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Robin Vochelet

Robin Vochelet is a writer and independent journalist based in Singapore.

Robin Vochelet is a writer and independent journalist based in Singapore.

His writing mainly focuses on underground culture, social movements, and queer identities across Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on the Lion City. Alongside his work for The Diplomat, he has published in outlets such as VICE, East Asia Forum, and Southeast Asia Globe, among others. In addition to journalism, Robin has worked freelance with several think tanks as a political risk analyst, and he runs a photography project documenting the underground nightlife of Singapore.

He is currently pursuing graduate studies in International Affairs at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and holds a BA in International Development Studies & Political Science from McGill University. You can reach out to Robin via Twitter, LinkedIn, or email.

Posts by Robin Vochelet

October 27, 2023

Singaporeans Turn to Online Campaigns After Police Reject Application for Gaza Rally

By Robin Vochelet

Following a ban on public rallies related to Israel-Palestine, local activists are mobilizing online to demonstrate solidarity for the Palestinian cause.

October 16, 2023

Philippines LGBTQ Activists Protest Arrest of Drag Artist

By Robin Vochelet

Manila’s LGBTQ community rallied in support of drag performer Pura Luka Vega, who was arrested after a video of their performance dressed as Jesus Christ circulated online.

September 21, 2023

Civil Society Groups to Hold Climate Rally in Singapore

By Robin Vochelet

Several of the city-state’s NGOs are joining forces to highlight the overlap between climate and social justice, and the urgent need to address both.

August 30, 2023

Tan Kin Lian’s Conservative Views Divide Singapore’s Anti-PAP Forces

By Robin Vochelet

Ahead of Friday’s presidential election, anti-establishment voters are struggling with what to make of the “independent” candidate’s campaign.

August 24, 2023

Malaysia’s LGBTQ Activists Deal With the Fall-out From The 1975’s Botched Performance

By Robin Vochelet

In addition to alienating foreign acts from Malaysia, the band’s controversial performance failed to elevate the conversation on LGBTQ rights in the country beyond "white saviorism."

August 16, 2023

Renewed Debates over the Safety of Lorry Rides for Singapore’s Migrant Workers

By Robin Vochelet

A recent series of road accidents has once again raised questions about the treatment of the city-state's large population of foreign laborers.

June 28, 2023

Family Values Take Center Stage at Singapore’s Annual Pink Dot Rally

By Robin Vochelet

On Saturday, thousands of Singaporeans attended the LGBTQ organization’s annual gathering, the first since last year’s repeal of Section 377A.

June 22, 2023

In Post-Repeal Singapore, LGBTQ Activists Work to Expand Family Structures

By Robin Vochelet

For this year’s Pink Dot campaign, the first since the repeal of Section 377A, queer Singaporeans hope to expand the definition of family in the city-state.

June 06, 2023

Thailand Kicks off Pride Month With Massive Parade in Bangkok

By Robin Vochelet

This year’s Pride Parade brought into the spotlight Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who reaffirmed his support for the country’s LGBTQ community.

April 17, 2023

In Malaysia, Conservative Forces and Police Crackdowns Are Putting LGBTQ Lives at Risk

By Robin Vochelet

Police investigations into the involvement of LGBTQ protesters in last month’s Women’s March reflect growing prejudicial attitudes in Parliament, activists warn.

March 21, 2023

From the Streets to the Ballot Box: Ex-Student Protesters Prepare for Thailand’s Election

By Robin Vochelet

Once at the forefront of the youthful protests against PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, activists weigh in on the stakes of the upcoming polls.

November 04, 2022

Will Malaysia’s First-Time Voters Become a Driving Force of GE15?

By Robin Vochelet

When Malaysians head to the polls on November 19, a record 5 million young people are expected to take part for the first time.