Not divisive to speak out against homophobia, misogyny
In his letter, “Pink Dot supporters must look in the mirror” (July 1, online), Mr Leo Hee Khian accuses Pink Dot supporters, who speak out against homophobia and misogyny, as being divisive elements in Singapore’s society.
He has misinterpreted Ms Angeline Wong’s letter, “End the slurs on LGBT people and their allies” (June 22, online), as a call for governmental action against religious communities who disagree with the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) cause.
Her letter is not targeted at these communities but at people who use slurs and actions, such as those in the Facebook group, We are against Pink Dot in Singapore, to insult and injure LGBT persons and their supporters.
Moreover, Ms Wong is asking for the state and politicians to speak out against all hate speech, so that everyone can be treated with dignity and respect.
Mr Leo uses Ms Agatha Tan’s open letter last year to her principal, in which she complained about Focus on the Family’s sexuality education programme, as evidence of intolerance.
While one may question her use of the term “rape culture”, which academics have defined as rape being pervasive and normalised owing to societal attitudes about gender and sexuality, her letter was not what Mr Leo has stressed.
Her main issue was with the views and stereotypes the programme promoted, such as males being unable to control their hormones and that females should take the unwanted attention in their stride because it is the norm.
She complained also that the programme portrayed females as weak and needing protection from males. Such stereotypical views run contrary to what we have and want in our society.
The end of the workshop last year, while unfortunate for those who have suffered losses to their livelihood, cannot be blamed on Ms Tan. Her school, Hwa Chong Institution, conducted its own internal investigation and found the workshop facilitators ineffective.
And the Education Ministry clarified that the Focus on the Family workshop was going to cease its run because the ministry had a refreshed Growing Years Programme for this year.
Speaking out against homophobia and misogyny does not divide society or attack conservative religious communities.
Instead, it is a process in which a society where everyone is respected and treated with dignity, and where discourse between competing values will be civil, can be created.
Mr Leo asks that Pink Dot supporters look in the mirror. As one such supporter, I am proud of my involvement. I see myself as part of the push to create such a society.
