Impact of Homophobia & Transphobia

on LGBTQ individuals in Singapore

Homophobia and transphobia are defined as a range of negative attitudes and feelings
towards people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ). These negative attitudes may include apathy, contempt, prejudice, aversion, and irrational fear directed at LGBTQ persons. As a minority community, many LGBTQ persons in Singapore may have experienced homophobia or transphobia at some point in their lives.

In March 2012, Oogachaga conducted a survey on homophobia and transphobia, titled 'Impact of Homophobia and Transphobia on LGBTQ individuals in Singapore'. It is the first Singapore-based survey conducted to understand the possible links between homophobic/ transphobic experiences, and behavioural issues and suicidal ideation in the LGBTQ community.

Key findings

The survey received overwhelming response from the community with more than 450 completed responses. Here are the key findings:

  • 60.2% of respondents have had experiences with sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based abuse and discrimination. Transgender females have the highest incidence rate (94.4%), followed by males (62.5%);

  • The most common forms of abuse or discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals are homophobic jokes and being called derogatory names;

  • Most respondents have experienced sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based abuse and discrimination in schools and from the general heterosexual population;

  • LGBTQ individuals who have had experiences with sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based abuse and discrimination, reported a significantly higher incidence rate of self-reported behavioural issues;

  • LGBTQ individuals who have had experiences with sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based abuse and discrimination, reported a significantly higher incidence rate of having suicidal thoughts or attempts.

You can download the Summary Report below:

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