I was doing a random search online when I came across this incident, & I’m deeply saddened to read that people all over Singapore are discriminating him just for being gay.

I don’t know how, but many people have developed a stigma against gay/lesbians, when the fact is they’re not as harmful as they’re perceived to be. I’m unable to fathom why, would someone please enlighten me?

In my humble opinion, it is not wrong to be gay, not at all! It is one’s personal choice – as long as he/she doesn’t harm anyone in the community, there’s no reason for him/her to be ostracized in such a way. Well, maybe not all of you here feel this way, but from what I’ve read online, I see people mocking him … just for being gay.

Persecute a competent professional for revealing his sexual preferences thus violating the public image of a Singaporean Institution?(pun intended)

or

Turn a blind eye and compromise the proletariat values which drive our foreign investment led economy in the name of “human rights and progress”

Which is the greater compromise of the national identity?
Being ‘Pink’ or being ‘Pinkertons’? (yet another lame pun)

Lead by example RI and inspire the future leaders that will pass through your halls.

Singapore and the World are watching (but not necessarily caring)

When Mr Fong put up his blog post, we highlighted it immediately on TOC as we felt it was something groundbreaking – that a teacher in one of our top schools would come out into the open about his sexuality.

This was when Mr Fong’s post was still on his blog.

It was only later that he took it down. By then, it had already become public knowledge and the public was beginning to talk about it already.

Various questions were then raised about the whole incident – which didn’t necessarily pertained to Mr Fong alone.

Thus, we have let the debate carry on – even now – so that perhaps we can all gain better knowledge about not only homosexuality but also the other issues which it raises.

As far as know, Mr Fong has not objected to the blogosphere ( and not only us at TOC) discussing and debating about the issues.

Also, many other blogs have reproduced his original blog post – not only TOC. I am sure you are not asking that all blogs should remove their posting of his original article. Or are you?

Regards,
Andrew Loh

Otto is about one of the most talented, humourous guys I’ve ever known, a wonderful teacher and mentor to me during my stint. He was one of the first friends I made and especially one that I was very upset to leave behind when my contract expired. As far as I know him, he is a man who is a great role model to teachers and students alike.

Otto, if you’re reading this, I just want to say that you have my utmost respect and support. You take care and maybe I’ll drop by one of these days.

CT: Determination of something as aberrant or ill isn’t predicated on one’s age, i.e. “long enough” or not. It is solely based on the yardstick used, which if it is the Bible, will yield a different verdict from Otto’s own. Also, if the Bible is indeed the Word of God, then one’s age is negligible in light of the eternal. It’s true that liars, extortioners, and fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God, but neither will the “effeminate” or “abusers of themselves with mankind” (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Well, all I can say is that Mr Otto Fong has long been recognised as an exemplary teacher in the school, and we admire his artwork and creativity in teaching. I have read some of his comics and I must say that his sense of humour is great, and that they reveal a much more ingenious man than I had realised he was(since I have never been taught by him).

While I don’t know about other students, all I can say is that I fully support his decision to come out into the open about his homosexuality.

From our understanding, he won’t be fired. We also understand that the Education Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, has taken a personal interest in this case.

We understand also that it is Tharman who stopped RI from sacking him. :)

Otto, take heart and courage.

You are a very brave person, breaking out of the ‘cage’ that the Singapore Education System has set up. I salute you for your courage and support you all the way.

Cheerio,
A supporter

It can be done. We can change things. Once the current generation of homophobic bigots is gone and out of power, the next generation will make the changes. From an outsider, the sooner 377 and 377a are removed from Singapore’s laws, changes will happen.

Many have said that opposition to change comes from a small but very vocal contingent of Conservative Christians. We need to practice due diligence and counter their lies and misrepresentations at every turn.

best regards to all of you who fight for equal rights

Henry