Organiser Roy Tan, 50, a Singaporean who initiated the event, on Friday cited the overwhelming response from the gay community as a key reason for the date change.

The event was being postponed 'to ensure that all interested parties - straight, gay and queer - have the opportunity to participate in this landmark occasion', he said in a statement e-mailed to the media.

Many members of the gay community have expressed interest in taking part, he told The Straits Times when contacted.

A number of those who are backing the event also want to help him organise it, said Mr Tan, who works in the health-care industry.

An organising committee has now been set up.

He declined to comment on a new date, the number of interested participants and organisers, and whether there would be changes to the programme.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.