As the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Singapore, social distancing is one of the precautionary measures applied to contain the spread of coronavirus. The Ministry of Health (MOH) recommended this measure to limit large crowds gathering over a prolonged duration.
In order to be responsible by practising social distancing, Pink Dot SG announced on their official Facebook page yesterday (16 March) that their 12th physical gathering at Hong Lim Park will not take place. Stating that the health and safety of their community and all Singaporeans are their foremost priority, Pink Dot SG decided to call off the rally—a first in their 12-year history.
However, this does not mean that the event is ultimately cancelled. Pink Dot invited its supporters to light up their homes and workplaces in pink while spending time with friends and family on 27 June. To respect other people, its supporters are recommended to support this cause only in private spaces.
“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,” said Pink Dot in its statement.
Other than lighting up spaces in pink, there will be a special Livestream programme at 6:30pm on the same day. Although the details are yet to be released, supporters are told to expect a lineup of performances and interactive discussions to keep them entertained and engaged.
Supporters of Pink Dot left comments agreeing that this is a responsible decision to change the approach to hold the annual event. Although the physical gathering has been cancelled, supporters are determined to light their homes up in pink.
Despite the disappointment over the changes, supporters applauded Pink Dot for the rational decision. Joseph Henderson-tang even mentioned that because of the change of approach of Pink Dot 12, he will be able to join the cause this year even when he is currently in the UK.
Some other supporters suggested that everyone who is interested in participating in this movement to wear pink on top of lighting up pink lamps in homes and offices.
Patrick Ang made a suggestion for supporters to wear pink shirts and take photos of small gatherings with friends to show support for Pink Dot. Other than Ang, Michael Klaus mentioned that people who are at work that day could wear pink to lift up the mood in the offices.
