Singapore – what do we know of it? It is a small little island state known for its awesome financial hub status with an economy gigantically enormous, a cause of much envy for its immediate neighbours. A country which achieved 3rd world to 1st world status in a short time, modern skyscrapers jostle with each other for space and recognition.
For 4.6 million people like me, this little island is home. For others, we are just nothing but a red dot on the map rarely seen geographically on a world map.
On the flip side, the ban on homosexual lifestyle has been very well documented with international news channels like CNN and BBC covering the situation. Interviews about the issue have been done with people like our ex-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to actor Ian McKellen. Over the years, from frequent raids on bar masquerading as a “gay venue” there has been a gradual relaxation of laws till today where my home can boast an actual “gay scene” worthy of mention.
However, on 16 May 2009 – history was made. On this day, it marked Singapore’s very first legal mass public gathering of people in support for the causes of LGBT. Why pink dot? PINK is the colour of our identity cards. PINK is the colour of our national flag (red and white) combined. We are always referred to as a RED DOT, so why not make it PINK?
A little more than a few years ago, an event like this would be unimaginable. But a call was made to all who felt the need to make our voices heard. It didn’t matter if you weren’t gay; in fact none of the ambassadors for this project was gay. Gay people, straight people, “undecided” people, parents, children, families – all were told to turn up in pink.
The carnival atmosphere was nothing short of ELECTRIFYING. The sense of activism, the voice in unison supporting the freedom to love without discrimination and the unanimous purposeful aura we all felt. It all seemed a little strange but at the same time, none of us cared because we were part of history.
Finally at 5pm, the call came for all present to gather in the middle of the field to form a PINK DOT.
Andaman From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (4 years 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 3371 times:
Great photos, looks like people are having good time!
I have visited Singapore twice and enjoyed my staying a lot. Have to say though that I haven't felt completely relaxed as a gay guy there but it seems things are changing, great!
I hope the beer prices change next, was surprised finding gay bars in Chinatown more expensive than in Finland, doesn't happen often to me...
Pawsleykat From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 1978 posts, RR: 14 Reply 7, posted (4 years 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 3346 times:
Wow!
What a great achievement for Singapore! May it be the first of many there, and them be a leader for other countries that still have bans on Homosexuality and the Homosexual lifestyle.
Great photos, I love the guy with the Pink Tiara
JG
First Class passengers are my favourites. They can't get any further forward without an ATPL.
Gofly From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2004, 1727 posts, RR: 46 Reply 8, posted (4 years 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 3340 times:
Fantastic news to hear, especially in light of other terrible discrimination we're hearing about, that Singapore has taken a step to reinforce equality in all areas.
It looks like a great event and it's nice to see so many turned up, regardless of their own preferences.
Good stuff!
Living the high life on my ex-Airliners.net Moderator pension...
Czbbflier From Canada, joined Jul 2006, 932 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (4 years 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 3282 times:
Now THAT is progress. Thank you for sharing this really wonderful moment with us all. That was a gay-pride celebration that anybody would be happy to participate in. It looked like it reflected what we really want and need for our LGBT community. Normalcy and acceptance.
Congratulations on decades of subtle activism. Persistence pays dividends in Singapore.
Bwest From Belgium, joined Jul 2006, 1314 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (4 years 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 3241 times:
Majulah Singapore...
My partner is from Singapore as well, and he was thrilled to see this event being organised. I think more and more Singaporeans don't care too much about what your sexual orientation is, it's just the government now that needs to follow the people and start abolishing its archaic laws. The statement of "senior minister" (or should we say "founding father") Lee Kuan Yew on homosexuality 2 years ago was already a clear, yet cautious, sign of the changing times.
It's good to see that progress being made and that people are being allowed to express themselves and be who they are with the person they love. I love going to Singapore, and events like these will only make me want to go even more.
Kiwiandrew From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 8435 posts, RR: 15 Reply 12, posted (4 years 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 3217 times:
Well done !
nice to see Singapore finally starting to show some concern for human rights , it has always struck me as a slightly strange place with it's combination of democracy and authoritarianism , looks like maybe the intolerance that has traditionally been one of the less pleasant aspects of the PAP may be fading with a new generation of leaders .
Moderation in all things ... including moderation ;-)
Ryanair!!! From Singapore, joined Mar 2002, 4652 posts, RR: 27 Reply 13, posted (4 years 3 days ago) and read 3201 times:
Hi all,
Thank you for all your kind words. The emotions felt by all and the outpouring of support during this event is simply indescribeable in words. For all those involved in this historical moment, for those who were there to soak in this milestone, the immense feeling of achievement can only be summed up by viewing this video .
Once again, I thank you all for your support.
Cheers
Ryan
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