Male narrator: Along with Singapore's development, the pace of liberalisation of society has increased tremendously in tandem, but a few homosexuals feel that the space allowed for their community's activities still has many limits. Has recently-liberalised Singaporean mainstream society made adequate preparations for the acceptance of homosexuals? Do local homosexuals still face discrimination? The government has openly announced the acceptance of homosexuals in the Civil Service, including employment in sensitive positions. This may have led Singaporeans to deduce that the government has finally accepted homosexuals and acknowledged their existence. But what is the attitude of mainstream Singaporean society towards homosexuals?

(Channel U interviews several 'mainstream' Singaporeans in public places and asks whether or not they can accept gays. )

I can't accept it...but I don't know about other people. (Interviewer asks why). It's not normal.

Of course...why not? There are so many on the street. It's OK. They don't elicit any reaction.

Till now, I still can't accept homosexuals...because I feel that heterosexuality is the natural order of things, not homosexuality.

I can. I agree with the government. Because people nowadays are quite liberated.

Homosexuals? I feel that the situation is now starting to get more liberal. There are more and more homosexuals around. It can be said that nobody discriminates against them. Can I accept them? Yes, no problem.

I definitely cannot accept them. I wouldn't discriminate against them but I won't accept them.

(speaking in English) For me, I'm able to accept them because they are also human beings.

It can't be helped if they have these tendencies. So, I can also accept them.

I don't accept them. Because maybe my thinking is more old-fashioned.

I don't accept them. Because I'm more traditional.

It seems to me that homosexuality in this society is still 'ugly' to look at.

Can't accept them.

Of course it's a man and a woman who pair up. Where is there such a thing as two women or two men? Yes or no?

Why don't they get married in the normal way? They should look for a boyfriend or girlfriend of the opposite sex.

Male narrator: Sociologist Paulin Tay Straughan during our interview stated that society's increasing acceptance of homosexuals is a sign of our nation's progress towards liberalism and maturity.

Associate Professor Paulin Tay Straughan, Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore: As we become more mature as a society, we become more confident. And when we become more confident, we become more embracing.

Technology has broken down a lot of barriers. So, access to the Internet and therefore to support groups from other countries is now available, right?, to the local gay community.

Male narrator: Still, some gay rights activists don't express agreement.

PLU's Eileena Lee, gay rights activist: (speaking slowly in English) I don't think they actually have outrightly said that they are embracing this whole diversity thing. What they actually said was that gay people are just as normal as other people; I guess they are meaning the heterosexual people. But having said that, you know, after what Prime Minister Goh has said about accepting homosexuals in the Civil Service, nothing has been done about...that.

Male narrator: After experiencing bouts of wrestling with his psychological demons and finally coming to accept his sexual orientation, he regards the level of Singaporeans' acceptance of homosexuality with suspicion.

'David' (in an intentionally digitally garbled voice): If someone really comes up and asks me, I wouldn't admit it. Nor would I make a concerted effort to tell each person. You don't know about their degree of acceptance of homosexuals. I don't feel that I, or my gay friends, have experienced discrimination. The biggest reason is that we aren't daring enough to come out. You can never tell what their reaction may be. So, it's best not to say anything. As far as looking for employment is concerned, if you openly admit, "I'm a homosexual", I think that this will have a great effect on your clinching the job. I think the majority of gays have not faced discrimination because they did not out themselves to their employers. They have not felt the necessity to come out. Most of the friends I know are not honest about their sexuality with their families. I feel that contemporary society is still biased against homosexuals.

Male narrator: This past year, the topic of homosexuality here has drawn the attention of arts producers. In the past, the issue of homosexuality would definitely not have been allowed to surface in the mainstream media, nor would the staging of public performances be approved. The official loosening-up policy has received a rapturous response from homosexual groups.

Nelson Chia, Assistant Artistic Director, Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble: These groups have existed in all times and will continue to do so forever. Moreover, they will never cease to seek out spaces in which to survive. Because they need to survive. If you don't provide an environment where they can thrive, their vitality will become even stronger, I feel. This is also why in drama, we have homosexuality as fodder. We will continue and never stop having these productions. All of us in homosexual and similar groups, and artistes concerned with gay topics will never cease to seek a way and a voice to discuss the issue.

Male narrator: This past year, each theatre group has produced a string of productions dealing with homosexuality. Toy Factory's staging of 'Bent' and other plays have featured themes of homosexuality. Toy Factory's Assistant Artistic Director, Nelson Chia, during our interview, pointed out that the Government has indeed already broadened the dimensions that productions can take.

Toy Factory's Nelson Chia: As far as the application for a permit to stage these productions is concerned, the situation now, compared to previously, has improved considerably. Of course, that is not to say that there is blanket approval. But it has become a bit more convenient. Compare this to the past, when even the least homosexual nuance on stage, let alone the script calling for a gay character, would immediately have given the authorities extreme jitters. Nowadays, this kind of thing is commonplace, up to the point that we can even display gay kissing.

Male narrator: Along with these developments, venues catering to homosexual interests have ventured out one by one. Openly gay nightspots can already appear amongst those catering to mainstream society. Then why are there still gays who complain? Is our nation's society being fair towards them?

* * * Commercial break * * *

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