LGBTQA History Month 2025

🌈 Celebrating Courage, Change & Community

October marks LGBTQA History Month, a time to remember the people, movements, and moments that helped shape the world we live in today. It’s more than just a celebration, it’s about recognising the struggles, bravery, and progress that brought us closer to equality and understanding. Even though conversations around the LGBTQ+ community have become more open in Singapore in recent years, we know there’s still work to be done. That’s why taking time to reflect on our shared history both globally and locally matters so much.

From Past to Present: How Change Took Root

The journey towards acceptance didn’t happen overnight. It was built through decades of courage by people who spoke up when it was dangerous to do so, who created safe spaces when none existed, and who believed that love, in all forms, deserves to be respected. Globally, figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera stood at the frontlines of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 that sparked global change for LGBTQ+ rights. In the years that followed, countless unnamed individuals helped shift laws, attitudes, and everyday life. These changemakers didn’t just make noise, they made history. And their impact can still be felt right here in Singapore, where our own community continues to grow stronger and more visible.

A Look Closer to Home

Here in Singapore, progress may have taken a slower path, but it’s moving. The repeal of Section 377A in December 2022 marked an important turning point, a symbolic and social milestone that many had fought for over decades. It was a step towards acknowledging that love and identity should never be criminalised. That said, the change wasn’t perfect. Alongside the repeal, the government introduced amendments especially in the constitution to safeguard the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman so that it cannot be challenged in future by courts. This means many laws and policies stay tied to that definition.

Some of these protections feel unfair to members of the LGBTQA community. For example:

• Because of the constitutional amendments, certain laws or policies that rely on that definition of marriage are shielded from constitutional challenge.
• In schools, the Ministry of Education has indicated that sexuality education will continue to be anchored in “prevailing family values and social norms,” which many interpret as a way to avoid including fully inclusive perspectives.
• LGBT-related expression and positive portrayals are still subject to age ratings or content regulation under the IMDA / film classification, which some see as limiting visibility.

These laws don’t yet criminalise LGBTQA, but they do set boundaries on what is accepted, seen or officially recognised. Many feel these boundaries are unfair because it still maintain a status where LGBTQA people are treated differently and not fully equal under all laws.

But change can still happen. The repeal of 377A was just one part of a wider journey. As long as people keep speaking up, keep telling their stories, keep pushing for empathy and fairness, there’s space for continued growth.

Why Remembering History Matters

When we remember where the movement started, we also remember that every act of kindness, acceptance, and visibility counts. The fight for equality isn’t “someone else’s issue” it’s a human struggle and battle. It teaches us empathy. The more we understand someone’s journey, the more compassion we show and it inspires us to keep building spaces where people can be themselves, freely and safely.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this month is a chance to look back and also look forward at how we can all play a role in creating a kinder, fairer world.

A Word from HDBK’s Superadmin

To be completely honest, Superadmin from HDBK used to not be as accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up, it wasn’t something often talked about, and like many, he held misconceptions without realising it. But through meeting people from the community, hearing their stories, their struggles, and their laughter, he learned a lot about kindness, acceptance, and what it means to be human. It changed the way he see things. That’s why today, HDBK chooses to stand with the community. Because no one should ever feel less than, unseen, or unwelcomed for being who they are.

At HDBK Official, we believe that community truly means everyone. No matter who you are, who you love, or how you identify, you’re part of this space. We see you. We celebrate you. We stand with you. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to find connection, joy, and belonging. The LGBTQ+ community is no different. THEY are us.

So this October, as we commemorate LGBTQA History Month 2025, let’s remember the changemakers who got us here, support the ones still fighting, and continue to make space for love and connections in all its forms. 🌈

For Everyone, As They Are.