In general I'm a little scared of crowds, but Pink Dot is something I go to whenever I can. Sometimes I read comments which say the LGBTQ community is overreacting, there is no such discrimination in Singapore. And then I hear my friends cackle at gay jokes in front of another friend who is not out, and who is terrified that if they ever reveal this part of themselves, they will be worthless and alone. (I have been among these joke-makers before and I am so sorry.) I have had colleagues pointedly saying that transsexuality is just biologically unnatural, knowing that someone in their midst is genderqueer, without saying exactly what 'natural' things this person should do with the daily devastation of living in a body they want to crawl out of. And of course, we know that many people want to keep a law in the books that transparently serves no purpose EXCEPT to underline on a national level that certain people are disgusting criminals because of which consenting adults they are attracted to, and it is only by society's generous mercy that they are not rotting in jail. I hope it's obvious that branding someone a criminal for a harmless preference is a pretty textbook example of discrimination. It's exactly branding and discrimination like this that drives people who already feel hopelessly alone and ashamed and afraid, to want to give up. For similar or different reasons, I have felt different and alone and ashamed too. And it was people caring about me, affirming that it was okay to be different in the ways I was and that they would stand by me as long as they could, who kept me sane. Whatever happens between these people and I, I will remember that they did this for me. So while I was truly honoured to sing (a little) and dance (less?) as part of the wonderful wonderful @dimsumdollies during Pinkdot 14, I am happier to recognise that this yearly event itself is not what some call a 'song and dance'. It's a brave declaration, by more people every year, that they are not alone, and that so many are with them and love them. I sincerely hope the law changes soon, and meanwhile, we are here and we are with you. I am here, and I am with you.