Google Singapore supports Pink Dot 2011

On this day, Singaporeans will, for the third year running, gather at Hong Lim Park to form a human pink dot in support of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community and the 'Freedom to love' campaign.

This marks the first time that a major international company has publicly supported Pink Dot. Google Singapore has pledged sponsorship of the event, highlights of which will include a concert with comedic trio Dim Sum Dollies, Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan, Jill Marie Thomas and dance group Voguelicious.

Supporting events like Pink Dot 2011 are in line with Google Singapore's efforts to create a workplace that embraces diversity and offers equal treatment of all staff, regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation. Google's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) staff, known as Gayglers, regularly organise events and talks to promote awareness and discussion of LGBT issues within the company.

“As a company, we are passionate about diversity and inclusivity at the workplace regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation. Supporting Pink Dot 2011 demonstrates our commitment to these inclusive values. We are proud to be the first international company to officially support Pink Dot 2011 and hope that more will publicly support the development of an open, diverse and inclusive work environment,” said Ann Lavin, Google Southeast Asia’s head of policy and government affairs.

A spokesperson for Pink Dot said it was heartened that international players such as Google Singapore were making a clear stand on embracing diversity through their support.

She said that many in Singapore's LGBT community feel they are unable to be open about their sexuality for fear of discrimination and prejudice. “Google Singapore’s support of Pink Dot 2011 and its inclusive values is an important step in promoting a non-discriminatory environment and improving the lives of the Singapore’s LGBT community."

Organised by a pool of Singaporean volunteers, Pink Dot campaigns aim to foster understanding for the basic human need to love and be loved, regardless of one’s sexual orientation.

Pink Dot has previously garnered support from pan-Asian network Fridae.com, which provided funds as well as donated manpower to support the events’ branding, website and other related components, since Pink Dot's inception in 2009.

Credits:

Director Boo Junfeng
Producers He Shuming & Jeremy Sing
Writers Ash Lim & Boo Junfeng
Director of photography Looi Wan Ping
Art director Russell Morton
Assistant director Koo Chia Meng
Production manager Ho Shufen
Wardrobe manager Cheryl Chong
Make-up artists Larry Yeo & Judith Tham using Urban Decay
Hairstylist Alvin Foh using Loretta
Camera assistants Shawn Fonseka & Jonathan Goh
Gaffer Jonathan Goh
Grips Alvin Tan, Jasper Cheok & Tan Song Yeow
Continuity / logger Jesmen Tan
Location sound recordist Jesselene Liew
Boom operator Benjamin Byrne
Wardrobe assistant Clarissa Kang
Art assistants Yang Ke Liang, Mads Karlsen Baekkevold, Gui Shan Shan
Production assistants Victoria Tay