image source, BBC/TESSA WONG
Russell Heng
In the tranquil setting of Singapore’s Esplanade Park, playwright and LGBTQ activist Russell Heng points to the spot where he was once arrested by police. Just because he’s gay
That place was just a row of trees lined up in a row. It is well known in the city. But in the 1980s, before the internet and the dating app Grindr, this was a popular meeting place for gays. In countries where same-sex sex is still illegal
Heng recalls the hope that This meeting place is known and known by the nickname of “the foot of the five trees”, sheltered by tall rain trees and providing a place of seclusion.
“We were out playing that night when suddenly there was a noise. It was a cry from the undercover cop.”
Those nightclubs were forced to line up. While the police scolded with harsh words that “You guys should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Heng replied: “We just entered the park. But why does she make me feel like I’ve done something wrong? That’s what it’s like to be bullied.”
For decades, the Singaporean government has maintained Section 377A of the Penal Code, which prohibits sex with men. which is a legacy of the British colonial era. While the official says that the company still does not accept
But further progress came last week when Singapore’s parliament revoked section 377A of the penal code after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last August. He made a surprise statement on television that the law would be repealed, claiming that society had changed its attitude towards the issue.
image source, Reuters
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says lifting law banning men from having sex with men is ‘The right thing to do’
The abolition of Section 377A of the Penal Code marks a dark turning point in the history of LGBTQ people in Singapore and one that is difficult to talk about today. Because homosexual men are still seen by society as a “stigma” and targeted by state repression.
That night at Esplanade Park Heng and the other men were only warned. But for others other than that, they haven’t been so lucky.
in recent decades Police officers often use “Gay Operations” by raiding nightlife venues frequented by gay men or hangouts at beaches and parks.
under such an operation The police also use decoys to buy. The officers posed as gay and met with the targets at various meeting points before making the arrests. This method is still a controversial issue in society.
Those arrested will be prosecuted for serious charges such as deception, harassment or indecent conduct. Local newspapers often report details of those arrested, such as names, ages and professions.
Most defendants are usually fined or jailed for only a few months. But for an event in 1993 known as the “Fort Road raid” in which several men had already been arrested he was sentenced to harsh floggings. He was subsequently rejected after an appeal. The judge found the men arrested and charged with servitude.
for a large group of gay people The raids and arrests by the authorities are a clear sign of this Their existence is recognized. While the violence resulting from anti-gay It is not normal in the rigid Singaporean society. This causes many people to fear revealing themselves to their friends, family and society.
image source, Getty Images
“You have to hide your identity with fear of the constant watchful eye. since This has become the instinct to be gay,” Heng, 71, revealed her feelings.
By the late 2000s, repression of homosexuals had eased. while the issue is related “Homosexuality” was once taboo. has been discussed more extensively
In 2007, during a historic parliamentary debate on Section 377A of the Penal Code, the Singapore government pledged not to enforce it. Even if it still has legal effect.
from such movements Singaporean society is slowly becoming more accepting of LGBT people, as recent surveys show. Even though there are still a small number of people who still think that Being gay is wrong. But support for gay rights is on the rise.
At the same time, in terms of political politics, she has begun to accept more gender diversity. While the private sector has issued policies promoting greater diversity.
While it is difficult to organize large-scale protests in Singapore, LGBT advocacy group Pink Dot organizes events every year with thousands attending.
Heng is a founding member of Singapore’s oldest LGBT rights movement, People Like Us. They were twice refused registration in the 1990s, during which time they were closely monitored by the authorities. Heng told me that At public speaking events or gatherings, plainclothes police watch. and revealed his identity about him after he finished the job
“The new generation that emerged after the Pink Dot group started to get the idea of accepting that being gay is okay but they may not know what they had to go through before
Another interesting movement is to tell the story of the rainbow people in the past through prominent places through tourism.
image source, BBC/TESSA WONG
Isaac Tng, 34, Singapore’s first LGBT history trail
Isaac arranges a tour to various locations in Singapore explaining the background of the LGBT community. He and his crew stand near the Singapore River explaining to attendees that they say Chinese immigrants are being sold. That here was around the 19th century.
The next destination was a gloomy office building. Once Singapore’s first gay sauna Then he took the tour group to a fancy restaurant on the hill. He felt again that it used to be the favorite place for gay men to meet.
Tang told the BBC The reason he decided to open an LGBT history tour came after he realized that Singaporean society started forgetting the memory of this. especially the new generation. Her tours draw both gay and non-gay crowds.
He said one of the consequences of not enforcing Section 377A of the Penal Code would be People won’t care because it’s not about him. And as a result of the abolishment of those laws, people have started paying more attention to the history of the LGBT community. The ability to tell a story is still missing
image source, BBC/TESSA WONG
Tang’s LGBT History Tour attracts both casual and gay tourists.
However, despite attempts to repeal the Ma Act there is no denying that it was once a long-standing law. Which makes some LGBT societies still need to be careful. during the celebration
Singaporean MPs also voted to amend the constitution. But it turned out to block the legalization of same-sex marriage.
