Happy Pride Month! Time to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity at these Pink Dot events that are happening throughout June.
Love is love – no matter your sexual orientation. And now that Section 337A is officially repealed, we’re all in for inclusivity and the right to love freely. As we celebrate Pride Month and await Pink Dot 2023 (it takes place on Saturday, 24 June 2023), there are plenty of Pink Fest activities leading up to the city’s biggest LGBTQ+-affirming event. So what if the law restricts foreigners from Pink Dot at Hong Lim Park? Take your date to a romantic lunch or dinner followed by one of these events, and discover why pink is so in this month.
Pink Dot 2023: Rainbow events to take part in
1. Pink Screen
All month
Our favourite indie cinema, The Projector, has handpicked a series of films that reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ folks in countries like Hong Kong, Japan, Morocco, and Pakistan. A must-watch is Leslie Cheung’s 1997 film Happy Together, which has been restored in 4K. So book your tickets stat and celebrate the freedom to love through film. Note: most screenings are for those aged 21 and above.
Pink Screen at The Projector, #05-00, Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589
2. Rainbow Families: Dear Home
Now till 11 June
What does a home mean to you? In this exhibition, The Projector X: Picturehouse is transformed into a walk-through home setup, with each room reflecting an aspect of home and belonging. Visitors are welcome to participate in immersive and interactive activities throughout the space, such as creating mini dioramas and writing letters.
Rainbow Families: Dear Home, Level 5, Projector X: Picturehouse, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
3. Thugshop x FomoHomo Presents Sunny Side Up: Pink Pride Edition
10 June
It’s time for weekend brunch, pride edition! Enjoy canapes by a former Les Amis chef and specially-themed drinks. Of course, it’s not brunch without music and drag performances. Attendees will also receive a goodie bag containing adorable (and useful) items.
Thugshop x FomoHomo Presents Sunny Side Up: Pink Pride Edition, Eat Sum Thing, 66 Boat Quay, Singapore 049854
4. Draw Your Story: A Mini Comic Workshop
10 June
Learn how to tell your story through the visual form at this two-hour workshop that’s open to queer folks and allies. Your words will be translated into sketches before they’re turned into comics. No art experience is required; you can also bring someone along and draw as a pair.
Draw Your Story: A Mini Comic Workshop, 42 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187951
5. Fitness After 40
11 June
Who says keeping fit is only for the young? This 45-minute talk highlights the changes you go through when you turn 40 and the decades that follow. Participants will also pick up practical ways to keep active and practice self-care. For the curious cats, there’s a 15-minute Q&A sesh after the talk. If you’re into staying healthy and youthful, this is one Pink Fest event you shouldn’t miss.
Fitness After 40, #01-09, International Sports Academy, Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
6. Queer Laughter Yoga
15 June
Live, laugh, love at this yoga workshop for the queer community to connect, reduce stress, and increase self-love and acceptance. There’ll be breathing exercises, laughter exercises, and guided meditations to help you relax, take back control of your body and life, and make new friends. Another plus? You don’t need to bring yoga mats.
Queer Laughter Yoga, Cecil Street, Singapore 049710
7. Inclusivity Walking Tours
16, 18, 23, 25, and 30 June
We’re all for learning more about our sunny island, and this walking tour is a great opportunity to do that – but with an LGBTQ+ twist. The experience takes you on a journey within central Singapore, where you’ll discover how well (but also how little) our nation has progressed when it involves the queer community. Through small lanes and large open spaces, you’ll pick up facts, hear anecdotes, and witness the celebration of pride. This tour is open to all.
Inclusivity Walking Tours, #B1, #01/06, Ikigai Izakaya @The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058416
8. Friends with Benefits: Navigating Situationships
22 June
How do you enjoy casual safe sex without catching feelings? If that question has been bugging you, get your answers in this virtual class. Topics covered include why casual sex doesn’t mean easy sex, and how to keep feelings and sex separate. There’s even a segment dedicated to horror (and dreamy) sex stories! This intimate, informal session will educate you on navigating situationships with ease.
Friends with Benefits: Navigating Situationships, available online
9. Pink Dot 2023
24 June
Pride Month in Singapore culminates in Pink Dot 2023, the annual hallmark “congregaytion” at Hong Lim Park. This year’s post-repeal edition is all about celebrating the diverse families of queer folks and letting everyone know there’s a place for them here. Stand with the community (in pink) by having a picnic at the park. Go around the tents to learn more about the community groups and what they’ve been doing to support LGBTQ+ people and their families. The concert starts at 7pm, with the formation taking place at 8pm. (Unfortunately, only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are allowed to participate.)
Pink Dot 2023, Hong Lim Park, New Bridge Road, Singapore 059299
10. Riot! This Is Not A Protest
24 June
If you can’t make it for Pink Dot 2023, here’s the next best thing. Hosted by famous (infamous?) drag queen Becca D’Bus, Riot! promises to deliver a killer show with some of the city’s best drag talents. Sit back, enjoy the performances, and stick around for the afterparty afterwards.
Riot! This Is Not A Protest, #02-01, Hard Rock Cafe Orchard, Hpl House, 50 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249724
11. Comedy Night at The Projector
24 June
Head to The Projector after Pink Dot for the pride edition of Singapore’s longest-running comedy show. Have a laugh and celebrate the freedom to love with the best queer and ally comedians. This year, headliner Sam See is joined by acts such as Steph Chan, Rupali, and Hilmi.
Comedy Night at The Projector, #05-01, Projector X: Picturehouse, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
12. Baby Boy Vol 24 Presents Pink Diva Era
24 June
End off Pink Dot 2023 and commemorate the first year of repeal with a bang by attending Baby Boy’s afterparty. What can you expect? A wild night filled with fabulous fashion and dancing to iconic hip-hop and R&B tunes. Stick around for the grand finale of the ultimate lip-sync battle and see who will snatch the crown and cash prize. It’s going to be a fierce party night – we can feel it.
Baby Boy Vol 24 Presents Pink Diva Era, #02-01, Hard Rock Cafe Orchard, Hpl House, 50 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249724
Have fun embracing the rainbow vibes and participating in Pink Fest and Pink Dot 2023 festivities.
