At Transbefrienders, supporting transgender individuals in Singapore is at the heart of everything we do. Recently, our executive team had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Bangkok—a city known for its caring and progressive approach to transgender healthcare. This field trip was more than just a learning experience; it was a chance for us to see firsthand how different practices in transgender care can benefit a community. We returned with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose for how we can continue to support our community here at home.
Why Bangkok?
Bangkok has become an important hub for transgender healthcare, offering both high-quality medical support and a welcoming approach to care. With experienced clinics and professionals who specialise in areas like gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy, and counseling, Bangkok is a destination for people seeking accessible and understanding care. For us, this visit was a chance to experience different approaches that could help us grow, connect, and enhance the ways we serve. Learning in Bangkok felt like a meaningful step on our path to broadening our support services.
Learning from Thailand’s Leading Experts
Throughout our trip, we were honoured to meet with Bangkok’s leading healthcare provider, Tangerine Clinic, including specialists in medical and mental health care. They shared valuable insights about how they work to support their clients holistically—offering physical, emotional, and social support during each step of their journey. This perspective on transgender care reinforced the importance of creating a network of support that addresses the whole person, not just their medical needs.
Our team also had the chance to meet with Joe Wong, Executive Director of regional community organisation, Asia-Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), that work to make sure transgender individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. He shared stories of building supportive environments and connecting people to resources and community support. Seeing how APTN address unique challenges, like social stigma and mental health, inspired us with ideas for nurturing connections and new services back in Singapore. It was incredibly heartening to learn from friends who are as passionate as we are about helping others feel safe and understood.
Bringing These Experiences Home
Our time in Bangkok left us feeling more inspired than ever to support the community in Singapore. The practices we observed have sparked ideas for ways we can make our own support services even more accessible, welcoming, and caring. From refining mental health resources to building relationships with local healthcare providers, we’re excited to put what we’ve learned into action. It was an eye-opening experience, and we’re eager to take small steps that might make a big difference for those we serve.
Looking Ahead Together
As we bring these new ideas home, we feel grateful to have shared this experience together. This journey helped us deepen our commitment to creating a safe, caring space for our community. We look forward to continuing this journey, side by side with all of you, and to sharing updates as we explore new ways to support and uplift each other.
Thank you for following along with us. We’re excited for what’s next, and we’re here to share it with you every step of the way!
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