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29 Jun 2012

Let us all be at Pink Dot for those who can't or won't

Some 10,000 or more Singaporeans are expected to join the Pink Dot rally on Sat, June 30 to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Singapore but for some of us, it may not be easy or possible to be there...

It really doesn’t require much effort to go down to Pink Dot, does it?

Come early on 30 June for a picnic and concert with a starry line-up of homegrown talent, including Ivan Heng and his Cagelles from "La Cage", Kumar, T'ang Quartet and more! Concert begins at 6.30pm

You’ve marked the date on your schedule, and selected your pink outfit. Catching the MRT down to Clarke Quay, you might bring some family members along, or have arranged to meet friends. You’ll end up having a great time, come home and tag yourself on all those gorgeous photos the next day.

But for many people, it’s not that easy.

Maybe they’re not feeling very good about themselves. Maybe they have difficulties coming to terms with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or different.

Perhaps they’re unwell. With a mental health condition or addiction problem, or even struggling with self-harming thoughts. 

Or they’re in hospital after a suicide attempt, or recovering from injuries inflicted by someone they love. Or still grieving a painful loss. 

Some could be afraid to be seen at such a large public event, where they worry about being recognised. Their own experiences of being bullied by peers or persecuted by their religious community have taught them fear of those who hate them. 

Others might have decided that they just want to blend into mainstream society, and dislike the sensitive issues of sexuality, gender orientation and same-sex love to be displayed in public. 

And then there are those who have left Singapore because they’ve decided that here is a country that does not respect people who are different.

Had they still been in their darkest moments, each of the story contributors in I Will Survive probably would not have attended Pink Dot for the reasons above. Yet, time has passed since then, and being the resilient survivors that they all are, I look forward to seeing many of them at this year’s event. 

But for every person who, for whatever reason, is unable or unwilling to be at Hong Lim Park on Saturday, 30 June 2012, there will be the rest of us who can and will. 

Let us all be there for those who can’t or won’t, and believe that someday, they too might join us.

Leow Yangfa is the editor of the I Will Survive website and the e-book. He’s spent most of his adult life involved in social services, including a previous job in a large statutory organisation and volunteer work with an HIV/ AIDS group in Singapore, and a charity for the homeless in London. He currently works with a voluntary welfare organisation in Singapore.

Visit pinkdot.sg for the latest information about Pink Dot 2012.

WHAT: PINK DOT 2012
WHERE: Hong Lim Park
WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 2012
WHAT TO BRING: Pink lights!
WHAT TO WEAR: Of course, PINK!
TIME: Activities commence 5.30pm, Concert begins at 6.30pm, Dot is formed at 7.30pm, or when it is sufficiently dark 

*Please note: According to the park's terms and conditions, only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may participate at the events held at Hong Lim Park. However, foreigners are most welcome to watch and observe. For more info, please click here.

Singapore

讀者回應

1. 2012-06-29 18:41  
Love it!
2. 2012-06-30 00:31  
Nice I've volunteered to help pink dot the last 3 yrs and have met the nicest people. See u there today.
3. 2012-06-30 00:31  
Nice I've volunteered to help pink dot the last 3 yrs and have met the nicest people. See u there today.
4. 2012-06-30 01:08  
I support pink dot even though I live far away. Hopefully one day it could embrace the entire world --to be accepted and to feel free from being you. Congratulation pink dot and more power :)
5. 2012-06-30 10:05  
i always wanted to be a part of such social gathering... too bad i am doomed to live forever in this place so far from civilization. LOL
6. 2012-06-30 23:32  
Since the first 3 years, I had been waiting for the chance to attend Pink Dot with my partner but did not as my partner was busy. For that 3 years, we were motivated to join, especially so after seeing the positive and increasing support. This year, I am alone and available and yet, I still did not attend Pink Dot. Ironically, she is available but I doubt she will join such events anymore. However, I did my little support by wearing Pink (considering the fact that Pink is so not my colour) while attending a meaningful concert by the Malawi African Kids.

Maybe one day, I will be there. For her. For myself. May everyone have the courage to love and keep trying.
7. 2012-07-01 17:51  
I'd really love to join and participate to help in any way, for a better future to come.

Really wish, in Indonesia, we can have such a similar event being held. We're very much still living in black hole all this while. Some wanted this country to move on to a brighter future, but yet there are others who choose to make this country as old-fashioned as it can be ~ forever.

Ironically speaking, lesbians (two girls are sexier), transvestites and fe-males or much more acceptable in societies (in the entertainment world) rather than the gays. They even dare to go public and embrace their status to be known.

The gays are still very much condemned here, and need long years (tons of tears and blood shed) to be able to be accepted. Congrats Singapore for the patience and hard-work. Keep it up and keep it strong!
8. 2012-07-01 20:12  
keep up de good work.
9. 2012-07-11 18:56  
I was wondering if any of you or your friends have a Large Plushie and willing to resell it to me..

My 'gf to be' really hope to get one of the Large Plushie but it was sold out at the Pink Dot Event.. Her birthday is coming in about a week's time, it's the first b'day that i'm going to celebrate with her, i really hope to surprise her..

DM me or email me @ soongfaith@hotmail.com.. Will hope to get a good news!! =)

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