Old guard members counter allegations of a pro-gay stance
AWARE'S old guard yesterday rejected the new leaders' accusation that the association had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual. This was their response to the allegations made on Thursday.
PROMOTED A LESBIAN MOVIE
Aware sponsored the screening of the lesbian-themed movie, Spider Lilies, at its charity gala two years ago.
Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72: 'Over the years some of the movies we have screened include Singapore Dreaming, Mrs Henderson Presents, The Soong Sisters, Summer Snow and Paradise Road.
We exercise our judgment. Earlier this year an Israeli Film, Seed Of Summer, was offered to us but we turned it down because the subject matter was sensitive and controversial - it dealt with military service and lesbianism.
Spider Lilies was about the relationship between a tattoo artist and a Web camera woman. One of my exco members - a mother of three boys - told me the two protagonists' sexuality was secondary. It was a film about love, companionship and longing.'
HAD A MEN'S WORKSHOP
Aware invited Mr Bert Bjarland, a Finnish gender activist, to hold a workshop.
Male associate member Tan Wah Kiat, 37: 'Bert Bjarland had spent 20 years working with men's groups in Finland and wanted this issue tackled in Aware. His workshop helped men to recognise that there are many different masculinities.
We do not want to live in a box where men are supposed to be all macho, rough and aggressive; and women, soft, meek and domesticated.
I used to be a jock, and that is one of my biggest regrets. Joining Aware, I learnt the value of being soft and sensitive. I've been happily married for seven years. It really helps to build family and personal relationships.'
WANTS TO LET MEN VOTE
Former Aware president Dana Lam, 57: 'We have been discussing this in Aware for years. We are a bit divided over this.
We women have been saying that decisions - public, personal, family - cannot be made by only men; that they have to be made jointly with men. If we walk the talk, then we have to give men the right to vote.
On the other hand, some of us feel we are not that ready to admit a male voice in the organisation. We are still debating this, and debate is healthy.'
MOTHER'S DAY 2006
Aware held an event featuring lesbian-friendly mothers and lesbian daughters talking about themselves.
Aware member Corinna Lim: 'We had mothers with lesbian daughters coming together to share their pain and issues in a very supportive environment.
It was done in a loving way. How could they say it was bad when they didn't even attend the forum? To me, that was love. The bond between a mother and child is precious, no matter what the circumstances.'
INVITED GAY ACTIVIST ALEX AU
Former Aware president Tan Joo Hymn, 38: 'This forum, Playing It Safe: Keeping HIV At Bay, was organised because statistics showed that cases of women contracting Aids had shot up in Singapore.
Mr Au was one of four people at the forum; the others were a doctor, a representative from Action For Aids and then Aware president Braema Mathi.'
REACHING OUT TO TRANSVESTITES
Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72. 'I've never talked about reaching out to transvestites in any newsletter.
Last year, I gave a talk to a lesbian audience and they asked me very tough questions and demanded to know why Aware was not fighting for their rights. I told them we were inclusive, but we could not lobby exclusively for lesbians.
The fact is, Aware represents all women. I told them we are also fighting for them when we fight for issues like equality, the right to personal choices and sexuality.'
WONG KIM HOH
http://www.straitstimes.co
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