How Singapore’s LGBT movement became a ‘tangible force’ where others struggle to survive

It was an obvious choice for Manda Foo when she was asked to sign a pledge in April to reduce discrimination faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Singapore.

The founder of education and events company Bollywood Adventures said: “As a business that believes in being inclusive, it was a no-brainer for us.”

We have never discriminated against people based on their sexual orientation.”

Foo is among 17 companies, including Dell and Spa Esprit Group, that have signed the so-called Inclusive Business Pledge. The pledge – a collaboration between Singapore’s LGBTQ movement Pink Dot and social enterprise Be Inclusive – is part of 10 changes the movement is calling for as it marks its 11th edition on June 29.

Other changes include having more positive and uncensored portrayals of LGBTQ people in mainstream media and repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sex between men. “Discrimination happens every day, in our homes, in our schools and at our workplaces,” Pink Dot Paerin Choa said. Read more via SCMP