what does love mean to you in 2023?

M: Love? Love is everything. I think my life finally started going in the right direction when I was loving, and was surrounded by loving people. Back in the day, I didn't have much of a community and I wasn't close to my family because it was a rough time when I came out. My parents didn't really talk to me for a bit – which is why love is everything. I don't understand why everyone can't just love everyone, because love makes everything better.

when do you feel the most loved by the people around you?

M: I feel loved all the time. I see the love in people, even when someone's picking a fight on the street because I understand that maybe they're just having a horrible day. Maybe they broke up. I like to give them the benefit of the doubt. I guess I always see the love in people. So, I always feel love, even if it's a little smile from a stranger in the street, or someone just doing something they're very passionate about – that's also a type of love. I like to bask in that love and that makes me feel loved all the time. It's just a matter of how you choose to see it.

love can be expressed in various ways. how do you personally show love to your partner, family and friends? what is your unique way of expressing love? 

M: My main love language is time spent together. I'm very much a cat, if I'm around you, I love you. I think with my partner, I guess it's constant support, no matter what.

I show love by being there. Also, I try to understand people's love languages and try to adapt myself to how they receive love. For example, my mom loves gifts, so,  every now and then if I see something that makes me think, ‘oh, she would love this’, I would get it for her.

Personally, I'm not a gift person, but I know she is, so it goes both ways. You can't just stick to your own love language, it’s important to understand people’s version of it as well.

can you share a special moment or memory that exemplifies the power of love in your life? 

M: I actually met my wife back when we were 13. We kept bumping into each other every couple of years until we finally got together. There were many times we happened to be in the same place, but it just wasn’t the right timing. Finally, during Covid, it was the right place, right time.

our pride campaign this year revolves around the theme 'Come Together.' what does that mean to you? 

M: I don't really have a community. I wish I did. Maybe after this, I will. But I think for me, it's my partner. She's really made a big difference in my life, in terms of coming together and making everything else in my life come together.

can you share a message or advice for others in the LGBTQIA+ community in singapore? 

M: Just love each other. I don't understand why people spend so much time being angry or holding grudges - it's just not worth it. Just love, and see the good in people.