We all did. We all thought this was it.
We all thought if we let it go, and hid
who we were
that no one would bother us. That we would not have to wake up every day feeling like we were
in for it. If we ever revealed who we were.
If we ever let our parents, much less the state know, what we feared
we would one day find about ourselves.
And today, that day came
and went.
That day was spent
walking through the new world.
The same faces. The same places.
But in words
that reveal
everything that tortured you
has been peeled away:
the life you wanted to live ---
there is still a way.
What did Singapore find out about itself today
on a walking tour of Rochor, Bras Basah, Bencoolen, Esplanade?
It found out that in Kristang,
and in any language being revitalised on this island:
there is now a way to say
we, every single one of us,
are safe.
We, every single one of us.
Are respected. No matter if we are straight, or gay,
or Kristang, or not Kristang, or not Singaporean,
or finally here to stay.
Ignore all those who said it could never be done.
A language has been brought back to life,
and with it, a place in the sun for everyone.
The roads are all changing.
The Greatest Journey has begun.
Leave all those who do not know what sacred is behind:
one day, they, too,
will walk the ways and ride the rails of life,
and see that they are only limited
by what they can imagine they might one day become.
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