2020 wasn’t just an extraordinary year; it was a rollercoaster of memories. While many Singaporeans would recall the Circuit Breaker as the defining moment, some would refer to it as the year that heralded a new hope for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore ‒ Season 2 of the Singaporean-produced LGBTQ+ series People Like Us became an Emmy-nominated work.
Now returning with a third instalment, the series explores new topics in the LGBTQ+ community and educates viewers on HIV.
For the unacquainted, People Like Us is a collaboration between Gayhealth.sg and Action for AIDS Singapore, and directed by Leon Cheo. The first season of the series premiered in 2016, and featured Irfan Kasban, Steven Lim, Josh Crowe and Hemant Ashoka as four gay men in Singapore – Ridzwan, Isaac, Joel, and Rai respectively.
Apart from their sexual escapades and experiences as gay men in Singapore, the series also shines a light on STDs and health issues.
In the latest season of People Like Us, the series delves into the dual nature of the LGBTQ+ community, supportive and destructive at the same time. Aside from introducing Zain, a new trans-male character ‒ likely a groundbreaking first in Singapore media ‒ the show also offers viewers a glimpse into the danger of substance addiction and the journey towards recovery.
Furthermore, it also raises awareness of U=U (undetectable=untransmittable), and what it means in fighting HIV. For instance, the first episode shows characters Rai and Haniff exploring the challenges faced in their serodiscordant relationship.
Beyond the aforementioned topics, the third season of the series explores mental health issues such as grief and body shaming. Viewers will get to see how characters Joel and Ridzwan handle grief, and manage their mental health.
Most importantly, the series also addresses the challenges and complex issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore.
Hopefully, through relatable and sensitive storytelling, the series will encourage people to undergo HIV testing and access various sexual health services available in Singapore.
In case you’re wondering where to watch the series, you can head over to the official YouTube channel of Gayhealth.sg. The episodes are released every week, and the final episode will go live on 11 January 2024.
For more information about the series, visit Gayhealth.sg’s Instagram.
All images courtesy of People Like Us.
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