In Collaboration with
Join us for an open and deeply personal conversation with Shania Yusof, a transgender advocate, and Dr Jeremiah Pereira, the resident physician at Pulse Clinic, Singapore’s only one-stop provider of holistic, gender-affirming care. This programme offers a rare opportunity to hear both the medical and lived realities of navigating gender dysphoria in Singapore today.
We begin with introductions, setting the tone for a safe and respectful space. Dr Pereira will then walk us through the medical understanding of gender dysphoria, the difference between gender and sexuality, and the kinds of treatments available—from mental health support and hormone therapy to surgical interventions. He will also share insights into the evolving history of gender-affirming medicine in Singapore, the systemic gaps that still exist, and what holistic, evidence-based care should look like. As a queer healthcare provider himself, his work is not just professional—it’s personal.
Shania will follow with her own story. For years, she sought treatment without a clear diagnosis, struggling with feelings that intensified during puberty and surfaced painfully in her intimate relationships. It wasn’t until much later that she finally heard the word that made sense of it all: dysphoria. Her journey, shaped by social transitioning from a young age, self-discovery through art therapy, and years of being misdiagnosed, highlights the very real challenges transgender individuals face in seeking understanding and support.
Shania’s life journey is one marked by resilience, healing, and the quiet strength of becoming. After living for over two decades with the pain of gender dysphoria, she found peace by embracing her gender diverse identity. This journey of self-understanding continues to guide her work and advocacy, both within communities and across disciplines.
Since 2005, Shania has worked in special and inclusive education, supporting neurodiverse learners through teaching, curriculum design, educator training, and programme development. Her work has always centred around care and access, and more recently, she has brought this same spirit into the arts. As a theatre-maker, she participated in trans:mission, a bold and affirming queer-led production exploring lived experiences of gender and transformation.
Shania is also committed to community support rooted in empathy. She volunteers with The T Project and serves as a peer supporter at Greenhouse, offering solidarity to individuals navigating trauma, displacement, and recovery. Her lived experience informs a deep belief in the power of listening, presence, and connection—especially for those at the intersection of gender diversity, neurodivergence, and faith.
Having undergone gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgery, Shania now moves through the world with a renewed sense of wholeness. Through mentoring, creative work, and quiet acts of community, she holds space for others to reflect, belong, and heal—on their own terms and in their own time.
Dr. Jeremiah Pereira is a pioneering physician and advocate for inclusive healthcare in Singapore, specializing in gender-affirming care. They currently serve as the Resident Physician of PULSE Clinic, a primary care practice dedicated to providing affirming and evidence-based medical services to gender and sexual minorities.
Dr. Pereira graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2018 with an MBBS degree, having been awarded the SingHealth Undergraduate Medicine Scholarship. They completed their MRCP (UK) and Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) in 2021.
In their practice, Dr. Pereira has introduced several innovative services, including Singapore’s first local oestrogen implant service and compounding services for gender-affirming hormones. They also pioneered the Informed Consent Model for initiating gender-affirming hormones in Singapore, emphasizing patient autonomy and informed decision-making.
Recognized for their contributions to healthcare, Dr. Pereira was honored with the APCOM HERO Award in 2023 in the Health and Wellbeing category. This accolade celebrates their commitment to advancing health equity and supporting gender-diverse communities.
The T Project is Singapore’s first social service for the transgender community. This independent community initiative was set up by Miss June Chua and her late sister Miss Alicia Chua in June 2014. They realised that there were many gaps in the existing social service sectors, which did not address the needs of Singapore’s transgender community.
Aware of the challenges faced by transgender individuals, they first decided to open a shelter that would serve as a temporary safe haven for anyone who was homeless in the community. The residents are welcome to stay at the shelter for an initial period of 6 months, until they are able to find alternative housing or a more permanent place.
In June 2014, our first shelter was set up with the help of another NGO.
The T Project shelter is the only social service in Singapore that exists specifically to cater to both the transwoman and transman community and LGBT people living with HIV. Our shelter program also provides suitable referral support to our residents to meet their employment, social, healthcare, and emotional needs.
In June 2016, with the help of the community and allies, The T Project managed to raise approximately $130,000 to set up our shelter in Geylang.In July and August 2018, we managed to raise another $60,000 for shelter rent and operations in a campaign called ‘Project Re-Lease’. And in 2022, a new fundraise is launched to support our work, “Can you please be a champion for the most neglected and forgotten today”.
In our outreach efforts to corporations and social service sectors, it became clear that job opportunities were really limited for the transgender community. Therefore, The T Project decided to create job opportunities for our own community.
We actively connect interested trans individuals (both resident and non-resident) to jobs that are trans-affirmative. The T Project also connects residents to a social worker if they are eligible for financial or medical aid.
We hope that with a safe and affirmative/ supportive place to stay at, the residents will have stability and a sense of belonging in their lives. This will better enable them to plan for their futures.
We also regularly conduct shelter programs like our food ration drives, organised community events and fundraising events.
In 2018, the Alicia Community Centre was set up to provide a safe space for transgender/gender-non-binary individuals of all ages—particularly the youth. Apart from peer counselling services for the marginalised, the centre offers a non-judgmental place for LGBTQ youths to meet up and get social support.
The public is welcome to hold workshops and visit the centre to get more information about the community. The centre have since moved to an inclusive space called The Foundry.
Meet Tania Wee, a thoughtful and witty guide with My Tanjong Pagar Heritage Tour, whose love for heritage is only rivalled by her love for food. Trained as an architect, Tania once worked on major building projects before making a meaningful switch to the healthcare sector—bringing with her a sharp eye for design and a deep understanding of how spaces shape lives.
Tania’s tours are a delightful mix of humour, insight, and heart. Her background in architecture allows her to reveal the hidden layers of Tanjong Pagar’s streetscapes, while her genuine curiosity and easygoing nature make every conversation feel warm and personal. Thoughtful and considerate, she pays attention not just to the stories of the neighbourhood, but also to the people walking alongside her.
And when it comes to food—Tania lights up. Whether it’s hawker classics or heritage delicacies, she believes food is a powerful storyteller in its own right. Join her on a tour, and you’re likely to walk away with a deeper appreciation for both buildings and bak kut teh.
Meet Choon Mei, the quietly dedicated IC of My Tanjong Pagar Heritage Tour, who brings thoughtfulness, precision, and heart to every walk through the neighbourhood. Trained as an architect and now working in the healthcare sector, Choon Mei has a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for how the built environment holds the stories of our past.
As one of the key figures behind the tour’s development and success, Choon Mei is known for her considerate nature and steady presence. She’s someone who listens closely, thinks deeply, and ensures every experience is meaningful for both participants and fellow volunteers.
Best mates with fellow guide Tania Wee, the duo bring a dynamic mix of insight and laughter to the team—often bonding over food, stories, and a shared love for heritage. With Choon Mei, you’re in the hands of someone who values connection, honours history, and believes that the best stories are often found in the quietest corners.
Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed.
Parking is available on street at Prinsep Street or at Sunshine Plaza.
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
