Hong Lim Park was a sea of pink yesterday as thousands of people raised placards in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In its eighth year, the annual Pink Dot rally calls for the freedom to love regardless of sexual orientation.

The event's customary pink torchlights were replaced by placards this year. Singapore citizens and permanent residents were invited to pen messages of love and support on the placards and raise them simultaneously in a call for inclusivity.

The crowd was also treated to a concert featuring personalities such as rapper Shigga Shay, comedian Liu Ling Ling and singer-songwriter Charlie Lim.