Last weekend, in a little park on a tiny island called Singapore, around a thousand-odd people gathered to commemorate love in all forms and between people of every orientation.
Big fucking deal you might think.
Actually, it fucking is. At least to me and the rest of the people who’ve attended the event. I didnt manage to make it, for geographical reasons but I would have given anything to have been there (well…anything but my Manolo Blahniks).
Singaporeans pride themselves as a “rojak” nation – ethnic races like the Chinese, Malays and Indians have coexisted harmoniously since it gained its independence from the British. When Singaporeans read about racial riots and religious persecutions in other countries, they shake their heads in disbelief because it is just beyond their comprehension, having lived side-by-side with someone of a different ethnic group in their high-rise apartments some time in their lives. They dont blink an eye when their children have Chinese, Tamil and Muslim friends and they celebrate religious holidays that are not really relevant to them but to their friends from that particular ethnic group – I know I can never say no to all the home-cooked food and snacks during Hari Raya and Deepavali!
Like the Swiss, Singaporeans are able to speak at least 2 to 3 different languages and in addition, any army boy worth his salt can cuss in at least 3 other different dialects.
However, beneath this religious harmony, it remains a narrow minded conservative and closed society. The government recognises that homosexuality is part of the society, but ironically, criminal under the law. The norm is still the 3-screaming-ill-mannered-kids-parents-in-tow hetrosexual family. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of gay friends who were afraid to come out of the closet, for fear of shaming or hurting their parents.
Also, till the year 2000, we were repressed there was no Speakers Corner unlike the infamous London’s Hyde Park.
So yes, to me, this is a landmark event. It is the first ever official public gathering for a lesbian-gay-bi-transgendered cause on the island. It is an event to show anyone who is struggling with their feelings of confusion regarding their sexuality at the moment, (because society is filing your head with bigotry gunk) that they are no longer alone. There are people out there who will accept you for what you are regardless of whether they are straight or gay.
Who knows, its pledge might be amended one day to:
We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people. Regardless of race, language (sexuality) or religion, to build a democratic society…..blah blah blah.
Baby steps.
Well done, Pink Dot!!!!
