Rainbow Teen Safe Space

15th Aug, DDingDong moved to a new building. So we could make more spaces for LGBTQ+ youths. Now we have two private counseling rooms and they are bigger than the small one in the office we used to be. And there are more such as a brand new shower room and a cozy common room has comfort couches.

This year there were many local queer pride festivals. Like last year, DDingDong went to those cities as often as possible. We set booth in Gwangju and Busan Queer Culture Festival in Sep and Oct. And we held Moving DDingDong Lunch(Totobob) in each city. So we could meet many LGBTQ+ youths who live in those cities.

We counseled 20 LGBTQ youths in Jul, 17 in Aug and 21 in Sep. And we support LGBTQ youths in crisis providing food, daily necessities, medical services, counselling and so on.

We hosted DDingDong Lunch(Totobob) total 4 times for this three month including Moving DDingDong Lunch in Gwangju and Busan.

We continued outreach program, DDingDong Pocha(Korean Style Bar), it is held every first Saturday night of every month. We share some food and snack. And they can play some board games and if they want they can get a counselling. And we gave many condoms, lubricants, sanitary pads, lip balms, wet wipes, socks, underwears, vitamins and so on.

Last weekend DDingDong opened a booth in Seoul Queer Culture Festival. It’s the biggest LGBTQ event in South Korea. More than 500 LGBTQ Youth visited our booth and we handed out <Pride Passport> which contained a list of human rights for queer youth. Also, LGBTQ youth who got this passport can decorate it as they want to do, like their own pride flags and their names and so on.

We counseled 31 LGBTQ youths in Mar, 25 in Apr, 28 in May and 21 in June. And we support LGBTQ youths in crisis providing food, daily necessities, medical services, counselling and so on.

We hosted DDingDong Lunch(Totobob) total 8 times for this four month. And more than 40 LGBTQ Youth visited Totobop and had lunch together. (10 people each lunch). Especially this semester, we visited other region of korea, Joenju and Daegu so we could meet local LGBTQ youths in there.

We continued outreach program, DDingDong Pocha(Korean Style Bar), it is held every first Saturday night of every month. We share some food and snack. And they can play some board games and if they want they can get a counselling. And we gave many condoms, lubricants, sanitary pads, lip balms, wet wipes, socks, underwears, vitamins and so on.

DDing Dong once again sincerely appreciates the support of SHINee Jonghyun's fans around the globe.

Last year December 18th, Jonghyun's fans around the world were deeply saddened by his sudden death and have voluntarily raised funds to donate to DDing Dong to commemorate him. These grateful donations are currently being used in Crisis Support programs in 2018 where we reach out to LGBTQ youths.

April 8th, to celebrate his birthday, fans once again made a huge donation through 'Jonghyun's B-day Project.' We would like to sincerely thank you for your donations in memory of Jonghyun. Starting two weeks before Jonghyun's birthday, DDing Dong has been able to raise more than $8,000 in total by the grateful contribution from 150+ fans around the world.

We find Jonghyun's supportive voice towards LGBTQ individuals very precious, for we are aware of the positive impacts he brought on those who are marginalized merely for being "different." His remarks, "Difference is not wrong, I do support you," will long be cherished. DDing Dong will always remember his courage and warm-heartedness with you.

The fund collected under the name of Jonghyun will be used for LGBTQ youths in need, especially who lost their shelter to live. Your support encourages our continued commitment to reaching our goal to protect LGBTQ youths from discrimination and hatred.

Happy birthday, Jonghyun.

Thank you.

DDing Dong, LGBTQ Youth Crisis Support Center

Last December DDingDong held "PRIDE PARTY" with 50 LGBTQ teenagers. Cosmetic Brand 'LUSH' sponsored this events. We handed out Pride Passport that contained 'Human Rights List for LGBTQ Youth' And there were various booths like tarot cards, HIV/AIDS quiz, make-up, snacks etc.

We counseled 31 LGBTQ youths in Nov, 25 in Dec, 39 in Jan and 25 in Feb. And we support LGBTQ youths in crisis providing food, daily necessities, medical services, counselling and so on.

We hosted DDingDong Lunch(Totobob) total 4 times for this four month. And more than 40 LGBTQ Youth visited Totobop and had lunch together. (10 people each lunch). Especially this semester, we visited other region of korea, Gwangju so we could meet local LGBTQ youths in there.

We continued outreach program, DDingDong Pocha(Korean Style Bar), it is held every first Saturday night of every month. We share some food and snack. And they can play some board games and if they want they can get a counselling. And we gave many condoms, lubricants, sanitary pads, lip balms, wet wipes, socks, underwears, vitamins and so on. There were 61 visitors in Nov, 76 in Dec, 54 in Feb.

DDing Dong sincerely appreciates the fans that who have supported us under the name of 'SHINee Jonghyun'.

We are sorry to share such heartbreaking and tragic news that SHINee member Jonghyun left us suddenly. Nevertheless, there were fans who have supported DDing Dong through GlobalGiving (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/rainbow-teen-safe-space). Within two days of December 19 and 20, we have received more than $4000 in total from 173 fans aaround the world. The sudden news is indeed heart-aching, however we think it is a surprise gift from Jonghyun who cared about others more than anyone.

Jonghyun meant a lot to DDing Dong as he once raised his voice about the discrimination that LGBTQ individuals suffer in Korea. Also, this support comes to a very special meaning to DDing Dong as it encourages LGBTQ fans of Jonghyun who are grieving for the passing of Jonghyun.

We will make sure to use the fund received under the name of Jonghyun for homeless LGBTQ individuals.

As Jonghyun once supported LGBTQ individuals mentioning 'Difference is not wrong, I do support you'. We hope that the great artist, Jonghyun will stay in our hearts forever.

Thank you.