Pink Dot @ Hong Lim Park

Rachel and I went to Hong Lim Park this afternoon to check out the Pink Dot SG event. You can find out more information about this event via the Pink Dot SG official blog. The event is in support of the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation.

The organisers are trying to get as many people as they can to form a giant pink human circle at Hong Lim Park to take an aerial shot. You can read the official press release via my previous blog entry.

We arrived there at around 4.20pm and there was already a substantial crowd present, mostly decked in pink. There was a carnival-like atmosphere to the event, with pink balloons all over; cutesy cartoon mascots; lots of pet dogs; and even a walking rainbow bear mascot!

We were handed a pack of free tissue paper and a leaflet once we stepped into the park

We were handed a pack of tissue paper and a leaflet once we stepped into the park

Crowd steadily flowing into Hong Lim Park

A quirky poster

Pamela Oei addressing the crowd and welcoming everyone

Standing on raised ground to watch the happenings

Random supporters

An elderly straight couple (read their tee-shirts) who turned up to show support

Pamela Oei leading a sing-a-long session

The Pink Dot icon

Pink Dot's enemy - Fear

Potshot at "Feminist Mentor", Dr Thio Su Mien

Decorating Pink Dot's other enemy - Ignorance

The two baddies in Pink Dot's world

Pink balloons everywhere

More balloons in different shades of pink

Rainbow bear (the guy in the costume must be dying from the heat!)

Lots of people were queuing to take photo with the rainbow bear

Gosh! A pink-dyed dog!

Another picture of the shocking pink dog

First aid booth in case of emergency

Some people came well-prepared with mats and food

Hmm... what are these guys up to?

Pink Lion Dance!

Two pink lions

Closer look at one of the pink lion

Crowd enjoying the show

Pink lion dancers - even the guy inside wears pink pants

Wenyang: The lion dance troupe with the pink lions

Traditional dance performance

Swinging one of the dancer round and round

Getting into formation for the aerial shots

Waiting for the phototaking

Strings were used for participants to hold to form various shapes

Laying out the strings

Organiser giving instructions

Ready and waiting for cue

Very happy guy

Pink umbrellas

Squating, standing by to jump up on cue

Smile for the aerial shots!

All posing for the camera far-away

An elderly uncle who turned up to support the event

Supporters taking photos of themselves

The organisers put up some interesting performances like traditional Chinese Lion Dance, with the lions shaded pink. There were also other song and dance items to upkeep the festive mood.

Everything went about very orderly and you can really see the organisers took a lot of effort to make all these happen – right down to the details of providing ladders for visitors to take photos and videos.

Flying the Pink Dot SG flag high up

Crowd releasing the pink balloons into the sky

Flag-bearer waving the flag heartily

Look at all the balloons!

The party ended

Regardless of whether one support the Pink Dot SG cause, an event like this are signs of how an inclusive, cosmopolitan city should be like. Civil society has come a long way in Singapore.