25 Apr 2011

Watch video: Pink Dot Singapore to be held June 18

Singapore's most anticipated public rally to support the freedom of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) to love is back for the third year on June 18.

The date is set! Over the weekend, Pink Dot organisers announced the date and unveiled a new promotional video featuring its three celebrity ambassadors from the cabaret-comedy group Dim Sum Dollies. Comprising Selena Tan, Emma Yong and Pamela Oei, the Dollies are widely recognisable local icons and are best known for their funny but spot-on commentaries about the issues of the day in the city-state.

Held annually since 2009, over 4,000 people converged on May 15 last year at Hong Lim Park to form a giant human pink dot - the largest public gathering at the park and exceeding 2009's record of 2,500 people (photos at top of page).

The park is Singapore's only government-designated venue for public assembly and free speech where a police permit is not required. According to the park's terms and conditions, participants (forming the dot) must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents, foreigners are however most welcome to watch and observe.

Pink Dot's message to the community: "Everyone should have the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation. But fear, ignorance and prejudice often stand in the way. At Pink Dot, we believe the first step to overcoming these barriers is for open-minded segments of society to come together. If you too feel that LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people deserve to express their love just like any other Singaporean, please join us at Hong Lim Park on 18 June 2011."

For updates, visit pinkdotsg.blogspot.com and/or join their Facebook page.

Singapore