Embedded in the mind of an idealistic gay, is what we call the
"exodus dream". It is a self-deluding vision, a mindset that leads
one to believe that he or she is oppressed here in Singapore.
The countless number of young gay men and women whom we have talked
to has rambled on enthusiastically in such a manner. Waxing
eloquently about how such a 'land of the free' would do wonders to
their boring simple lives, or how all their problems will dissolve
and be for the better the moment they touch down on their promise
land.
Most of them have a common motivating factor, be it the need get
away from their families, get away from their environment and start
"afresh" or basically just running away from their lives.
Then there are the ones whom genuinely believe that they can
improve the quality of their lives by taking the bold step of
migration. They believe that their social and personal problems
will have an enhanced environment for improvement.
It is widely perceived that once the pressure from fear of the law,
family pressure and the need to lead a hidden lifestyle disappear,
one can start leading a life of free will and expression.
Gays in Singapore think that their life is hell due to the
conservative Asian society's view of homosexuals as social
deviants. Furthermore the law against unnatural sex (Section 377 of
the Penal Code) is an added prejudice towards us. The promise of
total political freedom and protection from discrimination, in the
land "where all are equal" had lured thousands of Singaporeans to
the developed first world countries.
What most chooses to forget, or remain ignorant of, is the fact
that in these so-called free countries are numerous cases of hate
crimes against homosexuals. And free speech may be all and good,
but it too is a double-edged weapon. Bigoted homophobes also have
the freedom to speak against us. Back home the Asian approach is to
try and tolerate those who are different from us. It may not be the
best of solutions, but hey, at least we are alive for it.
Putting the homosexuality issue aside, let's take a look at
government policies in general. In the recent National Day Rally PM
Goh announced that every citizen is to be issued the New Singapore
Shares. Additionally a sum of money would be distributed into each
and every CPF account. Now how many non-oil producing countries in
the world do that?
