Not quite as visible as their gay male counterparts, Singapore’s lesbian community is considered more low-key. There is, however, a great divide within the female community and issues of discrimination, usually between the older and younger set. The more mature women, especially the oft-closeted power-suited ones, tend to play down their preferences and steer clearer of mixing with the louder and prouder ‘baby butches’. The general consensus in Singapore is that lesbians are likelier to find career success if they’re able to assimilate into the straightlaced society and look as straight as they possibly can.

As for the party scene, lesbians just don’t party as much as their male counterparts, let alone go cruising or pick-up chicks in bars. This is especially so once they couple up and domestic bliss descends upon them.

There are only a handful of bars catering to gay women. Located mostly in the Tanjong Pagar/Chinatown vicinity, these attract a more mature audience and are kept afloat by a bunch of regulars. What fares better are the monthly and quarterly parties organised by a few prominent individuals in the lesbian scene. They go by different brand names and are usually held at one club, however the venue may vary from time to time.