In this episode, the final one of this season of Semua Kita, Lip Sin tells us about the early Pink Dots. We also hear about the Bear Project, at the time one of the largest LGBTQ groups in Singapore. It reflected the new diversity in the queer community in which multiple different identities were encompassed by the LGBTQ umbrella. These groups were an essential contribution to the success of Pink Dot. He also tells us about the early anxieties he had about the authorities as one of the organizers of the event, what it was like working with the police, having to deal with safety concerns in the wake of the Orlando shooting and how the messaging of Pink Dot was also tweaked with time. Other subscription, listening and following options here: ⁠https://bit.ly/m/semuakita #lgbtq #queer #oralhistory #singapore

As Lip Sin tells us, the retention of Section 377A after the penal code review in 2006 was a setback to the LGBTQ community in Singapore, but it also set in motion conversations about how to respond, and an exploration of what other means were available to the community to actively seek its repeal. At the same time, Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park became available as a place for speeches and demonstrations, including a LGBTQ Pride-type event. Pink Dot emerged in this context. Lip Sin tells us about the influences and principles which literally shaped the idea of a pink dot. Other subscription, listening and following options here: ⁠https://bit.ly/m/semuakita

#lgbtq #queer #oralhistory #singapore

In this episode of Semua Kita we discuss the penal code review of 2006 which led to the removal of Section 377 but the retention of Section 377A which specifically targeted the gay community. The rising tide of hatred this unleashed, channelled through the advent of social media, transformed the web from a place of safety to one of harm for many LGBTQ Singaporeans. Yet, as Lip Sin tells us, this also galvanized the community in Singapore, leading to the submission of a Parliamentary petition and a debate which aimed to repeal this law the following year. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful, but the conversation it precipitated was an important stepping stone for change. Other subscription, listening and following options here: ⁠https://bit.ly/m/semuakita #lgbtq #queer #oralhistory #singapore