Here is what I learned going to this years Pink Dot (my first) as a straight, Christian-raised, middle aged father.
– it’s less about LGBT. it’s more about liberty.
– the vibe was overwhelmingly positive, patient, welcoming and helpful
– it’s long overdue. These people are patient. They’re not going away or going to be “cured” as some seem to laughably hope
– these are real, patriotic, proud Singaporeans who want to make Singapore better
– Perhaps the authorities did Pink Dot a favor by restricting foreigners? 100% authentic!
– there are no weird people. It’s just your own prejudice
– it was cool and fun.
– while I was happy to be there, I was (unexpectedly) proud to be there as well
– in absence of an unnatural “crackdown” this event will rapidly grow
– there is zero reason for a crackdown, unless you judge you are somehow more privileged than your fellow citizen
– the Pink dollar is powerful and well networked. Businesses are learning it
– the government would be naive to not evolve. There is plenty of room to bring this “fringe” into where it 100% belongs- just another integral part of Singapore’s multi-cultural society
– it was completely non-threatening. Rather it felt magically cohesive
– living in fear sucks and contributing to others living in fear is unacceptable regardless of your feigned ignorance.
– Dang! People were happy. It was undoubtedly the happiest place in Singapore last night
– the good vibe was not from entertainment or alcohol. It was from their society with each other.
– I’m not religious. But I was thoroughly raised with Christianity. The New Testament was a (then) modernist revision of the draconian Old Testament. If a true savior was around today, he would be with the spirit of the Pink Dot, instead of condemning it
I’m not gay. I’m not an activist. I have no (pro or anti) LGBT agenda. I just figure the world has enough real problems. Pink Dot and what it represents ain’t one of them.