IWD 2024: The T Project is providing support to the transgender community in Singapore

What does inclusion mean? This International Women's Day, we feature incredible individuals leading social enterprises that are championing the underrepresented and underserved. Their mission? To shatter societal stigmas and create pathways to equal opportunities for all.

June Chua counts herself as blessed: When she came out to her family as a transgender, they supported her unequivocally. This was 30 years ago, and her experience was vastly different from her peers of that time. It was common for transgenders to be booted out of their homes and disowned by their families.

The conversation, thankfully, has evolved with a changing generation, and she mentions that families are more supportive today. Still, the work that she and her team of two – Neisha Zen Tatjana, centre manager and G Pereira (who identifies as they/them), social worker – at The T Project – are doing is crucial in helping give transgender individuals in Singapore shelter, as well as mental and emotional support through Alicia Community Centre (named after June’s late sister, who was also transgender).

What drove you to set up The T Project?

June Chua (JC): When I started The T Project in 2014, I just wanted to help my [transgender] friends who didn’t have a home. I wanted to support the disenfranchised communities I came from, and help my elderly [transgender] friends get a home.

Back then, transgenders seeking shelter would be placed in cisgender, mainstream shelters, which was an issue: You look like a woman, with your long hair and dress, and then you have to share a room with eight men. The toilets had no doors either.

So it was difficult for transgenders to receive mainstream help. In a small way, we have created a safer space for the transgender community.

One of The T Project’s main goals is to make trans people feel accepted and part of the community. Tell us more. Neisha Zen Tatjana (NZ): Trans people often face rejection, isolation, and invalidation from their families, friends, and society, which can negatively affect their self-esteem, mental health, and well-being. Feeling accepted and part of the community is important for trans people because it affirms their identity and validates their experiences.

Trans people are often exposed to various forms of violence, discrimination, and oppression, such as hate crimes, harassment, abuse, bullying, and exclusion. These can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to trans people and their communities. Trans people often face barriers and limitations in various aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, healthcare, and legal recognition.

These can prevent them from achieving their goals and aspirations, and from contributing to society. Being accepted and valued by others can help them overcome these obstacles, and realise their dreams and talents.

What does Inspire Inclusion mean to you?

G Pereira (GP): To me, Inspire Inclusion means being able to be my authentic self as a non-binary person, and in being seen and heard when using a preferred name and pronouns that do not follow the gender norm. This will allow others to not only learn about me as an individual, but to know that I am an ally too.

NZ: As a transwoman myself, Inspiring Inclusion means to openly accept and understand one’s gender identity, sexual orientation, preferred pronouns, race, religious beliefs/faiths, and so on.

JC: It’s important to include transgender people in every conversation because we are part of humanity, part of race, and part of the fabric of humankind! Inclusion means to include everybody.

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