Science Centre cancels discussion on sex & gender after uproar, says it will ‘review approach’ after ‘feedback’

Science Centre sex & gender discussion cancelled after feedback

An 18+ panel hosted by the Science Centre Singapore on sex and gender will not proceed. This comes after several commenters posted their objections to the event on its Facebook page.

First announced that the panel was to be held on 14 June, the Science Centre Singapore made an update yesterday (2 June) noting that it would like to “review” its approach to the session.

It further said members of the public who have bought tickets will receive a full refund.

Science Centre Singapore posts about then cancels session about sex & gender after ‘feedback’

Science Centre Singapore first posted about the event on Sunday (2 June).

The discussion was to be held at the Ruby Lounge at Cineleisure level 6 on 14 June.

Science Centre Singapore also announced panellists for the event — National University of Singapore Associate Professor Dr Mie Hiramoto, youth counsellor Alexander Teh and local drag queen Becca D’Bus (real name Eugene Tan).

According to the post for the event, the discussion was meant to a “thought-provoking” session where attendees could explore the biological, psychological and cultural influences that shape the understanding of gender and sex.

Commenters question event on 14 June

However, the post quickly drew reactions, with several commenters questioning the event.

One claimed that “gender ideology causes confusion and anxieties” among young people.

Others also tagged the MOE (Ministry of Education) and fired a series of questions, including whether the conversation can be “unbiased” and whether taxpayers’ money is being used to fund this.

Another comment argued that the Science Centre should not be a “frontline for the propagation of LGBTQ ideology”.

After several hours, during which Science Centre Singapore removed the images of the panellists for the event, it posted the update noting the event’s cancellation.

Unhappiness at event’s cancellation

On the r/Singapore subreddit on Reddit, many voiced their disagreement with what had transpired.

The post, which was later locked, featured several comments pointing out that the event is restricted to 18+.

Furthermore, many argued that people should be given the space to discuss these issues related to identity and be allowed to make their own judgment.

Another comment noted that the difference between sex and gender is also taught in universities.

The event’s cancellation also led to some leaving comments noting their sadness.

Others shared their hope that “maybe someday” we’ll be open to learning new things and listening.

Panellists express disappointment

Mr Teh, who’s a counsellor with Oogachaga, a non-profit professional organisation working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ+) individuals, was looking forward to speaking at the event.

He told MS News:

It feels extremely unfair that an opportunity for people who are curious and want to learn more about the diversity of sex and gender from different perspectives, is being denied simply because others do not deem the subject fit to be explored.

Oogachaga also expressed its dismay and disappointment, pointing out that the event has been planned since late last year.

Said Mr Leow Yangfa, its executive director: “As we understand, this was a result of external pressure, and Oogachaga was not involved at all in the decision.”

He added that the organisation, now in its 25th year, will continue to affirm and support Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community — individuals, couples and families — through providing services and programmes in a safe way.

Science Centre Singapore decides not to proceed after feedback

In response to media queries from MS News, a Science Centre spokesperson said that it regularly organises “ticketed dinner events under our Science Café event series”.

These events are meant to promote interest in science and curiosity through featuring “speakers from diverse disciplines” who share their views on particular subjects.

All sessions are limited to guests aged 18 and above.

“Our Science Café session in June was intended to discuss the sociocultural factors that shape society’s understanding of sex and gender,” the spokesperson added.

Following online publicity of the session, it received public feedback “expressing concern about the content to be discussed in the session”, as well as the composition of the speakers.

After reviewing the feedback, Science Centre Singapore said it decided to not proceed with the event.

Panelist said she was unaware of “feedback” about Science Centre sex & gender discussion event

“To be honest, I have neither seen, nor engaged with any of the kerfuffles,” Becca D’Bus, one of the panelists, told MS News when asked about the “feedback” that led to the event’s cancellation.

The drag queen noted that she’d received screencaps of a message on a Telegram group containing about 2000 subscribers attempting to “organise an astroturf response” to the event’s announcement. Further, the message included talking points based on “a pretty warped description” of the event as well as contact info for ministers and institutional leaders.

“At first… I was confused, it read like something out of the playbook of far-right, extremist, hate groups in the United States,” she said.

“It was discombobulating to see that this was taking place in Singapore, because I was under the impression that we are firmly against foreign interference,” Becca noted, adding that she was not sure if Singaporeans were behind the message as she doesn’t know who wrote it.

“So to see this kind of imported rhetoric was odd. But then again, Singapore did just erect another statue of Raffles, so I’m not sure anything should surprise anymore.”

Though she said she has not witnessed the comments towards the event, including ones questioning the panelists’ lack of training in sciences, Becca asked: “Who is making these comments? And what is their expertise in the areas they are commenting upon? Do they run similar institutions to know what a Science Centre should or should not be presenting?”

“There appears… to be an interest in rigour,” she added. “Well then, they must answer my question: is it particularly scientifically rigorous to have opinions on something they have not in fact observed? I’ll help them: no, it isn’t.

“The event cancellation is disappointing for all the reasons offered above, but also, I might add, for the seeming lack of critical thinking about what is happening.”

Becca noted she was open to working with the Science Café organisers again, and said she doesn’t see why she “wouldn’t want to participate in events that are about encouraging an exchange of knowledge, crossing information silos, engaging with adults in situations that are casual, social and relaxed.”

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Featured image adapted from Science Centre Singapore on Facebook and Science Centre Singapore.