Image Credit : Neville IG @nevteo
Video Credit : Pink Dot SG
The Pink Dot Rally set to be held on Sat 27 June 2020, was the latest event to become a casualty of the COV-19 pandemic sweeping the globe.
The ‘Pink Dot’ comes from mixing red and white, the colours of the national flag, and represents a place of inclusivity in society for members of the LGBTQ family in Singapore. In the past, the event has seen backlash from religious groups, resulting in the WearWhite campaign; however, even that didn’t deter those dedicated to finding a place of love and acceptance for all.
As an alternative, due to the severity of the spread of the virus, in response to calls for social distancing, for the first time in twelve years, the Pink Dot Rally will not be held at Hong Lim Park, and will instead be replaced with a live stream programme at 6:30 pm on Saturday 27 June 2020
A Facebook post by the organizers of Pink Dot SG said, “The health and safety of our community and all Singaporeans are our foremost priority. As such, for the first time in our 12-year history, Pink Dot will not take place physically at Hong Lim Park.”
That doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to participate, because the organizers are still encouraging people to mark the occasion by lighting up their homes and workspaces pink. “Your pink lights will be a powerful display of love and solidarity for LGBTQ people in Singapore. They will also serve as a reminder that support for LGBTQ rights and the Freedom to Love must persevere even as we are unable to gather at Hong Lim Park.”
The livestream will feature a “meaningful line-up of performances and interactive discussions” with more details to come. This means that expats will be able to join the Pink Dot Rally virtually on Saturday 27 June 2020, after amendments made to the regulations governing Speakers’ Corner in 2017 prohibited foreigners from participating, or even observing the event from the sidelines. So, save the date, and show your solidarity this year by lighting up pink – where ever you are!
