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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

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.

August 25, 2022

For Singapore’s LGBTQ+ Activists, Repealing Section 377A Is Only the First Step

By Robin Vochelet

As the government prepares to repeal the discriminatory colonial-era law, LGBTQ+ activists reflect on what comes next.

July 13, 2022

Who Gets to Speak for Migrant Workers in Singapore?

By Robin Vochelet

Last month, the city-state canceled the work permit of a Bangladeshi laborer who had become an outspoken advocate of Singapore's migrant worker population.

April 07, 2022

Singapore’s Slow but Steady Path Toward Decriminalizing Homosexuality

By Robin Vochelet

Despite the city-state's retention of Section 377A, which prohibits sexual relations between consenting men, LGBTQ+ activists see stirrings of progress.