Questions and Answers on AFFECT05

on 25 March 2005

Who is the organizer of the concert?

The organizers of the concert are a group of friends who are members of Safehaven. The cost of the concert was funded privately by individuals. Safehaven is not the organizer of the concert.

Safehaven only stepped in to assist and stand behind the organizers openly after Dr Balaji came out and asked for gay champions to promote the zero tolerance message to the gay community. We have been concerned about the rising HIV infection rates amongst MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) and are aware that some MSM practice irresponsible sex. Safehaven conferred and decided to step up to the plate as gay champions to bring the responsible relationships and responsible sex message to the gay community. It is for this reason that Susan Tang and Peter Goh became spokespersons.

Contrary to what many people might think, there are actually many gay people who believe in responsible relationships and responsible sex. We happen to be part of that group.

Why did the organizers say that they were in discussions with the MDA?

The organizers ARE in discussions with the MDA - the appeal is a process of discussions and interaction provided by the law. We need to recognize and respect the avenues of institutionalized discussion and negotiation provided by the law. We are a society that respects the rule of law.

We were also very conscious that the Government may be viewed as contradicting themselves since the MOH and MDA seem to be taking different positions. We did not want to make anyone look bad. The rational thing to do would have been for the MDA to contact us to ask for a clarification of what we said and we would have told them. If they asked us to be totally precise we would have been pleased to send out a clarification to the press. It is unfortunate that the MDA did not do this.

Why Jason & deMarco?

Simple. They are a couple who are in a committed monogamous relationship. The gay community needs to hear that message of responsible relationships and responsible sex is possible and they need see it in living people.

What if the appeal is turned down?

The grounds of the appeal are strong. A reasonable decision not given to homophobic pressure would allow it. We believe in that we have a rational Government and trust that they will make the right decision. Let’s not pre-empt the discussion/appeal process provided under the law.

What is an important message from this incident?

In the longer run if we are to have a gay community that is responsible and contributes to society not just economically but socially, we need to allow gays the space for expressions that bring about that sense of responsibility to each other and to society. The Affect05 concert would have achieved that objective. If we keep stopping events like these the result will be a gay community that will be cynical about whether our society really cares for them.

Are there non-gay people who support Affect05?

Of course. A number of the volunteers particularly those helping out with the website are not gay. A number of parents who have gay children expressed their support for the concert because it provides their children with good role models.