“Another speaker, Mr Otto Fong, a former Science teacher in Raffles Institution”

Did he resign voluntarily? Or was he forced out?

I remember read about his “outing” but don’t recall reading anything about him leaving teaching.

otto left voluntarily. there should be a you-tube video of his talk up soon, and he talks about the whole saga last year. keep a watch out for it!

Thank you “miak”. Will look out for it.

In an effort to continuing the building of a more tolerant and gracious society, you have got to give credit to these people laudable effort in fostering better understanding within the community.

Given the adversity of the laws and the recent vote down of S377A, it is not hard to imagine the living fear within this minority group and the constant bemusing looks of the less receptive homophobic public. This situation indeed could be attributed to the lesser understanding of these people and the refusal to make an attempt to break that tainted glasses. For some, I believe it is their upbringing process that created the myth painted by their parents or their secluded community that resulted in their myopic view of human nature and human interaction.

One certainly needs to remove that psychological barrier if true harmonious living is to be advocated in this tiny nation and it is not subjective to just his group of people. As a matter of fact, no one should be discriminated upon and as a nation; we should strived to provide support to any group that has been otherwise grossly misunderstood. There are already enough hardships in this nation’s current state to ponder over.

Bridging the gap (particularly for the young) and creating an environment where better understanding of the lifestyle of the LGBT, PLU and the likes is indeed timely albeit a tall task as we continue to march forward the 21st century and beyond (I am not even sure now under the current regime). It is hardening fact to know that in a proclaimed 1st world status country, these minority groups are treated as criminals (by law) albeit the authority had emphasized that persecution is rarely carried out. I can’t help but link it with the ISA law. it is still an option to exercise and it is within the mercy of the authority.

In my opinion, all man and woman should be treated with equal status regardless of gender, sexual preference, religion…etc. I recalled reading an interview of LKY and even he (yes, the old man) thought it is foolish to hang on to such law incriminating this minority group where other 1st world countries had long abolished such out-dated practice. Some had gone beyond to even recognize the union of such group. But obviously, he never failed to follow up with a cliché that it is the choice of the majority public. Well, all I can say is it is a long way to go before common citizenry are deemed “matured”.

Again, it all boils down to the maturity state of its people mindset and the exposure that they get. I certainly do hope those who genuinely care for the betterment of this country do not neglect the importance of each and every group’s contribution. After-all, we are talking about human beings here. By all means, we too should not neglect the protection and rights of those pet animals. They too are a living thing.

Thank you Selene and TOC for bringing this piece and to Alex, the GLBT and PLU, don’t give up. I believe the day will come that your laudable effort will be rewarded. You have my support.

Dear TOC,

Can you give me a reason for putting my previous comment on moderation? Thank you.

Hi Observer,

My apologies. Your comment was caught in the spam folder. I haven’t had time to check on the folder until now. Your comment is now posted.

Please accept my apologies.

Andrew

Censorship, censorship, censorship… that is the problem.

Need more positive potrayal of the GLBT community in the media. Then maybe GLBT can cease to be the Unknown, something to be afraid of and shun.

Dear Andrew,

Thanks and noted. No apology needed. Just wanted to clarify. Anyway, you can deleted the other comment (Aug 4) as it is identical to the one already posted. Cheers!

[...] Indignation 2008 – TOC: Building Bridges: Indignation 2008 [...]

Singapore, please get rid of homosexuality propoganda. It has sinister agenda, besides it will destroy all the good that Singapore has built up all these years. Homosexulaity is plain SIN, against God’s laws. And those caught in it should be told this plainly, so that they can repent and seek help to change their ways.