Indig Nation - Conclusion

Conclusion

IndigNation was very satisfying for both organisers and participants. With only shoestring resources, but lots of enthusiasm from many LGBT groups and individuals, not merely those involved in People Like Us 3, it reaffirmed their sense of community and pride. It was generally felt that the celebration a great success. It was not just a series of events but also a set of tests for the LGBT community and for Singapore as a whole.

The other challenge was whether it would be able to garner media publicity. The latter was a proxy for the government's attitude to gay initiatives. For example, it was noted by many during August 2004, that while the foreign media were reporting on the Nation.04 party, not a word was mentioned in the local media.

For IndigNation, things were different. There was quite positive coverage in both The Straits Times and Today newspaper at the start of the pride month, and a week later, another report in Today for the poetry recital.

The third test was applied, not to the government and the media, but to gay and lesbians in Singapore. The organisers adopted the policy of allowing all events to be photographed or videographed. In most events, even the audience could be photographed, and no announcement on this would be made. It was felt important to treat IndigNation events just like other public events in Singapore, for there could be no meaning to "pride month", if the participants were not out and proud. It was heartening that almost everybody seemed undisturbed by being photographed, testifying to the maturity and confidence of the Singapore gay and lesbian community.

Much of the texts, photographs and video footage of IndigNation have been archived at Pelangi Pride Centre for public access and to preserve a record of the historical event.