Heteronormativity, the Key for the Successful Singapore? A discourse analysis of the heteronormative family discourse performed by the Singapore Government which limits LGB people

Abstract

In Singapore, it is forbidden by law for two men to have consensual sex, but the law is in practice not enforced. Same-sex marriage as well as parenthood is not recognised by the Singapore Government for lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) people. This arbitrary situation has lead me to the aim of this thesis which is to explore the discourse of the heteronormative family performed by the Singapore Government, and how LGB persons would be a threat to this. This has been done through critical discourse analysis with the material consisting of already existing speeches, lectures and dialogues conducted by the Prime Minister of Singapore. The material has been analysed with the help of a relevant theoretical framework built up by heteronormativity, governance, post-colonial theory and theory around nationalism. The results of the analysis show that marriage is a fundamental part of the framework of the family, and in extension a big part in the Singapore society. This focus on marriage alongside the unquestioned norm being heterosexuality, limits and excludes LGB people from the discourse of family. LGB people become a threat to this unquestioned norm and thereby risks the existence of the society as it is today. The Prime Minister’s strategy is to stay neutral as to let the issue evolve on its own and saying that this is something that the citizens of Singapore need to decide on, however this is said while the Government in reality are the ones that possess the power in this issue.