Book Launch: Mobilizing Gay Singapore

Exploring the themes of legal restrictions and political norms affecting the LGBT community, Asst Prof Lynette Chua’s book Mobilizing Gay Singapore: Rights and Resistance in an Authoritarian State gives an insight into the emergence of the LGBT movement, development and strategies, and how the roles of law and rights play out in the process.

Launched on 14 May 2014 at the NUS Law campus grounds, Lynette’s book addresses the themes above by sharing interviews with gay activists, observations of the movement’s activities – including “Pink Dot” events, which is the local gay pride celebrations – movement documents, government statements, and media reports. Her book examines how activists deploy “pragmatic resistance” to gain visibility and support, tackle political norms that suppress dissent, and deal with police harassment, while avoiding direct confrontations with the law.

Organised by NUS Law’s Centre for Asian Legal Studies, the book launch was a highly anticipated event, marked by a strong attendance of close to 150 guests, including representatives of major organisations and the judiciary. “The book launch was a real opportunity to learn more about the cultural history of Singapore and the effects on minority groups. It was very interesting to hear the different perspectives especially between generations and listen to kinds of questions that were being asked,” said Joe Tofield, Professional Development Centre Training Advisor & Diversity Lead, British Council (Singapore).

CALS would like to thank Rajarshi Ghosal Photography.
For more images of the event, click here.