LGBTQ Updates in Singapore
If you’ve been to Singapore, chances are you have seen or heard about the annual Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade. It has become one of the most anticipated events in Singapore for its immense impact on the local LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community. This year, Singaporeans are gathering at the end of June to show their pride in their unique identity and take part in a festivities that goes back to its very beginnings. For decades now, the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade has captured the hearts of all who witness it. But what exactly do you need to know if you are planning to attend? According to Organiser Asia Pacific Network Of Lesbians And Gays (Apnag), which organises this event annually, there are several key points that need to be aware of if you want to participate or help promote LGBTQ issues through your own resources:
WHAT IS THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE SINGAPORE PARADE?
The Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade is an annual event that brings the entire city of Singapore together to celebrate the diverse communities that make up our city and the entire country, through fun and positive messages. It is also a celebration of pride, inclusiveness and identity, with a focus on the positive aspects of being LGBTQ. The pride parade is organized by the Singapore chapter of the Asia Pacific Network of Lesbians & Gays (Apnag). In the beginning, the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade was a small gathering of friends celebrating their differences and becoming more aware of their community. It grew into a massive event with stages, dancers, colourful outfits and a variety of events. While it is still popular among the local LGBTQI community, the pride parade is not only for them. Everyone is welcome to take part and celebrate with the rest of the city.
HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE
The parade starts at around 5pm on the 4th of June each year and continues for about 3 hours. The route starts at the Singapore Riverbank and ends at Tanjong Pagar. It is estimated that about 1 million people are expected to attend the event. The parade is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, language or other affiliations. There are no entry requirements.
WHEN IS THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE?
The Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade is usually held on the last Thursday of June, but this year it is scheduled for the 16th. Check out the locals for the LGBTQ Updates in Singapore.
HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS INVOLVED WITH THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE
The parade makes the most of its differences by bringing the community together and showcasing their diversity in all its glory. There will be people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds and professions. Everyone will be there to celebrate and be happy. If anyone is behaving in a way that puts your or the other members of the local LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community in danger, you should report them to the authorities. Also, if you are planning to attend the event and you see someone you know getting on a moving public transport, the best course of action is to get off and immediately alert a nearby bus or train.
THE OTHER EVENTS AROUND THE SAME TIME AS THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE
If you are in Singapore and are looking for a way to top off your celebrations, you can also join the locals in celebrating at a series of other events around the same time as the pride parade. From 6pm to 9pm, there is a party at the UOB Plaza called Sensation. From 9pm to 11pm, there is a party at the InterContinental Singapore hotel called Passion. From 11pm to 2am, there is a party at the Somerville House. The Somerville House is also where the parade will be held the following day.
THERE ARE USUALLY TWO MAIN STAGES DURING THE GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE
The first stage is usually filled with male pop stars and theirdedicated entourages while the second stage is usually reserved for mainstream artists.
IT’S A TWO-DAY FESTIVAL WITH PARTIES ON BOTH DAYS OF THE EVENT
The parade and parties last from Thursday to Saturday, with the first day being a festival of sorts with events and performances dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the local LGBTQI community. On the second day, however, the focus is more on partying with a variety of parties and events celebrating the different lifestyles represented by the participants in the parade.
STRIVE FOR EQUALITY
In 2022, Singapore will be celebrating its 50th anniversary as a nation. This will be a special year for many reasons, including the 40th anniversary of the first Pride event in the country. To reflect this special occasion, there will be a special Pride Parade and a special Pride Issue of the New Straits Times newspaper. This issue will be dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the local LGBTQ+ community, as well as showcasing the many wonderful members of the community.
RAINBOW-COLOURED COATS IN THE WORKPLACE
In 2022, it will be illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in the work place. As such, it could be worth reviewing your company policies to make sure they reflect this equality. Some companies still haven’t caught up with the times and still have issues with the concept of “complying with the law.” This is a common problem among many corporations, and there are signs that things are starting to change. In 2020, a rainbow-coloured coat was added to the uniform list for all state-owned companies, signalling a more inclusive approach towards the LGBTQ+ community in government. In 2022, this rainbow uniform will be extended to all companies with more than 10 employees.
INCLUSIVE EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING
In 2020, The Straits Times became the first newspaper in the world to publish a gay couple as its lead articles. More recently, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have also been following suit, with the latter publishing a number of same-sex articles, including a wedding article.
WHAT’S NEXT?
In 2022, Singapore will celebrate its 50th anniversary. This will be a special year for many reasons, including the 40th anniversary of the first Pride event in the country. To reflect this special occasion, there will be a special Pride Parade and a special Pride Issue of the New Straits Times newspaper. This issue will be dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the local LGBTQ+ community, as well as showcasing the many wonderful members of the community.
The Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade is an annual event that showcases the diversity of the local LGBTQI community. It is also a celebration of pride, inclusiveness and identity, with a focus on the positive aspects of being LGBTQ. The pride parade is organized by the Singapore chapter of the Asia Pacific Network of Lesbians & Gays (Apnag). If you are interested in taking part in the event, you can find more information at galexpride.com.sg. To get involved in the event in a productive way, you can also join the Singapore chapter of the Asia Pacific Network of Lesbians & Gays (Apnag).