If you are unfamiliar with the Pinkdot movement, it is a carnival-like event held twice at Hong Lim Park since 2009 in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population in Singapore.
Details of Pinkdot 2011 are as follows:
WHAT: PINK DOT 2011
WHERE: Hong Lim Park
WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2011
WHAT TO WEAR: Of course, PINK!
TIMINGS: Activities commence 4.30pm
This year's special features are:
(A) Google Singapore has officially supported Pinkdot 2011.
(B) Free-of-charge concert to be staged by local artistes (Dim Sum Dollies, Broadway Beng, Dave Tan, etc)
(C) Pre-event campaign includes (i) a campaign video is made by award-winning young Singaporean film-maker, Boo Jun Feng (the video has attracted more than 190,000 views in 3 weeks);
And (ii) coverage by various media, including TOC, Timeout and blogs such as mine.
(D) A few cities around the world (even those with full fledged gay prides) have been inspired and are spontaneously doing their own little pink dots. These include: New York, London, Montreal, Manila, Anchorage etc.
(E) You can pick up the Pinkdot car decal at these locations.
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I just realised last night that my attendance for Pinkdot has been 100%. (I kept thinking I'd missed 1 coz I was not in Singapore.)
At each Pinkdot, I tend to run into quite a few friends, former colleagues etc. Those who are LGBT. Those who are straight and support the cause, or are simply curious.
Over the past decade, I observe that the LGBT population in Singapore:
(1) Has surfaced in large numbers.
This does not necessarily mean that there are more people 'turning gay'. This may simply mean that more LGBTs are telling the world about their orientation.
(2) Is made up of many professionals and the core group is organised.
This is a powerful group of people. They are knowledgeable, resourceful and passionate.
Many in the creative and media industries. This means they have the ability to package their cause in a progressive fashion to reach out to more people, yet within the rules.
(3) Has the support of a growing number of straight people.
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I think many parties (including other gay movements, political parties in Singapore, public agencies etc) can learn from the Pinkdot movement, and I am not referring to its cause, but in its delivery of its cause.
And I firmly believe that government agencies ought to engage this group as soon as possible, and not later when they become even bigger, more established, and more powerful.
I think many parties (including other gay movements, political parties in Singapore, public agencies etc) can learn from the Pinkdot movement, and I am not referring to its cause, but in its delivery of its cause.
In terms of approach, Pinkdot seems and feels like a benign and fun-filled annual event. It is gentle like an advertisement for a funky baby lotion. Yes, it is 'selling' something, but it's not jarring.
Last year's Pinkdot message was 'Focusing on Family', where it featured touching videos of mothers, siblings etc grappling with their family members' orientation.
This year's message is pitched towards the LGBT individual, i.e. a call for them to 'not be afraid to love'.
This year's message is pitched towards the LGBT individual, i.e. a call for them to 'not be afraid to love'.
In terms of form, Pinkdot is conceived as a cool and accessible way to spend a weekend afternoon. Its statement-making is not angry, not in your face, and instead, is palatable in a rather mass-market fashion. It's even safe for babies. Use that as a sanity-check.
Contrast this with the other gay movement called Indignation, where the angst is in your face, e.g. formal statements on its website such as "It is never easy organising gay-related events in Singapore. Many kinds of events require licences from various government departments, which tend to react with suspicion towards anything that is gay-themed. Even when licences are given, past experience has shown that intimidatory tactics from the police can still be expected."
Contrast this with the other gay movement called Indignation, where the angst is in your face, e.g. formal statements on its website such as "It is never easy organising gay-related events in Singapore. Many kinds of events require licences from various government departments, which tend to react with suspicion towards anything that is gay-themed. Even when licences are given, past experience has shown that intimidatory tactics from the police can still be expected."
Having understood the above, may I remind all that this reinforces my earlier point that this group of organisers is powerful. And that their sphere of influence is increasing over time. I am looking forward to this group lending its influence and perhaps legitimacy to other causes in due course.
And I firmly believe that government agencies ought to engage this group as soon as possible, and not later when they become even bigger, more established, and more powerful.
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