Latest news with #DifferentStoriesSameLove
Independent Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Thousands, including PAP MPs, WP MPs and Li Huanwu, gather to celebrate Pink Dot 2025
SINGAPORE: Thousands of supporters gathered at Hong Lim Park on Saturday (28 June) for the 17th edition of Pink Dot SG, Singapore's annual rally in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme, 'Different Stories, Same Love,' set the tone for a warm atmosphere as participants waved pink flags, posed for photos, and shared personal stories celebrating love in all its forms. The event, a fixture in Singapore's civic calendar, saw a presence from both sides of the political aisle. From the People's Action Party (PAP), Potong Pasir SMC MP Alex Yeo and Sembawang GRC MP Ng Shi Xuan were seen mingling with attendees. The Workers' Party (WP) was represented by Sengkang GRC MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru, both of whom declined to speak to the media. Among the crowd were familiar faces including Li Huanwu and his husband Heng Yirui. Mr Li, the son of Lee Hsien Yang and grandson of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. Speaking to the media, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan said this year's rally aimed to look beyond the present and inspire future generations. A highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of a time capsule on site, containing nearly 70 items donated by community members — from jewellery and clothing to letters and mementos. 'This time capsule serves as a reminder of the love and resilience that has carried us this far,' Mr Tan said, 'We want to send a message of hope to future Singaporeans: that all forms of love are valid and that our relationships should be celebrated equally.' The capsule will remain sealed until 2050, when organisers hope it will be opened as a testament to how far Singapore has come in embracing diversity.
CNA
28-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Thousands show up in support of LGBTQ community at annual Pink Dot rally
SINGAPORE: Heavy rainfall on Saturday (Jun 28) afternoon halted just in time as the 17th edition of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rally Pink Dot began. Thousands of supporters brought Hong Lim Park to life with bold outfits in different hues of pink. They lounged on picnic mats, reconnected with old friends and made new ones, while children ran around with balloons in hand and pet dogs trotted alongside their owners. This year's theme, "Different Stories, Same Love", aims to celebrate love in all its forms as the LGBTQ community comes together to share hopes for a more inclusive future. This is the third year of Pink Dot since Section 377A, a decades-old law criminalising gay sex, was repealed in November 2022. Two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the People's Action Party (PAP) were spotted visiting booths and engaging with committee members from Pink Dot. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, MP for Potong Pasir SMC Alex Yeo said he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage and listen to the concerns of the LGBTQ community. 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community, our overall social compact in our community. And so therefore we are very happy to be here,' Mr Yeo said. MP for Sembawang GRC Ng Shi Xuan said Pink Dot has deepened understanding and created more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity. 'Conversations will help us to understand each other better. And conversations means two-way right? You talk and you listen. So that's very important,' Mr Ng said. Workers' Party MPs for Sengkang GRC Louis Chua and He Ting Ru were also seen at the rally, but declined to speak to the media. STRONGER ACCEPTANCE, BUT STILL WAYS TO GO Members of the LGBTQ community told CNA they felt more accepted in recent years, with some saying they no longer shy away from attending the rally. Ms Ann, who attended Pink Dot for the fourth time, said she used to feel scared and would only walk outside of Hong Lim Park, but has gained the courage to show up in recent years. 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community,' she said. 'Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Mr Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, said he feels that Singaporeans are more accepting towards the gay community compared to more than two decades ago. 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now,' the 53-year-old said. Accompanied by her husband and five-year-old son, 35-year-old Ms Gladys said they attended the rally on Saturday to spend 'family time' together. 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' However, others said that more acceptance of the LGBTQ community is needed. Ms Diana said Singapore is a lot more tolerant, which is a "good step forward". "(But) I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us," she said. Ms Diana added: "The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you." For Ms Cally Cheung and Ms Ching Sia, two women who are raising a daughter together, having her at Pink Dot with them gives them hope for a future where their family will be legally accepted. 'Someone recently asked me, 'What is the hope for the future?' She is the hope. Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us,' Ms Cheung said. 'It's a privilege to be able to raise a child and to be able to have a family. And we don't take that privilege lightly,' Ms Sia added. A big part of this year's rally is also aimed at sending a message to Singaporeans of the future, 'to let them know that we are thinking about them, that we are fighting for a future where they can feel more free and more equal and more included than our own community today', said Pink Dot spokesperson Clement Tan. This message was showcased in the form of a time capsule at Hong Lim Park, where almost 70 objects ranging from jewellery to clothing items were placed inside and sealed until 2050. The night ended with attendees holding up pink lights as they enjoyed a performance on stage. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible. In 25 years' time, who knows what may change," said Mr Tan.
