PHOTOS: Taiwan just hosted the biggest Pride march East Asia has ever seen

At the end of LGBTQ+ History Month, Taiwan held the largest Pride celebration East Asia has ever seen. 

This year’s parade attracted nearly 200,000 attendees from all over Asia to the capital city of Taipei. The crowd showed their love for Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community by sporting creative costumes and dancing the day away on colorful floats. Many local organizations, businesses, and political leaders also took part in the festivities.

This year’s Pride celebration felt extra special as it marked a moment of progress for Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community. In May, Taiwan passed legislation that gave same-sex couples the right to adopt. This was a significant milestone for the community which continues to make substantial progress in terms of legal rights and social acceptance in the country. Taiwan had made international headlines previously in 2019 when it became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

The event organizer, Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association (TRCAA), said this year’s theme was “recognizing the diversity of every person and respecting and accepting different gender identities.”

“Taiwan is a diverse country, but sometimes our understanding can be limited by binary thinking, such as male and female,” TRCAA spokesperson Brian Cragun told Taiwan News. “This dichotomy can marginalize or generate animosity between different groups.”

In addition to the parade itself, there were various side events and parties over the weekend, including live drag performances, a coloring book station, and a “Rainbow Market” with 120 vendors, the most in the event’s 20-year history. There were also several cultural activities that took place throughout the city during the month of October, like live music by local artists, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and more.

Taiwan Pride is always one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ events in Asia. Since its start in 2003, the event has been growing in size and importance ever since. 

The Pride parade is not just a celebration but also a demonstration of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s a place where people can express themselves, advocate for change, and connect with like-minded individuals. The parade serves as a platform for the community and its allies to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, celebrate diversity, and advocate for equal rights. 

The date of the Taiwan Pride parade can vary from year to year. It is typically held in the fall, often in October. For the most current information on Taiwan Pride, including dates, the parade route, and associated events, check our Taipei City Guide.

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