It is my first time participating in the annual Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park… and this time round, I felt it imperative that I participate and take Dave along. It’s very simple really, so I’m going to keep this short.
Now that I have a son (or daughter for that matter), I can say it aloud that if Dave should be gay, it is my wish that the society he lives in (esp in 15 – 20 years’ time) will be accepting of him, and will love him for his personality and achievement, regardless of his sexual orientation.
I have to say though that I am not wishing for Dave to be gay… I think it’s hard to fight the DNA that is hardwired in me to want to have biological offsprings (I want grandkids!! No pressure, Dave!). And though the world is getting more and more progressive and open-minded, there remains pockets in societies who frown upon LGBT and see them as a ‘lifestyle’; and the mama bear in me just wants to protect him from discrimination thrown his way just because he is who he is.
But if he is meant to be, then i want him to feel that it’s ok to be such. Because the law (would) say so, even though some religions may frown upon it. Thank goodness Singapore is a secular country. Can you imagine if we have to stone adulterers or have to cut off hands of thieves because certain holy books say so? I don’t think nitpicking what is in favour for us should be the way.
There are many things in life you don’t get to choose when you were born. Colour of your skin. Type of body (damn, if only i could choose to have a petite body frame with a super high metabolism). Who your parents are. Who your family are. Which country you are born into. The world is not fair, but if any of us can try to make it a little more equal when we can, we should. And if any action gives more love and less hatred, how can that be wrong?
On hindsight, my secondary school English literature textbook “The Chrysalids” has since young imprinted in me a very strong sense of injustice for people who are not born ‘the norm’, and are generally not accepted in the society. The sense of persecution was not lost on me as a teenager reading the book. I always thought, what if it was real and I am persecuted because of something I can’t change? I still keep the book to this day. (Side note: I just realised that the male lead in the novel is also called David).
I got goosebumps when we sang ‘Over The Rainbow’ tonight. Congratulations Germany. It’s only a matter of time for everyone else. One step at a time… Looking forward to next year…
