My second time as a photographer at this wonderful event. This year I was the backstage photographer and decided that everyone should just ignore me and let me get on with shooting. Nobody blinked an eye at this white guy wandering around the changing rooms while they applied makeup and rehearsed.  

Pink Dot SG is more than just an annual rally; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of Singaporean society, united by a common belief in the freedom to love. Walking through Hong Lim Park during Pink Dot is to witness a remarkable cross-section of people, each contributing to the collective spirit of inclusion and acceptance.
At its core, Pink Dot is populated by members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves. This includes individuals from all walks of life – young and old, across various ethnicities and professions – who find in Pink Dot a rare and precious space to be their authentic selves, to connect with others who share their experiences, and to feel seen and celebrated. For many, it’s a profound affirmation of identity in a society that has historically been conservative. You’ll see couples holding hands openly, friends sharing laughter and stories, and individuals wearing their pride on their sleeves (or their pink outfits) with a palpable sense of relief and joy.

Beyond the LGBTQ+ community, a significant and growing demographic at Pink Dot are their allies. These are the straight friends, family members, and colleagues who come to show their unwavering support. You’ll find parents bringing their children, eager to teach them about love, acceptance, and diversity from a young age. Siblings stand beside their queer brothers and sisters, demonstrating familial solidarity. Many allies come simply because they believe in fundamental human rights and the principle that everyone deserves to live free from discrimination. Their presence underscores the message that the fight for equality is not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for a more just and inclusive society for all.

Furthermore, Pink Dot attracts a considerable number of young Singaporeans, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. This demographic often displays a more progressive outlook and a stronger desire for social change. Many are first-time attendees, eager to learn, to show their support, and to be part of a movement that is shaping the future of Singapore. Their youthful energy and enthusiasm are infectious, seen in their vibrant attire, their willingness to engage, and their active participation in the event’s various activities.

You’ll also encounter community organizers and volunteers, the unsung heroes who meticulously plan and execute Pink Dot each year. These dedicated individuals, often identifiable by their event-specific t-shirts and their tireless work, embody the spirit of activism and community building. They are the facilitators, the information providers, and the constant source of positive energy that keeps the event running smoothly.

Finally, Pink Dot sometimes draws the attention of political figures and public personalities. Their attendance, whether subtle or overt, signifies a gradual shift in societal attitudes and a growing acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community’s presence and concerns within the national dialogue.

In essence, the people of Pink Dot are a microcosm of a changing Singapore – a society increasingly grappling with questions of identity, inclusion, and the meaning of “family” in its broadest sense. They are united not by a single background, but by a shared aspiration for a Singapore where love, in all its forms, is truly free to flourish.