Here’s how (and why!) we should celebrate Pink Dot 2022 with our kids

For the first time in two years, Pink Fest and Pink Dot are back with physical events for Pride Month in June! Pink Dot SG has served as a safe space for the Singapore LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community since 2009, with its annual bash in Hong Lim Park. It’s always a joyous day filled with performances, fun activities, and lots of pink that puts a Singapore spin on Pride celebrations that take place around the world during June. While Pink Dot is traditionally limited to only Singaporeans and permanent residents due to government regulations around the use of Hong Lim Park, there are many other ways for everyone to participate in Pink Dot and celebrate pride month this year.

Read more: An SG Mama on Parenting & Supporting a Transgender Child

Why Get Kids Involved in Pride Month?

Pride Month is about “being able to be fully who you are, no matter who you are,” says Eliza Byard of the non-profit advocacy network GLSEN told Mashable. “When you let your child experience you talking about that, it may give them permission to be who they are.” Family participation is so crucial, as Pink Dot’s organisers point out, because for so many LGBTQ individuals in Singapore “familial relationships often get compromised due to a lack of understanding.” A big part of Pink Dot is getting people to think about the issues commonly faced by the LGBTQ community, both inside and outside of their families, with a goal of promoting understanding and unity amongst family and friends.

Even if no one in your family identifies as LGBTQ, explaining Pink Dot and its significance can help to reduce and eliminate anti-LGBT prejudice, and demonstrates to your kids the importance of being an ally (crucial here, as in the fight against racism). Just as it is important to talk to children about race from a very early age, so you can talk to your kids about LGBTQ+ identity. It needn’t be framed as a conversation about sexuality, but rather on being able to love whomever we choose, and to feel happy and confident in our own identity.

Think about what concepts your kids are familiar with – such as love, family members, friends, fairness – and also consider what you would like your child to value. Identity? Respect? Diversity? Standing up against discrimination, racism, homophobia, and transphobia? For a wealth of resources presented in a local context (and four languages), be sure to check out Congregaytion.

Read More: What I Wished My Parents Said When I Told Them I Was Gay

All About Pink Dot 2022

1. Pink Dot 2022 Theme: The Change We Want To See

After two years of virtual events, Pink Dot 2022 is back at Hong Lim Park this June! From concerts to LGBTQ+ groups, there will be a multitude of programmes available as the community is finally able to come together in-person to celebrate Pride month. The theme for the 14th edition of Pink Dot, The Change We Want To See, urges participants to come together and push for the change they want to see in Singapore. You can pen down messages of hope and change on placards at the event. To enter the event, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated and show proof. The Community Tent is back for Pink Dot 2022, providing support and resources to the LGBTQ+ community all year round. Visit to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and the issues that they face in Singapore. Red Dot for Pink Dot will also return this year with a campaign to raise funds for the event. Led by business leaders, this initiative is calling on corporate companies in Singapore to take a stand for diversity and inclusivity.

2. Pink Dot 2022 Light Up

Decorate your home with pink lights during the month of June (it’ll be a fun one to do with the kids) to show support to those who might not be able to do so. Or purchase pink fairy lights from the Pink Dot e-store for $20, with proceeds supporting Pink Dot event! How much fun would it be to walk around Singapore spotting pink lights? Do note that while everyone is free to light up their own private spaces – including rooms and windows – you cannot light up common areas like corridors, the outside of HDB units, etc.

Look forward to exciting performances by homegrown artistes and various local drag queens including groups like Singapore Drag Royal! Enjoy a relaxing picnic with your family and friends as you soak in all the wonderful performances.

When: 18 June 2022, 3pm-7pm
Admission: Free!
Where: Hong Lim Park, New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059299

4. Pink Fest 2022 Talks and Events

This month, there’s also Pink Fest – an inclusive festival celebrating Pride month in Singapore with activities and lifestyle events. From Talks about Legal Rights to a Rainbow Family Exhibition at the Projector, there will be tons of programmes and events all throughout the month of June. One of the highlights this year for parents will be the virtual talk ’10 Things Your Queer Child/Teen/Young Adult Wants You to Know’ by Dr. Lulu aka The Momatrician. This virtual presentation is all about how we can become intentional allies for our kids. Dr. Lulu will enumerate and discuss 10 points that are unique to today’s queer person, from definitions to pronouns to new names and dead names, to ages and stages and even a little bit about transitioning. Attendees will learn how to support their queer kids and also learn the top 3 mistakes parents make when their kids come out to them.

10 Things Your Queer Child/Teen/Young Adult Wants You to Know
When:  6 June 9am-10 am
Admission: $15
Where: Online

5. Pasar Pink Pop Up Fair

A signature Pink Fest event, Pasar Pink x Sunday Social is returning this year! The pop-up fair will be held physically at Sing See Soon Simei after two years of virtual events. There are many fun stalls participating this year including, What The Falafel, The Goodburger, PRINTXSG, CS Comics, Ethos Books, Claymate and more. Join inclusive small businesses and meet other members of the community when you head down to the Pasar Pink x Sunday Social event for an afternoon of fun!

When:  11 June 2022, 11am-6pm
Admission: Free!
Where: Sing See Soon, 5 Simei Lane, Singapore 528710

More Pink Fest 2022 Events
3 & 8 June: Pride Crotchet Workshop
16 June: Own Your Story. Own Your Career.
18 June: MGR Runners Pink Fest Run 2022
25 June – 1 July: Rainbow Families Exhibition

Further Reading with kids: Age-appropriate books to discuss identity & gender:

If you’re interested in finding age-appropriate books to help explain these topics to your kids, consider reaching out to Pelangi Pride Centre, which is run by local “lesbrarians” (lesbian +librarians) Eileena Lee and Charmaine Tan. You can find their entire catalogue online, including a dedicated children’s collection, and books are available for lending on Saturdays.

Additionally, here are a few highly recommended books geared towards children aged 3 and up:

• Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
• Daddy, Papa and Me by Leslea Newman
• The Family Book by Todd Parr
• Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero by Ellie Royce
• Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
• The Different Dragon by Jennifer Bryan
• The Rainbow Flag: Bright, Bold, and Beautiful by Michelle Millar Fisher