Since I was 14, I have been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. I founded My Queer Story SG and Queers of LH, co-founded Meh Meh Singapore, spoken on multiple podcasts, webinars and panels, protested in the #FixSchoolsNotStudentsmovement, as well as volunteered for various advocacy groups and initiatives such as Sayoni and #Ready4Repeal.
Currently, I am also a Sociology undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) and a representative of the Red Dot United Youth Wing.
2. Why do you do what you do?
As a queer person living in a conservative society, I face discrimination every other day. I know how exhausting and painful it is to exist as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore, not inherently because of our queer identities, but becase of the lack of inclusivity in our policies, laws and society as a whole.
No one deserves to suffer for simply being who they are. But if nothing is done now, not only us, but the generations after us will continue to be hurt by the oppressive status quo. I am driven by the need for our nation to be held accountable, for our country to become a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
3. How did you get started?
When I was 14, my physical environments (mainly school and home) were barely welcoming spaces for me, so I took it to the virtual space, where it is comparatively less restricted as compared to conventional media, to converse about LGBTQ+ issues. Through which, I learned more about LGBTQ+ rights and terminology, linked up with like-minded people, learned how to embrace my queerness unapologetically, and inspire others to be allies.
4. What messages do you have for fellow people out there?
We are all on a lifelong journey of growing, learning, being and becoming. No one has all the answers and that is ok – some answers may change and that is ok too. Do everything you have in your capacity to embrace yourself and others, to make our world a place of love and inclusion of our beautiful diversity.
5. What messages do you have for fellow people regarding their sexuality?
Take your time to figure things out (or if you do not want to, that is ok too). Know that there are people out here ready to embrace you with open arms and support you in any way we can – you are not alone in this journey; we got you. Also know that it is ok not to label how you identify; it is ok to change how you identify; it is ok to simply be.
6. What do you think of sexual wellness products i.e. sex toys/ lubes?
Go for it! However, there is definitely more work that should be done to make the products more sustainable and labelled in a more gender-inclusive way.
7. What do you wish you knew about sex and sexuality growing up?
I wish I knew that sex wasn’t something “gross” or to be shunned. Sexuality Education in schools definitely should do more to share about safe and consensual sex, rather than avoiding the topic altogether by reinforcing the idea of abstinence before marriage.
I also wish I knew that sexuality is very diverse and these identities are valid too – there is a whole spectrum of sexualities that exist beyond a man-and-woman union.
Overall, I wish I knew to embrace, rather than avoid the exploration of and discussions about sex and sexuality.
8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Whether it is having a seat in parliament or continuing to advocate for human rights on the ground, I see myself doing everything I can in my capacity to uplift the marginalised and to lobby the authorities to implement inclusive laws and policies. Hopefully, I will also learn to better practise self-care and be less sleep-deprived HAHA
ABOUT ELIJAH TAY
Elijah Tay is a youth activist, known for their LGBTQ+ advocacy. They founded My Queer Story SG, Queers of LH, & Huh, got this thing ah?, co-founded MehMeh Singapore, & protested in the #FixSchoolsNotStudents movement. Currently, they are a Sociology undergraduate at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) & Red Dot United Youth Wing representative.