Estimated 26,000 people attend Singapore Pink Dot 2014
At this year's Pink Dot rally, speakers took to the stage to share their experiences and discuss LGBT issues. Human rights lawyer M Ravi, Singapore artist Samantha Lo, prominent blogger Benjamin Lee are some of those who took to the stage. Organizers estimated that a record number of 26,000 people attended this year's event. Security personnel were deployed at the event for the first time, to help with crowd control and manage any unruly behaviour. In the weeks leading up to the event, Pink Dot SG faced increased public opposition as compared to previous years, with many groups stepping out to oppose the event. Community groups such as Action for AIDS, Maruah and the Humanist Society, were also present at the event, with booths set up at the Pink Dot Community tent. The inaugural event in 2009 attracted 2,100 participants but the turnout has significantly increased to over 20,000 participants in 2013. Pink Dot, which has been held every year since 2009, supports and celebrates the freedom to love for all people. The event also shows support for the LGBT (Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community in Singapore. The term "Pink Dot" is a play on Singapore's nickname, "The Little Red Dot".
