Pink Dot Event Discussion (2007 to Present Day) (compiled)

[novacek]

i would go if anyone would actually go with me. it'll be weird if i showed up alone.

[Roger]

Those who do not want to go alone should join together as a group.  You can make new friends too, and have other activities after Pink Dot like simple dinner and coffee.  There are lots of things to do in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar.

[Guest Guest]

Those who do not want to go alone should join together as a group.  You can make new friends too, and have other activities after Pink Dot like simple dinner and coffee.

 

after activities are normally hot sex with new found friends.

[Roger]

Oh I forgot, its also a good cruising ground, never thought of that. Sorry.

[pokemonrulz]

Can't wait can't waitttttt! :smokin:

[Enelym1978]

I looked up the rooms at the Park Royal on Pickering with a view on Hong Lim Park... expensive...

 

I'll be down there I guess, with couple of friends. Missed it last year, can't miss it again.

[Roger]

I looked up the rooms at the Park Royal on Pickering with a view on Hong Lim Park... expensive...

 

I'll be down there I guess, with couple of friends. Missed it last year, can't miss it again.

 

 

Last year was electrifying as it was the first time they had this countdown to zero and everybody switch on their torchlights.  Kumar was on stage there and cracked many dirty jokes.  There were also many booths and stores with half naked and hunky promoters.  I like the free Nando's chicken, it was very good.  Thank you Nando's. Xie, xie.

 

Thank you Pink Dot.

Edited June 3, 2013 by Roger

[Blacque]

Oh I forgot, its also a good cruising ground, never thought of that. Sorry.

 

As always. 

[xoxo77]

I am dating out my sg boy, flying all the way from KL.~~ first time meeting him.

[alien]

i would go if anyone would actually go with me. it'll be weird if i showed up alone.

Haha, maybe if u go alone n who knows u might end up knowing some new friends?!

[khanomjeen]

It's all very nice in the videos, but the reality is, many gays are not like that - many are horny, sex crazed, want to have sex with as many as their cxxks (or asses) can take it. What love and relationships are we talking about here? Many just want others to accept our way of life.

I am not against pink dot, but I really don't think the theme reflects the reality of gay life in singapore.

 

Of course many gay people are like that exactly in the video.  We all,  gays like straights have families have feelings and have classmates and mothers and fathers.  

 

Please dont generalise. It is just like saying all straight man are sex crazed because geylang is crowded with men looking for sex. 

 

Are you a christian with inherent prejudice of the GBLT?

Edited June 3, 2013 by khanomjeen

[Guest Guest]

Of course many gay people are like that exactly in the video.  We all,  gays like straights have families have feelings and have classmates and mothers and fathers.  

 

Please dont generalise. It is just like saying all straight man are sex crazed because geylang is crowded with men looking for sex. 

 

Are you a christian with inherent prejudice of the GBLT?

 

in reality, most are really like what eric said.

[abang]

I beg to differ.

Sex is not the only thing in a gay man's mind.

Gay men, in general, don't go hunting for their mates.

We go to the gym to ensure we don't look terrible - pot-belly and such.

We are conscious in maintaining our health!

 

 

Unlike the standard man-woman family set-up, gay people may have more FREE time on their hands.

Yes we don't have to support a heterosexual family set-up.

However many of us still have to look after our aged parents - filial piety, again!

 

 

Red dot is not just another GAY event.

Red dot is an annual event to celebrate our "limited' freedom of speech.

It is an event where our heterosexual friends show us their acceptance for our lifestyle.

They are there to lend their support.

 

 

I do agree that this is that one-time in the year where the LGBTQ community converge.

So make the best of the event - share our joy and some of you, your bliss with your partner.

[Guest Guest]

It's all very nice in the videos, but the reality is, many gays are not like that - many are horny, sex crazed, want to have sex with as many as their cxxks (or asses) can take it. What love and relationships are we talking about here? Many just want others to accept our way of life.

I am not against pink dot, but I really don't think the theme reflects the reality of gay life in singapore.

 

well your description fits straight guys just as well, if you choose to see things so negatively.

 

you must be rather young, and full of (? teenage) angst ... or otherwise quite immature in your thinking. Human communities are so diverse, how do you even start to generalize an entire community so confidently based on nothing more than your personal - likely biased - perception?

 

where did you find those "horny, sex-crazed ..." guys? at seedy saunas or night-spots? you need to look in the right places to find the type of guys you want to find.

 

sex is a normal thing for men and for women ... gay or straight has little to do with it ... btw what's so wrong about being sex-crazed in the first place, whatever your definition of sex-crazed is? So you think less about sex compared to the rest of the world? Good for you, but that doesn't mean it's bad for the rest of mankind.

 

It's always laughable when people talk about the "gay life" ... what constitutes the "gay life"? I wake up in the morning, get dressed and go to work. I eat lunch, do more work, and come home to eat dinner, watch TV and sleep. What's so gay about my gay life except that i wish to find another guy (rather than a gal) to love and grow old together?

 

and lastly, i don't really care if people accept my way of life. i just don't like it when they stand in the way of my happiness when it has nothing to do with them ... like for instance, hijacking the law to take away my right to love ... and marry whoever i love.

[Guest Guest]

See you guys there at PINK DOT 2013!

 

Bring your straight friends and family members along cuz PINK DOT is for everyone. :clap:

[babybro]

It's all very nice in the videos, but the reality is, many gays are not like that - many are horny, sex crazed, want to have sex with as many as their cxxks (or asses) can take it. What love and relationships are we talking about here? Many just want others to accept our way of life.

I am not against pink dot, but I really don't think the theme reflects the reality of gay life in singapore.

 

Gay, Straight, whatever… Human sexual behaviour as we know varies no matter what the preference each one has in partners. So Eric has a very good point when he pointed out how “sex crazed” some guys can be.

 

Is this how most Singaporeans perceive gays?

 

Actually, a percentage of gays here have lifestyle not as promiscuous as many have imagined, and this percentage should increase if the society take LGBT relationships more seriously and understand that true love and strong bonds does exist in both straight and LGBT couples.

And anyway if the video had painted a picture too perfect, don’t be too hard on them K? What could we expect the maker to do- adverts typically has the need to project positivity- if not how?? J I think the video is very beautiful.

 

I know numerous loving gay couples, they have great relationships as that portrayed in the video so yes, they do exist in Singapore and plenty! Those in solid relationship are usually not loud and you almost don’t take notice of their existence. I get to meet so many because of my work.

Please make a point to be there at Pinkdot if you think it is high time the society supports Freedom to Love.

 

See you there!

[Guest Guest]

People are there, they attend, but they don't actually believe in the core message.

They are there because friends are there, chance to ogle guys, or because it is fun.

Of course, the organizers will claim every figure as support for the event - but fact is the motivation of those who go generally don't care beyond the superficialities.

wow i think duh is quite right, speaks whats on my mind.

duh why cant u post more like tt, instead of trolling around?

[Guest Guest]

I think the event is a failure - it is very much like a school volunteer trip.

 

People are there, they attend, but they don't actually believe in the core message.

 

They are there because friends are there, chance to ogle guys, or because it is fun.

 

Of course, the organizers will claim every figure as support for the event - but fact is the motivation of those who go generally don't care beyond the superficialities.

 

 

Contrast it with AWARE's incident - people who aren't part of the organization, stepped up to effect change.

 

It isn't a case of a few spearheading an event - it is many speaking up and actually doing something - doing, not just attending. Because they want to, and they felt strong enough about the issue to stand up and speak and be counted.

 

Not that i agree the event is a failure, because to me, it's an achievement ... think back 20 years ago, this wouldn't even have happened in our widest dreams. But i respect your personal views.

 

So, if it's really the failure that u see it as, what do u suggest we can do to make it a success? Will be nice to hear some concrete suggestions. The event can definitely be improved, and indeed it is improving from year to year. I'm sure the organizers will appreciate constructive suggestions.

[Guest guest]

Well said ! Some people only criticize and complaint and never give any constructive ideas how they think it could be done better. Many gays only complaint about their life and expect other to take action to make their life better. Never did they take an action or even show their support. A lot of effort has been put into this type of event and I salute all the people that make it possible. We cannot judge the success or failure of the event on how it is being implement. We have to look at how this event inspire others in the LGBT community to stand up for themselves and be proud of who they are.

 

A good example is the brave couple Gary and Kenneth who challenge our High Court against a law that criminalize sex between men. Many people see that the odds are against them but still if nobody is brave enough to come out and defend their right, you will never win.

 

It just take a few good men and women to inspire us so that we know we are not alone and don't be afraid.

 

 

 

 

Not that i agree the event is a failure, because to me, it's an achievement ... think back 20 years ago, this wouldn't even have happened in our widest dreams. But i respect your personal views.

 

So, if it's really the failure that u see it as, what do u suggest we can do to make it a success? Will be nice to hear some concrete suggestions. The event can definitely be improved, and indeed it is improving from year to year. I'm sure the organizers will appreciate constructive suggestions.

 

[glowingember]

I'm happy that we have Pink Dot. 

The core message is freedom to love.

People attend for various reasons.

Support if you believe in it.

If others disagree, do they matter?

[glowingember]

LOL. If it doesn't matter that others disagree, why would you need pink dot then? Why do you need to send out a message of the freedom to love if the opposing opinion doesn't count?

 

Do you even realize how contradictory the statement is?

 

Excellent example of the typical profile of an attendee - Do you even think beyond what is being said superficially? Apparently not.

 

Like I said - media effectiveness, 100%. Actual results? Speak for themselves.

Hmmm...It's not contradictory to me. I'll be clearer.

I was referring to the people in this thread who don't see the positive impact of Pink Dot. And if one wants to go, just go for one's reason.

 

Every event will have its supporters and naysayers.

 

:-) I don't know how you think and you don't know how I think either.

 

Actual results? There are people who hate/fear homosexuals because they don't understand. So this is at least one positive impact. Some results do not occur overnight. They need time. As compared to say, 20 years ago, there has been a huge difference in terms of visibility and acceptance of LBGT. This difference did not happen on its own. Someone has to push for it, by actions or events.

Edited June 7, 2013 by glowingember

[glowingember]

1) So, for example, if everyone goes for "one's reason", e.g. because its a nice picnic, then what would that have achieved?

 

2) To use an analogy, if people attend a talk on recycling, but goes for their own reason, but not because they are interested in recycling, what would the talk have achieved?

 

3) Positive impact? Could you kindly explain in detail with specifics on how this changes their understanding rather than just typing a short ambiguous sentence?

1) Er...then it's a nice picnic with Pink Dot as the platform.

2) There will be people who attend the talk because they want to know more about recycling. For those who attend for other reasons, that's their own decision. For these participants with other reasons, any platform is a possibility. And to stop these events because of them deprives those who really want to learn about recycling.

3) I can't go into specifics as I don't have the expertise in this area. Maybe 3 examples: Elton John and his partner gracing an event in Singapore (the garden thing) and it was shown on TV, AFA spokesperson commented in the Straits Times regarding AIDs and the gay community and Kumar, Ivan Heng and Otto Fong coming out. These are not possible 20 years ago.

[TheVisitors]

1 & 2. It is quite obvious this is a very flimsy excuse. You are just simply refusing to admit that the event does not achieve its intended objective., particularly when a significant number of attendees are not there for the right reasons.

 

3. What you claim is that the event helps people "understand". Just by looking or watching the news people will understand? And if you "don't have the expertise" in this area, then on what basis are you saying it has positive impact in the manner stated? And the items you brought up are publicity - it does not change perception at large. A homophobe will still call Elton John an Ah Gua before and after the news.

 

It does not matter if it can or cannot happen 20 years ago. Point is, it isn't doing ANY OF THE THINGS YOU SUPPOSEDLY CLAIM.

 

This just reinforces my point - you have no idea what you are talking about, you have no real world concept of what "freedom to love" means beyond memorizing the tag line.

 

Just what exactly are you defending when, on closer examination, none of your statements hold water?

Now, just because I myself think that this event is not effective in sending out  its core messages, this doesn't not mean the event failed totally, nor people should be discouraged from participating, due to your own perspective

 

I used to think so, but now I changed my mind

 

Those who finally accepted themselves, and really don't care what the whole God Damn world thinks about them, doesn't even need to judge this event, or even need to judge those who are still struggling to search for their own voice to be free.

 

You can either help them in their own acceptance, or leave them alone, but you don't have to judge the event or others, so ruthlessly

 

Even it maybe not that effective, but they have to start from somewhere, then slowly evolve through time given and granted.

 

You have being sprouting too much  of your own anger here.

You are too overly consumed by it.

 

Maybe that it is because you have yet to accept yourself as who you truly are.

 

Work within yourself first, rather than wasting your time with your anger, hitting on others.

[glowingember]

:-) what's clear to me is a flimsy excuse to you. It won't be a fruitful discussion if you can only view things your way. We have differing views and I will leave it as that.

(Meant for Duh)

Edited June 7, 2013 by glowingember

[Bern]

I have removed a number of pointless posts. Stop hijacking this thread with random insults. Stay with the topic and discussion.

[Guest gelato]

everyone is entitled to their opinions, but not everyone is accepting. because acceptance needs to be accompanied with understanding and a certain degree of openness. i think pink dot will serve as a platform for members of the society to interact and understand the lgbt community more and hence bring forth a better future for people who are lgbt. i believe that we should stand together during times of discrimination to support one another. Young people who are still in the closet will know that they are not alone and know that there will always be support and acceptance on this tiny island should the event be shown on the news. I'm not sure if there's a political agenda, but i'm pretty damn sure that we are fighting for a better future for ourselves, our family, our brethren, our sisters and our friends; our basic human rights to be treated not as a disease but as a normal homosapien.

[harakirri]

The Yellow Ribbon Project is in its 10th yr and it has not even attained its initial goal of 'Acceptance from society'. Let Pink Dot take its time. The SG society is still too backward to understand the concept of acceptance.

[Guest Duh]

everyone is entitled to their opinions, but not everyone is accepting. because acceptance needs to be accompanied with understanding and a certain degree of openness. i think pink dot will serve as a platform for members of the society to interact and understand the lgbt community more and hence bring forth a better future for people who are lgbt. i believe that we should stand together during times of discrimination to support one another. Young people who are still in the closet will know that they are not alone and know that there will always be support and acceptance on this tiny island should the event be shown on the news. I'm not sure if there's a political agenda, but i'm pretty damn sure that we are fighting for a better future for ourselves, our family, our brethren, our sisters and our friends; our basic human rights to be treated not as a disease but as a normal homosapien.

 

sorry ah, not to throw cold water, but how many of you aren't the organizers (who need to interact), and actually talk to people who aren't your friends (or friends of friends) during the event?

 

A group of people standing together in one location is not necessarily interacting in the manner that would bring about understanding as you claim.

 

Goals are always lofty - reality is often very different. Throw away the marketing then ask yourself what you really see.

[Junhe]

Anyone interested to go pink dot event together?

[passby]

Not as of today hehe

I'm even thinking about getting a room with a view on Hong Lim Park at the Park Royal

Go for it, rooms are nice...

[Dashy_Boy]

ack i got manning.... Hopefully i can make it >.<

[illumaNova]

gng to peep and spot u guys from a corner with my other friends. lol!! 

Edited June 10, 2013 by illumaNova

[Eujiboo]

I've been to Pink Dot for two years now and will be going again this year with my group of friends . Anyone planning to go alone can tag along with me (:

[passby]

ack i got manning.... Hopefully i can make it >.<

Can la... Manning activation only kena once to let you know the process... Unless u have never been activated then high chance...

Now I'm on 2 or 3 weeks manning... Didn't know till my mate tell me about it... Lol

Edited June 10, 2013 by passby

[Guest Marcus]

Hey y'all!

 

OK so here's the deal: I'm gay but not out. I've never been to PinkDot ever. I kinda wanna go this year. Should I go alone?

 

(Fear: I will be alone the whole day/night.)

 

Oh, and if you've attended PinkDot ever, please feel free to rate your experience. It's the first "gay" thing I will be attending --if I do--so I want it to be as perfect as possible.

 

XOXO!

[Hafizal Ellroy]

I wanna join in too

[Starocker]

i'll be going this year =) it'll also be exactly on my and my bf's 1 year anniversary! but its both our first time going

[Enelym1978]

Argh I was all planning to attend, even booked a room next door lol. But got assigned a task in Seoul that weekend...

 

Hope to see lots of videos on Youtube the day after and see some pics posted here as well. I was so curious to see, attend and contribute to this event...

[Blacque]

Argh I was all planning to attend, even booked a room next door lol. But got assigned a task in Seoul that weekend...

 

Hope to see lots of videos on Youtube the day after and see some pics posted here as well. I was so curious to see, attend and contribute to this event...

 

Eh that means you won't be turning up anymore?

[Enelym1978]

Eh that means you won't be turning up anymore?

Yeah.... Flying to HK on Thursday and from there to Seoul on Saturday. For once I'm not looking forward to it. Really wanted to attend this year's pinkdot...

[zzzzzzzz]

Just be aware that foreigners are not allowed to participate in the formation of pink dot. U can join other activities and mingle but when it's time to form the shiny pink dot. Non citizen and PRs are supposed to go and observe in one area since the regulation prohibites participation from foreigners.

[Blacque]

Just be aware that foreigners are not allowed to participate in the formation of pink dot. U can join other activities and mingle but when it's time to form the shiny pink dot. Non citizen and PRs are supposed to go and observe in one area since the regulation prohibites participation from foreigners.

 

What, really?

[Enelym1978]

Yeah that's what I understood as well but do they seriously check every single participant's ID?.... I've heard from friends who went last year that nobody really enforced that law...

 

My business plans changed again, looks like I might be able to attend but only in the evening... see you all there.

[glowingember]

Just be aware that foreigners are not allowed to participate in the formation of pink dot. U can join other activities and mingle but when it's time to form the shiny pink dot. Non citizen and PRs are supposed to go and observe in one area since the regulation prohibites participation from foreigners.

That's the rule but I don't remember anyone checking passports or ICs at PinkDot.

Probably not worth the police's effort and bad publicity. 

[xoxo77]

Apparently so. Foreigners and PR holders are not allowed to join in the event itself. A way around this rule/law is that you may 'pretend to be passing by and got blocked' or 'lost/caught up' in the midst of the crowd while your 'real intention is to head somewhere else'..........

[alien]

Just be aware that foreigners are not allowed to participate in the formation of pink dot. U can join other activities and mingle but when it's time to form the shiny pink dot. Non citizen and PRs are supposed to go and observe in one area since the regulation prohibites participation from foreigners.

When PR also cannot? Why eh?

[bigdanbeam]

When PR also cannot? Why eh?

because your IC is not pink in colour?

[ViPR]

Citizens AND PRs are allowed to take part in demonstrations such as PinkDot. Foreigners (non PRs) are not allowed.

 

See http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/speakers_terms_n_conditions.pdf

 

Speakers and Organisers however must be Singapore Citzens.

 

This was clearly announced during last years event when it came time to form the Pink Dot.

Edited June 14, 2013 by ViPR

[Gerard]

Let me clear this up once and for all. Everyone is allowed to attend the event as audience (ie not taking part of the demonstration). But only during the formation of the pinkdot (being part of the demonstration) which will take place somewhere towards the end to the event is when non-Singaporeans not allowed to be part of the formation. Don't worry, just enjoy yourselves and when it is the time to form the pinkdot, there will be "ushers" to guide the formation and foreigners will know where they need to step aside to... they will be just about 10 steps away from the pinkdot formation so theoretically speaking you can still see your non-Singaporean friends waving at you while you are standing in the pink dot formation.

[TheVisitors]

As much as 20yrs ago, veteran Taiwanese 张艾嘉，  Sylvia Chang, started gay love and acceptance in her well known Album

爱的代价 -  The price of Love

 

Some of my Taiwanese friends told me, this album started the ball rolling about gay awareness in those conservative Chinese society, back in the early 90s

 

This is perhaps, one of her famous narrative works,...extremely sad and touching, about the gay love and HIV..

 

Sorry , its only in Chinese..

Edited June 16, 2013 by TheVisitors