Premium Content:

Singapore Bans Lesbian-Themed Pop Song

Jolin Tsai We are Different Yet the Same

In Singapore, a song by Taiwanese artist Jolin Tsai has been banned by the country’s Media Development Authority, according to Hong Kong’s Mingpao news.

- Advertisement -

Tsai’s song ‘We’re All Different, Yet the Same’ tells the story of a lesbian couple who have lived together for 30 years. When one of the women is hospitalized and requires surgery, her partner is unable to give consent because she is not legally recognised as a family member.

Singapore’s broadcasting code states that content must not “in any way promote, justify or glamorise… lifestyles such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexualism, transsexualism, transvestism, paedophilia and incest”. Media outlets that fail to abide by these rules are fined.

Tsai’s manager has released a statement proclaiming that the singer is “disappointed” with the Media Development Authority’s decision as the song is her way of expressing support for marriage equality, but that she would “respect differences in opinion”.

In 2014, the sale of a ‘Life of Archie’ comic was banned in the city-state for its depiction of a same sex wedding. In that same year, Taiwanese singer A-Mei was prohibited from singing her song ‘Rainbow’ at her Singapore concert due to its “pro-LGBT message”.

‘We’re All Different, Yet the Same’ is accompanied by an emotional video that opens with a nurse asking one of the women what her relationship is to her partner. It goes on to show the events that lead to this point, including the woman accompanying her partner to the hospital and an imagined wedding day with the couple as young brides. The clip ends with the woman answering the nurse’s question. “She is my wife” she says.

The younger version of the couple are played by Tsai herself and Taiwanese actress Ruby Lin.

Latest

“I am deeply sorry for this” Jason Tuazon-McCheyne apologies for podcast

The personal apology for The Equality Project's CEO comes ahead of the Better Together Conference beginning on Friday.

Suzanne Vega books Australian tour for 2026

The singer will be playing her hits and showcasing her new album 'Flying With Angels'

King Charles lays flowers at the UK’s national memorial for LGBT armed forces veterans

It's the first time King Charles has attended an event for the LGBT communities.

David Goncalves elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth

Councillor David Goncalves was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor...

Newsletter

Don't miss

“I am deeply sorry for this” Jason Tuazon-McCheyne apologies for podcast

The personal apology for The Equality Project's CEO comes ahead of the Better Together Conference beginning on Friday.

Suzanne Vega books Australian tour for 2026

The singer will be playing her hits and showcasing her new album 'Flying With Angels'

King Charles lays flowers at the UK’s national memorial for LGBT armed forces veterans

It's the first time King Charles has attended an event for the LGBT communities.

David Goncalves elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth

Councillor David Goncalves was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor...

Pride WA and Team Perth celebrate 2030 Gay Games win

A huge thanks has been issued to all the supporters of the bid to bring the event to Perth.

“I am deeply sorry for this” Jason Tuazon-McCheyne apologies for podcast

The personal apology for The Equality Project's CEO comes ahead of the Better Together Conference beginning on Friday.

Suzanne Vega books Australian tour for 2026

The singer will be playing her hits and showcasing her new album 'Flying With Angels'

King Charles lays flowers at the UK’s national memorial for LGBT armed forces veterans

It's the first time King Charles has attended an event for the LGBT communities.