Rainbow Teen Safe Space

Hello, this is DDing Dong. We are pleased to share our second update of the year, after completing our relocation.

1. We’ve successfully completed our move!

We have finally completed the relocation, and LGBTIQ youth are beginning to visit our new space. To make the most thoughtful and responsible use of your generous donations, our staff and volunteers worked side by side—painting the walls of the new center and carefully smoothing the finishes of new furniture to ensure that LGBTIQ youth would not hurt their hands. There is hardly a corner of the new space that has not been touched by the hands of our team.

Now, we are fully restarting our core work of counseling and supporting LGBTIQ youth in Korea. Thanks to the donations you contributed, we were able to build a safe and welcoming space where LGBTIQ youth can receive counseling and meet peers in a supportive environment.

2. Our First LGBTIQ Youth Participation Program of the Year

This year’s first DDing Dong Restaurant was held as a special “Newcomers Edition.” DDing Dong Restaurant is our participatory program for LGBTIQ youth, and this session was designed for those  who were joining the program for the very first time, giving them a chance to get to know one another in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

We prepared activities that helped participants naturally connect with each other—such as writing messages on Post-it notes for friends they wanted to get closer to—allowing new friendships to form with ease. Below are reflections from LGBTIQ youth who participated in the March DDing Dong Restaurant.

Youth A: It’s been really hard to find or connect with other queer people my age around me… Through this opportunity, I feel like I’ve been able to get to know so many wonderful people. I had a really great time.

Youth B: Everyone was kind and respectful to one another, and I really liked that the atmosphere wasn’t too heavy. Most of all, the food and snacks were delicious. :)

3. Introducing Our 2025 Annual Report

We are pleased to share that DDing Dong’s 2025 Annual Report has been published, outlining the activities and impact made possible over the past year through your generous donations. The report is available as a web page that can be easily viewed on both PC and mobile devices. Please visit the link below to learn more about DDing Dong’s work through our Annual Report.
https://ddingdong.kr/2526reporteng

Spring has arrived in Seoul, Korea. While spring, with flowers in bloom, can be a season filled with warmth and renewed energy for some, it can also be a lonely time for others. DDing Dong remains committed to staying close to LGBTIQ youth, sharing moments of laughter and connection so that no one has to feel alone. Thank you for supporting DDing Dong through your donations.

Sincerely,
DDing Dong