Alex Au’s kissing photo exhibition opened in Melbourne, Australia, on 19 January 2008. This was the exhibition that the Singapore government banned during Indignation 2007, Singapore’s Pride Season. The Media Development Authority (MDA) denied Au an exhibition permit, contending that letting the public see the photographs would “promote a homosexual lifestyle”.

In Melbourne as part of Midsumma, the city’s Pride celebrations, the photos are on show in conjunction with Singaporean filmmaker Royston Tan’s 15-minute short film Cut, which he made to lampoon the MDA after they refused to pass his feature film “15″ uncut. The joint show, curated by Australian artist Garrie Maguire, aims to inform Australian audiences about the heavyhandedness of our government censors, particular in relation to gay-themed expression.

Au’s photographs were made entirely with volunteers. He believes that most were gay, lesbian or bisexual, but since he didn’t ask, there might even have been a few straight ones among them. They responded to his call because they wanted to contribute to a project that would enhance the visibility of same-sex affection in a country that is famously prohibitive about it.

As it turned out, by being banned, the exhibition has become a statement about censorship as much as about gay equality.

The exhibition is held at Dante’s Gallery and will run to 9 February 2008.