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Datalounge.com, 8 August 2001
Singapore To Celebrate First Ever Pride
Event
SINGAPORE - Singapore's usually low-profile gay and
lesbian community is preparing a "coming out" party
this week that supporters hope will one day rival Sydney's
Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebration, Agence France-Presse
reports.
Timed to coincide with the city-state's National Day,
supporters of the "coming out" party say it's long overdue.
Singapore resident William Koh, 23, told the French
news agency, "It's about time we had something like
that. If other countries can have such parties, why
can't we?"
Fridae, an online Asian gay and lesbian Internet community
based in Hong Kong, is credited with organizing the
event. "This is the time to come out and celebrate our
strength, individuality... in Singapore's first ever
national pride party."
But it is telling that representatives of the group
declined to be interviewed for the article. Given that
sexual relations between men are still illegal in Singapore,
it is an open question how event participants will be
treated by authorities.
The party, which is slated for August 8, is to be
held at Sentosa's Fantasy Island, an offshore water
funpark. Organizers encourage people to wear red and
white, Singapore's national colors. "You're proud. Of
your country. Of your community. Of who you are," read
a promotional flyer.
Attractions are said to include body painting and
a foam dance party, and the all-important crowning of
a queen in the "Miss Devastating 2001" beauty pageant.
Koh, whose Ritz hair salon is one of eight retailers
selling tickets to the party, told the news agency:
"Singaporeans, especially the younger ones, are growing
more comfortable with the gay lesbian community. Some
even prefer to party with us because straight clubs
can be so boring."
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