For immediate release
Singapore, 9 June 2020 – On June 27, Pink Dot SG, Singapore’s landmark LGBTQ-affirming event will go digital to adapt to the new realities of a global pandemic. While we cannot physically be together, Pink Dot 12 aims to unite the community and its allies through digital activations that foster a spirit of inclusion and love.
Like our queer counterparts around the world, LGBTQ Singaporeans have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. A majority (63.8%) of those surveyed by local LBTQ organisation Sayoni reported faced challenges with mental health, while almost half (47.3%) said they struggled with social isolation and inability to access support systems. Many (21%) expressed concerns about their identity being disclosed to families or said they (20.1%) were living in hostile family environments.
This year’s theme, Love Lives Here, was chosen with these challenges in mind. We invite all Singaporeans and allies to Light Up, Sign Up and Show Up for Pink Dot 12.
Light Up by decorating your homes or businesses with pink lights during the month of June to show support to those who might not be able to do so. Watch our campaign video here to learn more.
Sign Up online now to leave messages of love and support, and form our first ever digital pink dot. (https://loveliveshere.pinkdot.sg/)
Show Up on June 27 for our livestream and join in the celebrations. (https://pinkdot.sg/pinkie/)
On June 27, an exciting livestream will take place on our website from 8.00pm to 9.30pm. It will feature performances by homegrown artistes such as Charlie Lim, Joanna Dong and Mathilda D’Silva, and shine a spotlight on up and coming musicians Apex Project, Chris Hong, Leon Markus and Qyo. The evening will also see the premiere of several videos:
- A freshly commissioned music video featuring thirty-five of Singapore’s drag queens
- Animated short films based on the lived experiences of LGBTQ youths shared on Instagram page, @MyQueerStorySG
- A special Pink Dot episode of ‘Nobody Asked’ by Singapore’s TOP Everything, Preetipls
- A short documentary about a queer family forced to make difficult decisions due to the Covid-19 situation
The livestream will culminate in the unveiling of a digital map of Singapore glowing with pink dots and supportive messages across the island.
“With the whole nation having to adopt various stay-at-home measures to combat the pandemic, some of our more vulnerable members of the LGBTQ community are isolated in non-supportive environments,” said Pink Dot SG Spokesperson, Paerin Choa. “This is why it is more important than ever for the community to be there for each other this year. We hope that by lighting up our homes, signing up for the digital light up and watching the livestream, we can still foster a spirit of community during these difficult times, and be there for one another.”
We invite all Singaporeans and allies who can, to be a beacon for those who might not be able to, in the month of June. Together, we can form a tapestry of light to support each other.
