The SG Boys

Is it okay to be gay and Christian at the same time? From the crossroads of Shibuya to the cross at the end of the road, Josh searches for spiritual belonging. He attends Singapore's first LGBTQ+ affirming church and deepens his relationship with his parents by taking them to Japan for the first time. Meanwhile, the karaoke mic is back in the hands of Sam Jo who’s singing out loud again! Inspired by three heavenly divas: Sister Mary Clarence, Tenitra Michelle Williams and Charlotte 'Crazy Chick' Church - The SG Boys are taking you to church! Well… kinda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off 2024 with Leon Cheo, the creator, writer and director of People Like Us, a gay Singaporean web series that has been nominated for an International Emmy. Leon recounts various milestones in the show's history, from how it was developed with Action For Aids and gayhealth.sg to raise HIV and Aids awareness, to Season 3's recent premiere and inclusion of a trans character. Leon tells us why it is important that his characters are anything but saints, and why the show does not censor itself for people who are NOT like us. While discussing the series, Josh confronts his struggle with bodyshaming, while Sam Jo and Leon commiserate on having to hide aspects of their queer lives from their family. We also learn that aside from that Kelly Clarkson song, People Like Us is both slang for "homosexual" and the name of an advocacy group for LGBT equality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relax! It’s not the end. But we’re saying goodbye to 2023. And by we, we mean Sam Jo, Joshua, Kennede and Rachael! It’s time for a reunion so we’re checking in on each other before taking on a new year. Kennede reveals why he really left the podcast, and shares some lessons he has learned from both his breakup and an LGBTQ+ camp. Joshua reflects on overcoming the shame of his past. Rachael is now a Forbes 30-Under-30 Honouree. And Sam Jo… has a pop culture reference for everything discussed. Have a gay ole time this Christmas! This final episode for the year is our gift to you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a tough year for The SG Boys, but thankfully our favourite divas have taught us that Nothing Really Matters, we are Stronger than yesterday and yes, we can make it Through The Rain. In our first tête-à-tête in the longest time, we go off on tangents nobody asked for: Escapism through entertainment, anxiety messing with our reality, our millennial bodies betraying us, Josh falling deliciously in love, Sam Jo encountering Oprah Winfrey in an army camp toilet, why is everything so freaking expensive and justice for Jennifer Love Hewitt! Looking back on yet another year, we'd like to think that, in spite of all the bruises and baggage that life has thrown our way, it's never too late... for a comeback. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Circuit is Singapore’s first queer short film festival that is currently in its seventh edition. Festival director Isaac Tng and his teammates Daryl Cheong and Pearl aka Phoo Myet Che join us for a chat about reel-istic representation and self-expression through film, art and volunteerism. Our conversation cruises into the dark alleys of Singapore’s gay history, including lesbian Samsui women, and chances upon a shocking realisation that Naomi Campbell may not be as famous as we think. Short Circuit 7 has added a third screening on October 21. Proceeds will go towards social services provided by The T Project and Oogachaga. Grab your tickets at: https://theprojector.sg/films-and-events/short-circuit-7 A Note from Sam Jo and Josh: Former festival curator Alfian Sa’at has since confirmed that the event’s name is a riff on “short films” and “circuit parties”. That said, we still dig Daryl’s definition a lot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a full house and royal flush with the team behind King, the award-winning one-(wo)man play presented by T:>Works. Playwright and performer Jo Tan, director Irfan Kasban and choreographer Mitch Leow chat about the maKing of the show and why they ain’t joKing when it comes to breaKing down gender constructs. We also meet Stirling da Silva, Jo’s drag king persona who makes us rethink our self-expression, feminine energy and fondness for giraffes. King runs 10 to 13 August. Tickets: https://peatix.com/group/9283/events See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our first cross-country episode recorded entirely over Zoom, Josh rings up Sam Jo as he celebrates Pride in Canada! Together, we hop on another call with Maxie Andreison from the Philippines, the only Asian queen in the WOW Presents Plus’ drag singing competition, Queen Of The Universe. Discover Maxie's coming out story, her love for karaoke and what it's really like filming a reality singing contest. Check out the full video version of this episode exclusively on our Instagram @thesgboys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does family mean to you? For parents-to-be Ching and Cally, it's about being free to love each other and welcoming their newborn into this world. The couple behind LGBTQ+ platform Prout share why they have chosen to start a family in Singapore, despite the challenges that rainbow families still face here. They also tell us all about Prout's new web app that connects the community to critical service providers, and why companies should stop expecting free labour from queer folk during Pride Month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drag queen-cum-Samsui woman Opera Tang drops by to discuss Baby Queen, her documentary feature that’s taking international film festivals by storm. Fresh off her Songkran tour, Opera tells us why Taobao is responsible for her iconic lewk, how she reconciles her feminine energy with societal masculinity, and spills the piping hot tea on her fellow queens. Warning: This episode includes plenty of burping and salty commentary, courtesy of King of Fried Rice (not sponsored). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and content creator Mark Kinoshita aka Auntie aka Minerva McGonagall joins us for a chat about navigating our queerness both online and on the streets. Mark revisits his early clubbing days, when his friends successfully "shocked the gay" out of him; Josh looks back on his past relationships and how social media affected them; and Sam Jo recounts overcoming a certain "furtive shame" with his first public kiss. Warning: This episode comes with A LOT of cackling. Plus, clips from our live recording with Mark at Beyond Repeal, this year's IndigNation Conference! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our lengthiest (and girthiest) episode yet, writer and former “angry young man” Alfian Sa’at joins us for one fierce hour to uncover his life as a poet, playwright and alleged agent of chaos. Alfian tells us about his multiple brushes with censorship, the importance of semantics and why the recent repeal of Section 377A reminds him of - wait for it - a ruined orgasm! We also discuss his fear of heights, his time in medical school and what a Facebook user like him really thinks of Gen Z. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showgirl extraordinaire Kak Nina Boo was once told that she was not pretty enough, but she has since outlived all her naysayers to become one of Singapore's most beloved drag icons. The Tanglin Halt native and former girlfriend of Sang Nila Utama takes us back to a time when she waited tables and performed at the Boom Boom Room, and when police raids were all the rage at Changi Point. She also shows us who the real Nina is under all that makeup - an introvert with a penchant for horror flicks and an enduring beauty that transcends the stage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SG Boys are back with a double episode bonanza to kick off Season 4! After a much-needed hibernation, Josh and Sam Jo surprise each other with belated Christmas gifts that reference some of their favourite pop and R&B divas. They also muse about the year ahead as Sam Jo dangerously approaches Singapore's property-buying age for singles, and Josh grapples with the aftermath of his recent breakup. Trigger warning: This episode mentions suicide and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SG Boys are back with a double episode bonanza to kick off Season 4! Chinese New Year is around the corner and what better way to usher in the Year of the Rabbit than to check out fengshui readings based on our zodiac animals? Sam Jo the Dragon may find himself soaring overseas, while Josh the Horse could do with some powerful women in his life. We contemplate not just our fates, but also video game monsters, ancient folklore and all things superstitious. A Note from Sam Jo: In this episode I absent-mindedly refer to Chinese idioms, or cheng yu, as proverbs. To all my Mandarin teachers, I humbly beg for forgiveness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do we fear or embrace the changes that life brings? Sam Jo is now balls deep in drag. Kennede is using his voice louder than ever. And Joshua is single again. The boys come together, over a bottle of sparkling wine, to reflect on where they are currently in their lives. Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram: @TheSGBoys For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe comms@rachaeldefoe.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everybody say REPEAL! Singapore is finally repealing 377A, the law that criminalises gay sex. We celebrate this historic moment with the return of OG SG Boy Kennede to relive the euphoria and tears from repeal night, and ask the bittersweet question that's on all our minds: what next? Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram: @TheSGBoys For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe comms@rachaeldefoe.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you try to keep things straight… when you’re anything but? Queer people in Singapore have had to 'act straight' for so much of their lives. Either to navigate rules which do not favour them, avoid discrimination or simply fit in and be accepted in society. This is the premise for Wild Rice's Straight Acting, a hopeful, heartfelt comedy about two couples and the drama of trying blend a little hetero fiction into their queer realities. We speak to two of the play’s stars, Darren Guo and Deonn Yang, about what they've learned about queer life, family values and finding one’s tribe. Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram: @TheSGBoys For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe comms@rachaeldefoe.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with answers to the questions you've asked us each time you slip into our DMs. Do we live with any regrets? What were the moments from the podcast that were edited out and why? What song best represents us - and why did Kennede leave?! (jk that's already been answered). [Trigger Warning] A Note From Us: There is a point in the episode where we discuss an incident of violence in Singapore, which an ally of our community experienced. We thought this story was important to include to share the fullness of all our stories. Listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Josh was 15 years old and struggling to understand his sexuality, his PE (physical education) teacher came out to him. Scott represented a healthy, positive example of a queer person living confidently in Singapore back in the 2000s. In our new episode, they reunite after all these years. We also meet his incredible partner of 12 years, Fabian. Together, the couple share a story that not only inspires, but also reminds us of the love that we deserve. For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe comms@rachaeldefoe.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SG Boys squad catch up after some major personal milestones: Josh is back after a life-changing trip to Seoul with his boyfriend; Rachael has shacked up with her boyfriend; and Sam Jo (still single, hi) is now an award-winning drag queen, JoJo Sam Clair! We cover all that and what we REALLY think about the recent government survey on LGBTQ+ issues. Let's have another kiki 😉 📸 : @thekytstudio Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram: @TheSGBoys For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe rachael@rdf.co See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.