Each June, we celebrate Pride Month where we recognise the impacts the LGBTQ+ community have had around the world. But beyond all the festivities and parade, it was also a month that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots that sparked the modern gay rights movement.
A Brief History
It all happened in the early summer of 1969. What started off as a police raid in the wee hours of June 28 at Stonewall Inn — a dark and dingy gay bar owned by a mobster at Greenwich Village of Manhattan — evolved into a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. Back then, police raids were not uncommon and many of which were meant to be a crackdown on unlicensed bars selling liquor illegally.
Patrons would typically hurry home, relieved that they avoided arrest and having their names plastered on the papers. But that night, the crowd — comprising employees, drag performers, and patrons from the gay community — was larger than normal and the restless bar’s patrons fought back. In the days to come, activist groups popped up and organised a series of demonstrations to promote rights for gay men and women as well as establish safe and social spaces for them too. All these eventually paved the wave for the Gay Liberation Movement.
A year later, the first Pride Parade was held on the streets of Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Today, Stonewall Inn has become a cradle to the modern LGBTQ+ movement (and the fight for equality) and an icon in its own stride.
How Can You Be An Ally?
Beyond waving the rainbow flag (a symbol of Pride and LGBTQ+ social movements) and attending the annual Pink Dot at Hong Lim Park (in the pre-COVID-19 days, of course), there are plenty of things you can do in Singapore to show your support for equality and promote inclusivity.
Be Willing to Listen
There may come a time when someone in your life tells you that they are from the LGBTQ+ community – recognise that your response means something to them and the impacts it may have. After all, it is not easy nor is it exactly comforting to disclose one’s sexuality to a friend or family member (while clueless on how that may jeopardise the relationship). It is important to be genuine, open, and willing to listen. Most importantly, recognise that it is not for you to share their stories with others too.
Learn the Range of Sexualities & Use the Right Pronouns
Sexuality today is extremely fluid and new terms are always entering the cultural lexicon. It can be confusing at times and we get it. Which is why we have this simple YouTube video to help you out.
Be sensitive and show respect to your friends by addressing them with the right pronouns. Why? Because words matter. You don’t want your friends to feel dismissed or invalidated, do you?
Get Educated
The struggles of the LGBTQ+ community are real. Back in 1969, queer people of colour faced discrimination in society, workplaces and their own homes. Some were evicted from their homes by their landlords, others were disowned by their families, and there are those who faced unequal treatment at work or with the law. The very same discrimination is still prevalent today: In Singapore, same-sex marriages are not recognised by the law. It is important to understand these struggles and you can do so by getting educated on these issues through documentary series, films, and books.
Here are our films and documentary recommendations:
- Disclosure (2020)
In this documentary, leading trans-creatives and thinkers share heartfelt perspectives and analyses about Hollywood’s impact on the trans community.
- Circus of Books (2020)
For over 35 years, the gay porn shop Circus of Books gave Los Angeles’ LGBT+ community a space to socialize and celebrate themselves without judgment.
- A Secret Love (2020)
Amid shifting times, two women kept their decades-long love a secret. But coming out later in life comes with its own set of challenges.
- Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
In 1987, as martial law ends in Taiwan, Jia-han and Birdy fall in love amid family pressure, homophobia and social stigma. The film is adapted from Director Patrick Liu’s high school
How you can celebrate
On 12 June 2021, Pink Dot SG, Singapore’s landmark LGBTQ-affirming event will continue its mission to support the Freedom to Love.
Wear Pink & Celebrate Pink Dot 2021 Online – 12 June 2021
Due to the pandemic, the event has since gone digital last year and still, it has proven to be a powerful way to connect with the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Previously held at Hong Lim Park, where participants come clad in pink and performers perform in merry spirit, the annual event advocates for freedom to love and for Singapore to develop into an even more inclusive and open society. This year, the 13th edition of Pink Dot SG invites attendees to dress up their homes and themselves in pink and show up online for a virtual celebratory live stream.
You can sign up online here.
More Activities at Pink Fest 2021
You can expect even more fun and laughter at Pink Fest 2021, a Pride festival dedicated to promoting inclusivity and bringing LGBTQ+ communities closer together. Due to the pandemic, the festival has also gone online. Nevertheless, you can expect to participate in the following:
- Inclusive Careers Lab – 14 June to 25 June 2021
The event, which is brought to you by Presenting Sponsors PayPal and Salesforce with additional support from Twitter and ResMed, sees a slew of interesting panel discussions, skills workshops, and even mentorship sessions that are targeted at empowering communities with the assets to better navigate the career field during a pandemic.
- Proud Pet Parade – 19 June 2021
Stand a chance to win $1,000 at the first-ever Proud Pet Parade. Parents with furkids, feathered friends and even scaly sidekicks can hop on board to show off their pets in a wide array of categories, including Best Celebrity Look-Alike, My Pet’s Got Talent, Best Pride Outfit, and more!
- Queers’ got Talent – 26 June 2021
Another premiere, Queers’ Got Talent will be hosted by Drag Race Thailand star Pangina Heals and invites daring individuals to flaunt their unique dance steps or mesmerising vocals to a panel of judges. And yes, they stand a chance to win $1000 too!
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