Taipei’s Pride Parade Goes Off In Full Color
120,000 revelers swaggered down the rain‑slick streets of Taipei on Saturday, Oct. 29, waving rainbow flags and chanting for equality in Asia’s biggest show‑down. It’s the 20th edition of the annual parade, and the city had never seen so many go‑go dancers, drag queens, and color‑kaleidoscopic trucks.
The Gay Pride Revolution
- First in Asia – Taiwan legalized same‑sex marriage in 2019, becoming the continent’s trailblazer.
- Dubbed a ”liberal beacon” for LGBTQ+ rights, the island prides itself on letting everyone be themselves.
- Some marchers also carried flags supporting Tibet, Hong Kong, and Ukraine, turning the parade into a pan‑East‑Asian rally.
Voices From the Crowd
Social worker Chang Chi (28) and her girlfriend shouted, “I’m so proud of Taiwan’s Pride! We’re the first place in Asia where same‑sex marriage works. Most countries can’t even pretend to do that.”
Political Pulse
- President Tsai Ing‑wen posted a thumbs‑up on Facebook, saying it’s hard to imagine 20 years ago that Taiwan would lead the way in marriage equality.
- She added, “Choosing who to marry is now a normal thing for many of us.”
- Just a month before the main mayoral races, the DPP’s delegation—led by former Vice President Chen Chien‑jen and mayoral hopeful Chen Shih‑chung—stood behind the banner “Democracy Supports Gays.”
Comparing Sides of the Strait
While China casually denies same‑sex acts, it blocks marriage and slams down any LGBTQ+ imagery online. Taiwan’s bright, open vibe stands firmly in contrast to the growing military pressure from the mainland.
Why Taipei Matters
On the 20th year of its Pride parade, Taiwan continues proving that a society can champion love, equality, and a splash of fierce, colorful joy—all while keeping its eyes on the political horizon ahead. It’s not just a march; it’s a statement of who we are and who we’ll be.
