Were you at this weekend’s Pink Dot rally?
If not, fret not. Here are the highlights from the 15th rendition of the LGBTQ rally.
Politicians from PAP, WP and PSP Spotted Attending Pink Dot 2023
On Saturday (24 June), thousands gathered at Hong Lim Park to attend the first Pink Dot rally since the repeal of Section 377A.
Among the thousands who were spotted at Pink Dot 2023 were politicians from various parties, including the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and opposition parties such as the Workers’ Party (WP) and Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
Yes, you read that right. Even PAP politicians were there.
I guess Keban Baru Single Member Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Henry Kwek, isn’t the only one on PAP’s secret “hit list” now (we’re kidding).
One of the PAP politicians who attended the Pink Dot 2023 rally was the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua.
However, he did note that he was attending the annual rally in his personal capacity with his kakis, the national Paralympic athletes Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh.
Wah… Distance so much from the political party, macam running for President.
Another PAP politician, Nee Soon GRC MP Derrick Goh, attended the Pink Dot rally for the first time.
Of course, you know the drill—he also emphasised that he was attending the rally in his personal capacity.
PAP? Hmm, haven’t heard of that before.
Other politicians spotted at the rally include WP MPs He Ting Ru and Louis Chua—we wonder where’s the last member of the Sengkang GRC three-person tag team, Jamus Lim.
The non-constituency MP (NCMP) Hazel Poa was also spotted at the rally.
The NCMP shared that she attended the Pink Dot rally in her capacity as a PSP representative to gain deeper insight into the LGBTQ community’s experiences post-repeal.
Former NMP Among One of the Speakers at Pink Dot 2023
Given the rally’s impressive line-up of events, we’re certain the politicians had a good experience at Pink Dot 2023.
Aside from the 26 community groups hosted by Pink Dot’s community tents, where attendees may learn more about initiatives targeted at the LGBTQ community, several speakers also delivered electrifying speeches at the rally.
One of these speakers was the former Nominated MP (NMP) Siew Kum Hong, who nudged Singapore into taking its first step towards the repeal of Section 377A.
He was the one who filed the first citizen’s petition for Section 377A’s repeal in 2007, officially sparking Singapore’s 15-year battle to repeal the colonial-era law.
Of course, he’d be the happiest to see Section 377A finally repealed.
“Finally, last year, love overcame prejudice,” the former NMP said in his opening address at the Pink Dot rally.
Aww.
Other than the community tents and speeches, there were performances put up by Bottom to the Top, PreetiPls, Singapura Queens, M1LDL1FE and local singer-songwriter Jean Seizure.
Who needs a Coldplay concert?
Of course, Hong Lim Park also lit up at night with the iconic event light-up. However, this year, with the repeal of Section 377A, the light-up did not spell the familiar “Repeal 377A”.
This year, the light-up spelt the word “Family” instead, in line with Pink Dot 2023’s theme of “Celebrating All Families”.
It’s truly a sight to marvel at.
Were you looking for activities in celebration of Pride Month in Singapore? You can learn more about what’s in store for Singaporeans this pride season here.