Despite the backlash that surrounded the event, Pink Dot enjoyed a very successful sixth edition last night at Hong Lim Park.
In addition to breaking its own record with a 26,000-strong turnout, the rally representing the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-sexual and Queer (LGBTQ) community also welcomed increased support from family units, as well as the public in general, organiser Paerin Choa revealed at the pre-show press conference.
Many came forward to take part in Pink Dot's newest segment Community Voices, where everyday people with diverse backgrounds could tell their personal coming-out stories.
The event also attracted a lot of first-time attendees, who'd made it specifically to show up religious leaders like pastor Lawrence Khong that protested vehemently against Pink Dot.
Feminist activist group Sayoni, who's been known to avoid wearing the colour pink, turned up in T-shirts bearing the rally's colours and the group's name.
Woo Tien Wei of Post-Museum said that it was especially important this year that he show up — his second time attending Pink Dot.
“My friends and I were talking about what was happening online, and that made us want to attend more so this year, if anything to show that having an open dialogue is more important than online discussions alone,” said Woo.
Also in the crowd this year were controversial blogger Roy Ngerng, activist and founder of Sayoni Jean Chong, Oogachaga deputy director and author Leow Yangfa, the country’s best known trans-sexual Leona Lo, local culture icons Glen Goei and Ivan Heng, playwright Alfian Sa'at, and Singapore’s first openly gay politician Vincent Wijeysingha.
Click on the expand button to see all our photos from Pink Dot 2014, which welcomed the greatest amount of support it's ever received since 2009
[JUICEBOX_GALLERY]
Photos: Shawn Danker
Read Also: Vincent Wijeysingha lashes out at Catholic Church, reveals shocking experience with priest; Pink Dot open to 'thoughtful and constructive criticism discussion'
Despite the backlash that surrounded the event, Pink Dot enjoyed a very successful sixth edition last night at Hong Lim Park.
In addition to breaking its own record with a 26,000-strong turnout, the rally representing the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-sexual and Queer (LGBTQ) community also welcomed increased support from family units, as well as the public in general, organiser Paerin Choa revealed at the pre-show press conference.
Many came forward to take part in Pink Dot's newest segment Community Voices, where everyday people with diverse backgrounds could tell their personal coming-out stories.
The event also attracted a lot of first-time attendees, who'd made it specifically to show up religious leaders like pastor Lawrence Khong that protested vehemently against Pink Dot.
Feminist activist group Sayoni, who's been known to avoid wearing the colour pink, turned up in T-shirts bearing the rally's colours and the group's name.
Woo Tien Wei of Post-Museum said that it was especially important this year that he show up — his second time attending Pink Dot.
“My friends and I were talking about what was happening online, and that made us want to attend more so this year, if anything to show that having an open dialogue is more important than online discussions alone,” said Woo.
Also in the crowd this year were controversial blogger Roy Ngerng, activist and founder of Sayoni Jean Chong, Oogachaga deputy director and author Leow Yangfa, the country’s best known trans-sexual Leona Lo, local culture icons Glen Goei and Ivan Heng, playwright Alfian Sa'at, and Singapore’s first openly gay politician Vincent Wijeysingha.
Click on the expand button to see all our photos from Pink Dot 2014, which welcomed the greatest amount of support it's ever received since 2009
[JUICEBOX_GALLERY]
Photos: Shawn Danker
Read Also: Vincent Wijeysingha lashes out at Catholic Church, reveals shocking experience with priest; Pink Dot open to 'thoughtful and constructive criticism discussion'