In my opinion, the sharpest lens onto a society is its literature. We best understand the thoughts, values, and struggles of a nation through the imaginings of its writers. So when I went to Singapore, I wanted to read Singapore.
I first heard the works of Cyril Wong at a guest lecture for my Singaporean Literature module. Introducing the poet, NUS Professor Ismail S. Talib declared, “Great literature comes from overcoming obstacles.”
A poet in a society of scientists and engineers, a homosexual in a country that prohibits same-sex affection, Wong has endured his fair share of obstacles.
“Poetry was like my therapist,” says Wong. “Poetry doesn't allow you to hide.”
The legal battle to challenge Section 377A of Singapore's Penal Code, which outlaws male homosexual conduct, began (appropriately) this Valentine's Day. Two days prior, I interviewed Cyril Wong. Drinking teh peng (iced tea) at Clementi Central Hawker Centre, we talked poetry and national priorities.
“Poetry forced me to put down words like 'gay,'” Wong explains, “to address my parents. The poem got me to a point where I could forgive myself, my family, my society.”
Wong writes about emotional events from his life—recovering from heartbreak, discovering his estranged father's notebook, quietly moving out of his parents' home one plastic bag at a time. His talent is extrapolating the personal to the societal: “Poems fail if they only talk about an experience as an experience—they must apply to a common human experience.”
One of many Singaporeans with a common stake in the ongoing proceedings, Wong's partner (who wishes to remain anonymous) commented: “Section 377A is a silly and archaic law. What's even sillier is the government's stance that the law should exist but not be enforced. The UK repealed it a long time ago and the Delhi High Court struck it down. It's time for us to do the same.”
Reading good signs in the burgeoning discourse on homosexuality, Wong hopes for a shift in national values: “Singaporeans don't live for what makes life good—we live in fear of losing. But why are you alive? Love! Community! For fun! For the feeling!”
Perhaps Singapore's acceptance of its marginalized gay community will be a step away from its kiasu (fear of losing) customs. In a society as accelerated and unpredictable as this one, Wong predicts such a sea change may not be far off.
For an alternative look at Singaporean society, a sensitive negotiation of familial and romantic love, and a damn good read, I commend to you the poems of Cyril Wong.