Gay Travel Singapore
Gay Singapore comes with a very conflicted and confused history. The name of the city instills images of an incredibly rigid, strict, and controlling society or as many call it “Disneyland with the death penalty”. In Singapore gay / homosexual activity is considered to be illegal though it is no longer as strictly enforced. The LGBT population has slowly been gaining more traction in Singapore over the last decade with the first ever public Gay Pride Festival that occurred in August of 2005. Although Singapore has its faults, it is still one of the cities at the top of our must visit destination list. There are so many things to do and so many things to see that any gay traveler would find it hard to be bored here.Singapore is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. There are over 5 million people crowded onto a single small island which is quite miraculous. Nearly half of the population on the island is foreign born, so if you visit Singapore you are more than likely to meet travelers from all parts of the world. Singapore was originally founded as a British trading colony in 1819. Nowadays it has grown to become one of the richest and most prosperous countries in the world; the country is an international hub and holds the world’s busiest port.
You might be surprised at how clean this country actually is, especially with its radically dense population. On your arrival, expect a clean and orderly experience, Singapore is known to be one of the cleanest cities in the world. Currently, there is an interesting law that calls for a chewing gum ban so that residents wouldn’t be able to stick their used up chewing up on the floors, and other unappealing places. This law was called into effect after chewing gum was being left in keyholes, mailboxes, stairs, tables, and streets.
Singapore has a very efficient metropolitan transport system, getting around the city should be no problem at all. Taxis are an abundance in Singapore, you can catch a taxi or a bus for a very inexpensive fare.
In 2007, a big step for the LGBT community was made, the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the Parliament that “We recognize that homosexuals are part of our society. They have a place in our society and are entitles to their private lives”. Since that speech was made, LGBT business owners have had the courage to become more vocal and seen. As a result, the gay Singapore scene has been rapidly growing and gaining momentum. However, just because the gay scene is growing does not mean that the country has become relaxed. Singapore still remains to be a rigid and strict society with very traditional values.
Over the last decade the gay community in Singapore has been slowly gaining traction. The first ever Gay Pride Festival was Held in August of 2005 which marked the beginning of a more tolerant Singapore. However, keep in mind that the country is only “tolerant” to homosexuals, they don’t quite accept them yet. The Prime minister Wong Kan Seng stated in 2009 that Singapore is a “Stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to society.” This tolerance of homosexuals is a very big step for the gay community in Singapore because in the past few decades, homosexuality was completely unacceptable with reports that gay business owners were often harassed by police.
As of late, Singapore’s gay community has been rapidly growing and becoming more visible. Many Singaporeans often boast that their country has the best gay scene in all of Asia! Every day there are more and more gay venues that are opening their doors and bringing more and more gay life into the thriving community. If you are looking for the gayborhood, then look no farther than Chinatown which is the central hub for the new homosexual awakening in Singapore.
If you get a chance, we really recommend that you stop off at the Backstage Bar and the Tantric Bar for some great company and people watching. You can also visit DYMK which has the hilarious name of: Does Your Mother Know, for some great drinks. If you are after a more rugged gym-themed bar then stroll over to the Locker Room which employs rugged western bartenders and even hangs gym clothes from the ceiling. If you’ve got a singing voice that you need to express then hop in a taxi and head to Zouk, which is a common place for providing dance beats way into the night
Being a gay person in Singapore is by no means illegal; however, it is currently illegal to engage in homosexual activity in Singapore, but this law is very loosely enforced nowadays.
1. Know the rules and be sure you don’t break them. Eating on the metro: 1,000 Singaporean dollars (almost equivalent to US dollars). Chewing gum: 500. Riding your bike on a no-ride street: 1,000. Consumption of drugs: death. The police are serious about this and several ex-pats have been prosecuted for things like carrying durian (a smelly fruit) and smoking pot.
In 2007, a big step for the LGBT community was made, the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the Parliament that “We recognize that homosexuals are part of our society. They have a place in our society and are entitles to their private lives”. Since that speech was made, LGBT business owners have had the courage to become more vocal and seen. As a result, the gay Singapore scene has been rapidly growing and gaining momentum. However, just because the gay scene is growing does not mean that the country has become relaxed. Singapore still remains to be a rigid and strict society with very traditional values.
Gay Scene in Singapore
As of late, Singapore’s gay community has been rapidly growing and becoming more visible. Many Singaporeans often boast that their country has the best gay scene in all of Asia! Every day there are more and more gay venues that are opening their doors and bringing more and more gay life into the thriving community. If you are looking for the gayborhood, then look no farther than Chinatown which is the central hub for the new homosexual awakening in Singapore.
If you get a chance, we really recommend that you stop off at the Backstage Bar and the Tantric Bar for some great company and people watching. You can also visit DYMK which has the hilarious name of: Does Your Mother Know, for some great drinks. If you are after a more rugged gym-themed bar then stroll over to the Locker Room which employs rugged western bartenders and even hangs gym clothes from the ceiling. If you’ve got a singing voice that you need to express then hop in a taxi and head to Zouk, which is a common place for providing dance beats way into the night
Being a gay person in Singapore is by no means illegal; however, it is currently illegal to engage in homosexual activity in Singapore, but this law is very loosely enforced nowadays.
Local Tips in Singapore
2. Singaporeans are quiet. Even on Orchard Road (the major shopping district), it seems like everyone is whispering while barely opening their mouths. So don’t be surprised if people stare at you all the time; they’re just not used to noise.
3. Go to the Tea Chapter at 9 Neil Road to get a quick introduction to a tea ceremony for $8. Relax, sit back, watch as the staff shows you how to pour and appreciate an authentic cup of tea.
4. Walk around Little India and intake the chaotic smells and pushy people that are a complete anomaly elsewhere on the island. The Indian food is authentic and intoxicating. Be sure to stop in a couple temples while you walk around (and dress appropriately).
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3. Go to the Tea Chapter at 9 Neil Road to get a quick introduction to a tea ceremony for $8. Relax, sit back, watch as the staff shows you how to pour and appreciate an authentic cup of tea.
4. Walk around Little India and intake the chaotic smells and pushy people that are a complete anomaly elsewhere on the island. The Indian food is authentic and intoxicating. Be sure to stop in a couple temples while you walk around (and dress appropriately).
Search best gay hotel in here:
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