From LGBTQ+ discussions to exciting competitions to 24-hour virtual markets, there’s plenty to get excited about at PinkFest 2021!
June is just around the corner and it can mean only one thing: Pride Month! While Singapore isn’t known for its glamorous pride parades, we’ve got PinkDot and PinkFest to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. We’re totally looking forward to the latter since it didn’t happen last year (thanks, Covid). For the uninitiated, PinkFest is organised by a committee of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies: its events and initiatives aim to promote a more inclusive Singapore. This year, look forward to over 60 activities, from virtual markets and panel discussions to fitness classes and fab competitions. Here are some highlights that’ll add a pop of pink to your calendar. Who’s ready?
The best of PinkFest 2021
1. Proud Pet Parade
Calling all pet owners (and lovers)! For the first time ever, PinkFest is throwing a virtual pet contest: Proud Pet Parade. Hosted by stage actress Audrey Luo (who recently starred in Wild Rice’s 2021 production of The Amazing Celestial Race), you can enter your pet in fun categories like ‘Best Celebrity Look Alike’, ‘Best Owner & Pet Ensemble’ and ‘My Pet’s Got Talent’. So you think your pet has what it takes to be a fur celebrity?
Proud Pet Parade, 19 June, online on Facebook
2. Pasar Pink Pop-Up
Want to support inclusive small businesses and brands? Pasar Pink Pop-Up is going online with over 25 vendors selling homeware, plants, pets, pride merch and more. The virtual marketplace will open on various weekends throughout June for 24 hours with three different themes: special pride edition, pets and homewares and fashion, fun and wellness. Keep your eyes peeled for flash deals too.
Pasar Pink Pop-Up, 5, 19 and 26 June, online
3. Inclusive Careers Lab
Navigating the murky waters of work during a pandemic? Inclusive Careers Lab is a new programme that offers a slew of panel discussions, workshops and mentorship sessions. Kicking off the inaugural event is a discussion on how the livelihoods of LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups have been impacted by Covid-19. Oh, did we mention companies like Google, Visa and LVMH are in the mix? Very cool.
Inclusive Careers Lab, online
4. Prout Presents: Queer Trivia Night with Preetipls
Yay, Queer Trivia Night is back! It’s held online this time, but we’re still game for it. Join host Preetipls (our favourite local multi-hyphenate) for a fab night of games and laughter. The questions aren’t entirely queer-related, but it doesn’t hurt to come prepared. From current affairs and sports to history and music, get ready to put on your thinking cap. And if you don’t have a team, you can totally fly solo.
Queer Trivia Night with Preetipls, 17 June, online, WhatsApp 92987139 to join
5. Singaheroes Presents: Scalemail & Ixora the Flower Knight
Who in the world are Scalemail & Ixora? Based on the pangolin and ixora flower, they are an LGBTQ+ superhero duo in Singapore on a mission to fight bullies and bigotry. Created by Ryan Mennen with art by Samara Gan, the comic puts LGBTQ+ minority characters at the forefront — something we don’t see often in Singapore. Show some love and get yourself a digital or physical copy. Also, the PinkFest edition contains a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process… and a special guest appearance by local Star Wars fan group FightSaber!
Singaheroes Presents: Scalemail & Ixora the Flower Knight, available online
6. Queer Got Talent
In the vein of the ‘Got Talent’ format, PinkFest joins hands with fashion boutique Super Freak for a fun talent competition. Whether you’re an impressionist, comedian, magician, singer or dancer, it’s time to showcase your talent to the world. Heck, if you think your lip-syncing skills are of Rupaul’s Drag Race calibre, it’s time to werk it. Plus, it’s hosted by fabulous Drag Race Thailand star Pangina Heals!
Queer Got Talent, 26 June, online on Facebook
PinkFest 2021, from 1 to 30 June, check out the calendar for the full line-up.
