Activism Takes Off - National Day 2005

Now that Nation party has moved to Phuket, I wonder about the relevance of keeping the title. Perhaps the organizers could call it something like Phuket Post Nation Party or something the likes.

The good thing that came out of all this?

IndigNation - Singapore’s first Pride Month comprising of activities organized solely by the GLBT community.

Perhaps it may not be as large scale as Nation, boost tourism or attract the circuit boys but it shows a certain level of willingness on the part of the organizers in their commitment to build community bonds, which is a good start, at the very least. One hopes the Pride Month will continue next year with more participation from more stakeholders, and involve a larger segment of the Singapore population. It is time to walk out of the gay ghetto mindset and reach out to Singaporeans, educating them on what the gay community is about – not just parties or saunas.

On another positive note, Dr Chee’s launch of his book on non-violence counts as another highlight of the year. His book draws a new roadmap for Singapore by helping us reconsider our options in a totalitarian system.

While various non violent workshops have already been organized, there are still plenty of work to be done; including more workshops, educating the average Singaporeans on what non-violence is; recruiting more Singaporeans activist on using non-violence campaigns to bring about more openness, transparency and accountability.

In a tightly controlled and regulated country, the only way to break free of these chains of authoritarianism is use non-violence; develop and strategise short, mid and long term goals, and projects to pave the way towards a much more inclusive democratic society where Opposition is strong and civil society active.

Let us celebrate National Day 2005 with a positive note. I have a gut feeling we are heading off to a good start.

Contra/Diction A Night With Gay Poets Date: 4 August 2005 Time: 1930 hours Venue: Utterly Art

The controversy over the last minute granting of a license for the organizers of “Contra/Diction – A Night with Gay Poets” did not diminish the quality of the performance that included an acoustic set of folk rock songs; acting and poetry reading.

The evening, which attracted about 100 spectators, started out with Shirlyn and Jack belting out acoustic covers of well-known tunes such as Tom’s Diner originally by Suzanne Vega though with an alternative set of lyrics; and Indigo’s Girl’s Closer to Fine; that had the audience fully enthralled, relaxed and in the mood for more introspective and mature readings. The reading was made more pleasant by snacks, wine that were passed around amidst the dim comfy lightning in Utterly Art.

Alfian Sa’at’s first piece, “NoNok” – the Malay word for “vagina” drew a loud chorus of laughter as he satirizes the concept of nationhood. Two actor’s reading on the dilemmas of being rent boys and in love with each other; from an excerpt of Alfian’s screenplay Asian Boys Vol. 2 staged last year, drew an equal rapturous reaction from the audience. Ng Yi Sheng’s animated reading of “Lan Lan“ – a Hokkien word referring to a certain part of the male anatomy, sees him exploding in fitful of outbursts.

The other poets who read their poems to an appreciative crowd includes Sabrina Koh’s “Kissing” and “Her Timeless Replies”; Dominic’s “All will Turn Back to Pumpkin, Mice e.t.c.”; “Excluded from Grace”; “Midnight Swim for Two”; Zhuang Yisa’s “Imagining You”; Bernard Koh’s “National Service”, and Adriana Tan’s “Two Weeks”.

Another published Singapore poet, Cyril Wong, unfortunately did not get to read as he did not submit his name in time for the license application. However, his poems such as “Point of Arrival” (accompanied by Daniel Tung using sign language); “To Meet Your Sky”; “A Bluer Sky”; were read out by his fellow peers.