1st Edition

Stand Up for Singapore? National Belonging among Gay Men in the Lion City

By Chris K. K. Tan Copyright 2022
    132 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    132 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book details queer Singaporeans’ efforts to fashion their sense of national belonging and highlights how the Singaporean state could have better incorporated its diverse population into its nation-building framework.

    Inspired by previous studies that document the history of the gay rights movement, the construction of post-colonial lesbian identities, and online queer activism, this book invokes the concept of "cultural citizenship." It argues that as citizens, gay men appreciate the material wealth the People’s Action Party (PAP) has created. Yet, the PAP’s illiberal governance inhibits the development of genuine fondness for the party and, by extension, the nation. Worse, the state’s heteronormative social policies further alienate these men. Even so, queer Singaporeans continue to assert their national belonging during Pink Dot and other queer events. As the first monograph to focus on Singaporean gay men, this book aims to enrich scholarly understanding of queer life in Southeast Asia.

    Academics and students of anthropology and sociology (especially those interested in the nation-state), Southeast Asian Studies, and Queer Studies will find this book innovative and insightful.

    1: "We, the Citizens of Singapore …"  2: A Brief History of Nation-Building  3: State Ideals of Citizenship  4: Going to the National Day Parade  5: "Both Contagion and Cure," Or, How the State Incorporates Queers  6: A "Great Affective Divide"  7: Being Good at Being a Singaporean Man  8: Conclusion, Or, This is Home … Truly?

    Biography

    Chris K. K. Tan is Associate Professor at Nanjing University, China. His current research focuses on how affect intersects with communicative technologies in China. He previously published in such journals as Information, Communication & Society, Journal of Consumer Culture, and Urban Studies.