In wishing no quarrels with how nature ordains people, Singapore's gay community may soon outlive the ignorance that has tormented them so far. In a sign of changing times, the ridicule and ostracising disapproval of yesteryears may soon give way to a new orientation to accepting homosexuals as 'different', yet same.

For one daringly tweaking the nose of conventional wisdom over the hitherto taboo topic of homosexuals; 37-year-old Derrick must be something of a lightning rod for Singapore's gay fraternity.

For not only does he openly admit to his 'frailties', he is downright forthright about what some have benignly classified as a personality disorder.

"I am open about my being gay. I say it to my friends, my clients and even my family is aware of what I am. It does not matter to me the least what people or society feel about", says the puny, bespectacled, planner visibly angry at how he sees is the deep felt disapproval to homosexuals in Singapore.