Published: 2 August 2017
Country: Singapore
After the government of Singapore demanded foreign companies to stop sponsoring Pink Dot – an annual LGBT movement – it has now forbidden foreign nationals from joining the annual LGBT community gathering. The Pink Dot movement responded by organising the campaign Starting a Conversation. In the campaign video, three LGBT Singaporeans meet and chat with their fellow citizens in order to break the prejudices and stereotypical views of the LGBT community. Different points of view are exchanged and discussed.
The Pink Dot video not only deepens the understanding of the LGBT community in Singapore but also deconstructs harmful myths and prejudices.
Ever since their first rally in 2009, the Pink Dot movement has been using YouTube campaign videos as a way to promote their message. “Every year I’m moved to tears watching the Pink Dot Singapore videos. This year’s video is particularly touching because it features brave LGBT Singaporeans having an honest conversation about LGBT people with everyday Singaporean folks of all ethnic backgrounds. Conversations like these break down barriers and debunk many of the myths some people may have about the LGBT community”, says one viewer of the most recent Pink Dot video.
Singapore is seen as one of the world’s richest countries. It also a home to a growing number of companies from Asia, Europe, North and Latin America that recognise LGBT rights and have non-discriminatory policies in place. Some of the corporations that sponsored the 2016 PinkDot festival have already responded to the government’s statement by reaffirming their commitment to LGBT inclusion and non-discrimination. Still, the Singapore’s InfoComm Media Development Authority (IMDA) says that promotion, justification or glamorisation of homosexuality lifestyle is not allowed on television or radio. Homosexuality is a crime in Singapore punishable by imprisonment of up to two years.