Singapore's First Gay Pride Rally

International News, By Joal, 20th May, 2009

While protests were stifled by conservative forces in Moscow, the nation city of Singapore celebrated its first pride gathering – even though gay sex there is still illegal.

Last Saturday a crowd of 2,500 people gathered in Sinagpore’s Hong Lim Park, commonly known as Speaker’s Corner. With laws on public gatherings eased only recently, this kind of happening is unique for Singaporeans, who are now allowed to ‘air their grievances’ so long as it’s not about race or religion. Dressed in pink, families, straight couples, students and traditional performance groups descended on the park to celebrate diversity and support Singapore’s gay community.

“I heard about the event from my friends, and we thought it would be fun. I’m straight, but I think it’s an event for everyone and we’re celebrating love for all, which I think is a worthwhile cause,” 19-year old student, Amy Loh said to TodayOnline.com

Organisers of the event say it was designed to not be overtly political. “It was not a protest or a political rally. The event was for Singaporeans in general – to affirm our respect for diversity and the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation. We recognise that many Singaporeans are conservative… so we planned an inclusive event that would reach all Singaporeans, straight and gay,” Jack Soh of pinkdot.sg told the BBC.

The gathering began at 3 in the afternoon with the group dispersed at around 6. Celebrations included picnicking and traditional performances from local groups. Many at the event noted the contradiction between Singapore’s laws regarding gay sex, a vestige of British colonialism, and its acceptance of homosexuality.

There was a political push back in 2007 to repeal Singapore’s Section 377A, the law that renders gay sex illegal. While it caused heated debate, and at times even boiled over into nasty attacks and allegations, the law remains in force.

Gilbert Cheah, an activist and writer told the BBC that it was only a decade ago that Singapore was homophobic. “The space given to gays has grown: there are clubs, bars, businesses that were unimaginable in the 1980s and 90s. Meeting together and seeing each other is empowering and liberating, and for many – who grew up feeling isolated and fearful – this is an important and defining moment,” Cheah told the BBC.

While the event was considered a success, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng told local media that gay people “have a place in our society” but that they must “not assert themselves stridently as gay groups do in the West”.