GOLD DUST // Portraits from Singapore's Transgendered Community

Through interviews, I found that there are different reasons for the level of openness; the main reason simply being that is is much easier for transmen to be passable in society which makes it harder for them to openly "out" themselves as having transitioned.All portraits were taken on location in homes, friend's homes, offices, or spaces subjects felt safe in.

Singapore's government does not allow its citizens to move out of their family homes and into their own flat until they are 35 years old or married. This is problematic for the TG community as they may be forced to live in a traditional home with family that does that not approve of them. You can legally marry, but only if you have had your full (top and bottom) operation..

Prostitution has become commonplace in the TG community because of rampant job discrimination and the inability to establish a community of peer support outside of such areas.

It is a sad reality that "transgendered" has become synonymous with "prostitution" in the wider public vernacular, however prostitution is legal and safe here. There are many transwomen who are highly educated and are successful in their professional careers, if they are not victims of discrimination.

Presently, there are little to no resources specifically for Singapore's transgendered community. Oogachaga is one of few LBGTQ organizations in the country that provide counseling and various resources for the population; it is launching one of the only peer support groups for the TG community.

Names are excluded for anonymity.