With growing tolerance – not quite acceptance – Singaporean gays are finally gaining some traction in their pursuit for recognition and protection under the law. Deputy PM Wong Kan Seng emphasized in 2009 that Singapore is a “stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to the society.” While it still is not anywhere near close to the protections that would keep the LGBT community safe, this progress is significant compared to the harsh treatment, entrapment and punishment of gay men and women in the past.

As such, many local Singaporeans claim to have the best gay scene in all of Asia! There are more and more gay venues opening up, bringing gay life more into the light for locals and travelers alike. Chinatown is ground zero for this new gay awakening, centrally located and easily accessible.

Stop in to the gay-owned Backstage Bar and watch passerby from the balcony, visit their sister bar Tantric Bar, or check out the ironically named DYMK (Does Your Mother Know). A gym-themed bar called Locker Room employs rugged Western bartenders and commits fully to the theme: gym clothes hang from the ceiling! Groups sing it out at ébar down the street, and Zouk is a taxi ride away, providing the dance beats late into the weekend nights for a mixed, but gay heavy, crowd.

Being gay in Singapore is not illegal, although according to some interpretations of the antiquated Penal Code having “unnatural sex” is. So be aware of this, and enjoy the growing liberation of Singapore!