The best LGBTQ+ events to celebrate pride in Singapore

It’s time again for Hong Lim Park to turn into a sea of pink. Pink Dot SG returns to the park for its 16th edition with the theme of “No One Left Behind”. The event this year shines the spotlight on the ways that the LGBTQ+ community continues to face marginalisation and discrimination despite the historic repeal of Section 377A. Expect powerful rally speeches, community tents, and rousing performances by Singapura Drag Royalty (featuring more than 40 drag queens and kings), Kiki HQ, Jean Seizure, RENE, Marian Carmel, and more. And the most iconic aspect of Pink Dot – the illuminated night formation at 7.30pm. 

LGBTQ+ folks and allies, don't miss this year's Pink Screen at The Projector. From May 31 to June 15, catch romantic comedies, noir flicks, and touching dramas on the big screen – each with a unique perspective on queer lives and experience. One hotly anticipated film is a re-run of Bugis Street (1995), which paints an evocative portrait of queer Singapore in the 1960s. Other international films hail from America to South Korea, with the lightheated lesbian road comedy Drive Away Dolls (2024) slated for a fundraiser screening on June 28 to raise funds for local non-profit LGBTQ+ organisation, Oogachaga. 

Vogue In Progress presents Pinky Kiki Ball: A Riot of Colours, which celebrates Singapore’s growing kiki ball scene – this time with a kueh-tastic line up of categories. Taking place at Hard Rock Café Cuscaden, the event will see participants competing in fashion runways, lipsyncs and dance-offs themed after kuehs. That’s right, watch colourful characters spin and dip in the OTA (open to all) baby kueh tutu category, strut their stuff in the OTA Best Dressed kueh lapis runway, or turn on the sexy in the mooncake-themed sex siren runway. What we know for sure is that you’ll be snapping your fingers in appreciation throughout the night.

Pride is also about empowering the community, which is what this signature Pink Fest event is all about. Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ individual, differently-abled, neurodivergent, an ethnic minority, or a woman, you’re welcome to join the Inclusive Careers Fair to explore career opportunities, discuss workplace issues, and exchange knowledge and skills. It’s the ideal place to suss out companies and their inclusive practices, share your thoughts on improving workplace diversity, or simply get a leg up in your job search.

How about some entertainment that does good for the local LGBTQ+ community too? M Social Singapore and Beast and Butterflies are throwing their first ever drag charity evening, The Drag Soireé. Hosted by local actor and comedian Hirzi Zulkiflie, the night will kick off with a drag competition featuring both veteran performers and emerging talents. They’ll be pulling out the best from their repertoire – jokes, songs, stories – to stand a chance to win some fantastic prizes, including a 2D1N stay at M Social Singapore. At the end of the night, take part in a charity auction. All proceeds from this will go to Oogachaga, a non-profit LGBTQ+ organisation that works to support the community through counselling and other social services.

In celebration of Pride Month, one of Singapore’s theatre powerhouses, Wild Rice, will be staging an original play titled trans:mission. This marks the first work in Singapore that is fully directed, written, and performed by trans people. trans:mission highlights the challenges that trans people face in Singapore and opens up the discussion on gender and sexuality by spotlighting the lived experiences of the trans community.

There’s a new LGBTQ+ space in town, and it’s Proud Spaces. Located in Alexandra, Proud Spaces stands as a venue for LGBTQ+ organisations, queer individuals, and allies to hold events, run workshops, and basically exchange ideas and get to know each other in a safe and welcoming space. On June 15, it’s opening its door to one and all at a special open house event. Look forward to talks by prominent LGBTQ+ organisations such as Oogachaga, Rainbow Lapis Press, and TransgenderSG; browse community booths; and enjoy live performances by Peachy Keen and Bellweather Bayou.

Ladybo$$ Comedy, which started up to provide more women and queer-friendly spaces in Singapore, is turning up the laughs once again with Ladybo$$ Rainbow Comedy Night. Headlined by Malaysia’s “Queen of Comedy” Joanne Kam, the show is backed up by an all-queer cast of talented and hilarious hes, shes, and thems like Steph Chan and Nebulous Niang. As they say, it’ll be a night of “unhinged homosexual chaos”!

“Planning parties for local queers since 2001”, that’s Two Queens Asia for you. This June, they’re throwing a Pink Dot afterparty at Iki Izakaya, at it promises to be their biggest night of the year. So far, DJ Kansh and Candice B have been confirmed, with more performances to be announced. A Two Queens party is always a riot – and this time, everyone will be hyped from the Pink Dot light-up beforehand, so you can bet things will be wild.

All you fit people, The Pink Fest Run is just for you. This year, Singapore Frontrunners has partnered up with ACAVE, a queer women’s interest group, for a breezy 4km or 8km run at Marina Reservoir. Brisk walkers are welcome too, perfect if you’re unable to run for any reason, or just want an excuse to socialise while getting some sun. The Pink Fest Run is free – just register your attendance and show up in your cutest pink active fit.