible out and proud representation by senior queer leaders

  • Lack of coordination among various community groups with potential for greater synergies (e.g., sharing of skills, knowledge base, contacts) 

  • Lack of sustainable funding and resources for LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives, leading to ad hoc campaigns rather than sustained, long-term efforts

  • Lack of specific expertise and accessible training for individuals and organizations, such as navigating the legal landscape, administration, and employment

  • Need for additional local nuance and context on our approach to issues by applying an Asian / Singaporean lens rather than parroting “Western values”

  • Further need to address intersectional issues on topics such as PLHIV, drug usage, and reconciliation with faith

As a result, we formulated 4 key themes to guide potential support moving forward:

  • Connection: Promote better collaboration, networking, and synergies between various LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, organizations, and individuals, such as via a directory of queer-owned and allied businesses or regular forums to drive coordination

  • Funding: Support fundraising efforts or creating a dedicated fund to provide financial support for LGBTQ+ groups and related initiatives

  • Workplace: Support the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace through jobs network and referrals, professional training and engagement (e.g., via Q Mentors, a mentorship programme with experienced LGBTQ+ executives, employers, etc), advocating for workplace fairness and anti-discrimination

  •  Education: Drive greater awareness, engagement and education for employers of all sizes on LGBTQ+ and related issues, such as by providing targeted trainings to address social stigma and workplace discrimination

Moving forward, Q Chamber will review the key takeaways and consider how we can play our part to support the community, as part of our mission. It is our hope that our ongoing programmes and initiatives will contribute to creating a better future for LGBTQ+ people in Singapore. 

IndigNation organises Singapore’s annual LGBTQ+ conference. IndigNation’s mission is to activate the queer imagination, to bring together Singapore’s diverse queer communities in real space to exchange ideas, share knowledge and cultivate compassion for each other. Through this, progressive queer discourse can be articulated to enable progressive action. More information on IndigNation here.