On 24 August 2013, an event called “To Russia with Love” was held at Hong Lim Park, where some 100 or so Singaporeans came together to show our solidarity for the persecuted LGBT communities in Russia.
Here is a video excerpt of my reading at the event, titled “At first I was afriad, I was petrified…”, which also happens to be the opening line of the classic Gloria Gaynor disco number “I Will Survive.” Special thanks to Roy Tan for filming and editing.
At first I was afraid, I was petrified (after Martin Niemöller)
Leviticus came for my brother
Because he was laying with another,
And called him an abomination and a sinner.
And I didn’t speak out because I was a believer, I was afraid.
Then Hitler came for my sisters and brothers,
Because they were a threat to the master race.
He put the degenerates into gas chambers,
And I didn’t speak out because I was patriotic, I was afraid.
Then Putin came for more brothers and sisters,
Because they were spreading propaganda.
He kidnapped and raped and killed them,
And I didn’t speak out because Russia is so far away,
And I don’t drink vodka anyway.
And then Lee came for me,
Because what I did was unnatural and illegal.
And then I was afraid, I was petrified,
As there was no one left to speak for me.