Friends of Tatler Singapore’s show up at Pink Dot 2023 to fight for true equality

In the first Pink Dot since the success of #Repeal377A, Tatler Singapore speaks to our closest friends at the rally to find out what family means to them and discover what it takes to build a democratic society, based on justice and true equality

The mood was electric. The smell of sweat and success cut through the otherwise typically balmy air of Hong Lim Park during monsoon season in June. The crowd of thousands: galvanised—having just been anointed by the quick passing shower of blessing, grew increasingly spirited. It was the first Pink Dot since the history-making repeal of Penal Code Section 377A last year. And while societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have shifted appreciably, the fight for true equality is still a long one for LGBTQ+ individuals in Singapore.

Since it was first held in 2009, Pink Dot rallies have always addressed not only the LGBTQ+ community’s most pressing needs but also fostered inclusiveness, diversity and the freedom to love in the capital. With its campaign titled “Red + White = Pink”, the theme of the inaugural Pink Dot highlighted the plight of the marginalised LGBTQ+ community. Now, in its 15th year, the subject matter is no different with “Celebrating All Families”—a needed response to the damaging anti-family vitriol that plagues the said community today.

We spoke to a few advocates along with friends of Tatler Singapore and found out what family really means in the face of the hurtful heteronormative national policies that forbid same-sex couples to marry and start families of their own.

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“Family is a verb, not a noun. I don’t think it’s about what family looks like. I also think it’s not about what the State thinks is worthy of recognition,” Pink Dot spokesperson Clement Tan told Tatler.

“Family is all about sticking to the people you love through thick and thin and through life’s ups and downs.”

Above Clement Tan, Pink Dot's media spokesperson answering questions from the world's press at Hong Lim Park. Photo courtesy of Pink Dot SG

“And we have heard countless conversations about the need to protect 'family values' from the LGBTQ+ community. What exactly are you protecting the families from? We have families and love them too.”

Above Boo Junfeng, acclaimed director, Pink Dot committee member and Tatler Singapore's Asia's Most Influential 2021 honouree, poses for a picture. Photo courtesy of Pink Dot SG

“We sometimes forget that equality is one of our five national ideals,” said Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential 2021 honouree and Pink Dot organising committee member Boo Junfeng.

“It is one of the five stars of the national flag. And I believe we need to achieve equality in its truest sense,” the award-winning filmmaker reiterated.

Above One of the community speakers, new-mom-to-be and director of Prout, Cally Cheung took to the soapbox with her wife Ching, to talk about starting a queer family in Singapore. Photo courtesy of Pink Dot SG

The rally also took a particularly poignant turn especially when notable community speakers took to the soapbox. Director of Prout and mother-to-be Cally Cheung spoke frankly about the perils of being a queer parent today.

Cheung, who is expecting her first child with her wife, said in an emotional speech: “With this great joy comes fear. What if my child is bullied in school for having two mothers? Further, our family is not legally recognised. As the birthing parent, I can adopt our child. But what if I pass away? Will she (Cheung’s wife, Ching) be able to adopt my child—our child? And what about the Singapore gay fathers who cannot even stay with them here, long-term, legally? Many of us leave Singapore because we have no choice. We leave because we want the best for our children, for us to be recognised as a family. But there are still many of us living in Singapore, hoping to make a change.”

Above Another community speaker on the soapbox, actor Medli Dorothea Loo discusses her transition journey. Photo courtesy of Pink Dot SG

19-year-old actor and theatre-maker, Medli Dorothea Loo also took to the soapbox and spoke about her transition journey, chosen family and the protection of trans youth. No stranger to the spotlight, Loo has been documenting her transitioning journey on TikTok since 2021. She said: “I was surrounded by a religious family that didn’t understand and feared my transness; as well as friends, who through no fault of their own, couldn’t understand what I was going through and couldn’t give me the proper support I needed. I felt so alone. I turned to social media and started sharing my transition online and I met so many incredible trans kids my age, and they became my chosen family.”

“A family is quantified by love. Love is what is going to help us survive. My parents were afraid that I would be lonely as an out trans person. But I want to say that I have never felt more seen in my life. Because now, I am the most me I have ever been,” said the English voice behind the Pink Dot 15 campaign video before the crowd broke out into a roaring standing ovation.

Above Notable drag performer and Tatler Singapore's Asia's Most Stylish 2022 honouree, Vanda Miss Joaquim (centre) with the House of Miss Joaquim and other Singaporean drag performers on the main stage at Hong Lim Park. Photo courtesy of Pink Dot SG

Celebrated drag performer and Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish 2022 honouree Vanda Miss Joaquim—who echoed the mood of the LGBTQ+ community that night, said it best in her interview with us: “Everyone is born equal. There really is no place for discrimination in 2023.”

While the antiquated colonial-era law that criminalises sex between men may have been repealed, the battle for true LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. And it is this generation's turn to take up the baton from the one before us and fight the good fight.

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Content Direction

Adriel Chiun

Video Editor

Joey Tay

Topics

Pink Dot Pink Dot 15 Pink Dot SG Celebrating All Families LGBT LGBTQ Pride Equality Vanda Miss Joaquim Boo Junfeng Clement Tan Cally Cheung Medli Dorothea Loo

Tatler Asia

Exclusive: Tatler Singapore’s friends champion for true equality at the recent Pink Dot 2023