What does it mean to feel accepted by family? What are the things we wish we could say to our parents, and the things parents sometimes wish they knew how to say to their LGBTQ+ children?

On 18 October, SAFE and Proud Spaces, together with Sendok Rakyat, invite you to SEMEJA — At the Table: an intimate afternoon bringing LGBTQ+ folk and affirming parents together through food, conversation and the making of nasi ulam.

Nasi ulam is a traditional Malay rice dish made by combining rice with a variety of finely chopped fresh herbs, leaves and other ingredients. Each has its own taste, fragrance and character. Together, they create something richer: not too different from families and families of choice.

Around small tables, participants will prepare nasi ulam together and as we chop, mix and eventually share a meal of what we have made, gentle conversation prompts will invite us to explore what family, acceptance, care and belonging mean to each of us.

There is no expectation that anyone has to tell their story or share anything they would rather keep private. SEMEJA is simply an opportunity to make a meal together, listen to one another, and perhaps have some of the conversations across generations that we don’t often get the chance to have. 

LGBTQ+ people of all ages are welcome, with younger LGBTQ+ people especially encouraged to join. Parents of LGBTQ+ people are warmly welcome too.

This event is free to attend, but a donation of $10 is recommended.

SEMEJA — At the Table is presented by SAFE and Proud Spaces in collaboration with Sendok Rakyat, as part of October in Mind, a Proud Spaces initiative nurturing mental wellbeing by strengthening social support, connection and community resilience.