In the name of love, Singapore’s largest LGBT event is once again happening this coming June. Here’s everything you need to know about Pink Dot 2016 – speakers, live music acts, how to participate and more
If you’re a regular at Pink Dot, you’re probably well aware of this momentous occasion. But if you’re unfamiliar to this inspirational event, it’s about time to get acquainted before it swings by this June!
From simply 2,500 folks in attendance during its inauguration year back in 2009 to a massive 28,000 turnout for its most recent chapter in 2015, Pink Dot – Singapore’s free-for-all, non-profit gay rights movement – has definitely established itself as a vital platform in Singapore to support the Freedom to Love, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Typically taking place at Hong Lim Park, we’re pretty psyched to know that this year’s Pink Dot will return to this beautiful park on the 4th of June 2016, for yet another exciting round of forming of a giant human pink dot in support of solidarity and love.
The Essentials
Pink Dot 2016 is happening on 4 June, from 3pm, at Hong Lim Park. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes” – celebrating the people who are transforming the lives of people around them through acts of love, compassion and understanding; making Singapore a more inclusive place to live in!
Meet the Pink Dot 2016 Ambassadors
Say hello to this year’s Ambassadors: television host and writer, Anita Kapoor; comedian, singer and actress, Liu Ling Ling; and rapper, music producer and film-maker ShiGGa Shay! Seen as heroes in their individual circles and in their own right, these Ambassadors aim to raise awareness of Pink Dot’s ultimate message of inclusivity to a broader audience.
So What’s Gonna Happen?
Apart from the festive mass picnic, Pink Dot 2016 is going to be more pompous with an even more exciting lineup of entertainment. First up, Pink Dot 2015 Ambassador, Hirzi, will be making his fabulous comeback on the Pink Dot Concert Stage. Next, you’ll be excited to know that suave soul-man Gareth Fernandez, smoky jazzist Charlie Lim, a cappella group Micappella, funk/soul romantic Dru Chen, and seasoned songstress Vanessa Fernandez, will all be there to serenade Pink Dot attendees – talk about ear candy! And as a tradition, the event will culminate with the formation of a giant human pink dot in a show of solidarity and love – don’t forget to collect your placards, and wear pink.
And What’s New?
Instead of lighting up Hong Lim Park in a sea of pink lights, for the first time ever, Pink Dot 2016 will get Singaporeans and PRs to play a more active role in showing their support for the Freedom to Love, by writing down their own messages of endearment and encouragement onto pink placards. The rally will then conclude with the raising of these placards, in hopes of a more inclusive Singapore. Do note that only Singaporeans and PRs are allowed to collect these placards.
Make sure you watch these three campaign videos too
In light of this year’s theme, three homegrown filmmakers – He Shuming, Koo Chia Meng and Sun Koh – have stepped up to the plate and each created videos with heartfelt stories of everyday heroes who’ve taken the extra step in supporting members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) community in Singapore. The videos will be released on Pink Dot’s official Facebook page. Without further ado, here’s the first campaign video of Pink Dot 2016…
Meanwhile, time to rummage through your closet and find the pinkest T-shirt ever. See you at Pink Dot 2016!
Pink Dot 2016, June 4, 2016, Hong Lim Park, Singapore. For more information, visit the event’s official website or check out its Facebook page.
