LGBTQ+ Singaporeans gather around a microphone to share stories of love, loss, friendship and family. Hosted by Joshua Simon, Sam Jo and Kennede Sng. Recorded in Singapore, a largely conservative country that criminalises sex between men and where there are no anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ people, The SG Boys aims to be a safe space where all are welcome. The beliefs, views and opinions expressed on the podcast are attributable to its hosts only, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, organisation, company or individual. Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram: @TheSGBoys For media requests or collaborations, contact our Communications Lead, Rachael De Foe [email protected]
We kick off a brand new season of our little gay podcast with drag and comedy icon Bianca Del Rio, who joins us backstage from her show in Hawaii. Here to spill the tea and throw plenty of shade, the clown queen tells Josh and Sam Jo why she doesn't consider herself a legend (yet), why she doesn't watch Drag Race today, and a shocking revelation about RuPaul. Bianca reveals her side of the story about the viral club incidents involving a heckler and a very tipsy Tina Burner. Amid all the wicked quips and jokes, Bianca dishes out some heartfelt advice for our LGBTQ listeners, proving that while she may be bitter, things really can get better.
Catch Bianca Del Rio live on Sunday, January 19, as she brings her Dead Inside tour to Singapore. Presented by LA Comedy Live, this show promises an evening of unapologetic humour and non-stop laughter. Tickets at www.sistic.com.sg/events/bianca0125
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Recording this episode in the thick of Brat Summer and the Hungry Ghost month, The SG Boys contemplate something which we have always dreaded - old age and all of its accompanying health issues. Josh reveals his recent ordeals with costochondritis and oral mucoceles, while Sam Jo, in true Ashlee Simpson fashion, grapples with acid reflux, vocal nodules and his fear of death. Are we old yet? Probably. Are our bodies starting to betray us? Most definitely. But who said ageing can’t be glorious? Just like this podcast - which turns four in a few months - we have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep…
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Shawn Soh aka Plantbro joins us for an intimate chat about being often introverted, sometimes lonely, but always gay and happy to dance through life on his own terms. Shawn looks back on life-changing moments that, albeit painful, have helped him to blossom: from voluntarily signing himself up for conversion therapy to parting ways with a good friend who could not accept his sexuality. He tells us why he uprooted his life in London to move back to Singapore, and shares how his once-disapproving father eventually became one of his closest confidants who inspired his love for plants. Oh and in case you're wondering, yes, Shawn is single and, in typical Virgo fashion, has created a meticulous checklist of what he seeks in a partner. Listen to find out if you're his cup of coffee!
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Harris Zaidi may be the festival director of Pink Fest, but don't be fooled by the rocks that he's got, he's still, he's still Harris From The HDB Block! The gay month is upon us and Harris is here to give us the lowdown on Singapore's annual Pride festival that celebrates all things LGBTQ. From movie screenings and pink pasars to an inclusive career fair and inaugural fashion show. June is set to be the most colourful month ever - as it should be!
Ever the kaleidoscopic one himself, Harris recalls how life as a gay kid in Serangoon North was way more muted, and how the facets that once othered him are now the very things that he celebrates. The father of three also tells us why having children, a recent Hari Raya party and his activism in the community have all been instrumental in his healing journey as a gay man.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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