Belmont Lay

As Pink Dot's sphere of influence grows with each passing year, the ninth edition of the event in 2017 has received some surprising endorsements. Following the ban on foreign sponsorship for Pink Dot this year, some 120 local companies stepped up to the plate financially and in-kind. And in a surprise move, Paralympian Theresa Goh and singing sensation Nathan Hartono, both individuals who have been held up and embraced as local heroes for their world-beating feats, became Pink Dot ambassadors. And now, Lee Hsien Yang's second son, Li Huanwu, who is 31 years old this year, has publicly urged members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to take up the moral responsibility of showing up at Hong Lim Park on July 1, 2017, in support of Pink Dot. '> '>

This post is hard to miss, given the high profile nature of the 38 Oxley Road feud in recent weeks, where plenty of attention has been paid to Lee Hsien Yang and his family, their whereabouts, motivations and familial relations.

This is Li Huanwu's full post:

Dear Singaporean / PR friends, It has been a difficult year for Pink Dot, which faced many challenges that seemed insurmountable at the outset. Nevertheless, the organizers appear to have acquired a knack for doing the impossible and the event will go on today. If you are a straight ally, I implore you to come stand in solidarity. For the LGBT community, it is but a dream to share in the same human dignities as you, to live full and proper lives. Your support is needed to live that dream. Please stand with us. If you're a closeted member of the LGBT community, I also urge you to come. I hope that you will look past the security barricades and ID checks and see -- if only for an afternoon -- that there is more to life than the darkness of the closet, that there are people out there who care. Finally, If you're an out member of the LGBT community, you have a moral responsibility to come. If you do not stand up yourself, you cannot expect others to fight for you. This is your moral duty. Be there. -Huan PS: there is still time to get pink clothes for the event. H&M and Topman should have a fair selection left, and Uniqlo stocks pink dry-fit polos. (note: slight edits for word choice).

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Top photo via Pink Dot