Taiwan Celebrates 20 Years of Gay Pride: A Journey from Visibility to Marriage Equality and Beyond

### Celebrating 20 Years of Pride: Taiwan’s Gay Parade Marches On

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Gay Parade, a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan. After a year of virtual celebration due to the pandemic, the 2022 parade returned to the streets, embodying the theme “Unlimited Sex──Deconstructing the Framework, Sex/Gender is Unlimited.” This theme encourages everyone to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true selves.

Over the past two decades, Taiwan’s gay parades and activities have evolved significantly. From initially seeking visibility for gay individuals to achieving marriage equality in 2019, the movement has seen remarkable progress. The “Reporter” has documented these changes, highlighting the continuous efforts of the “Gay Consultation Hotline” partners who have been vocal advocates for the rights and awareness of minority gender identities since the beginning. This year, the parade also saw participation from Ukrainians in Taiwan, carrying flags of Ukrainian gay organizations, representing those fighting for their country back home.

Despite the threat of an approaching typhoon, the parade on the afternoon of Saturday, October 29, saw undiminished enthusiasm. Political candidates, private enterprises, NGOs, and campus groups joined the march, showcasing the widespread support for LGBTQ+ rights. The parade featured six color-coded teams, covering a route of 3.5 kilometers, starting and ending at the city hall square.

The event also served as a platform for advocacy groups to discuss LGBT and human rights issues. Notably, Luo Yijun, deputy leader of the medical response team of the Central Epidemic Command Center, shared insights on AIDS infection research, emphasizing the “U=U” principle and the importance of coexisting with AIDS, drawing parallels with COVID-19 epidemic prevention.

With over 200 groups and more than 6,000 individuals registered, the parade’s turnout was estimated to exceed 100,000 participants. Dai Youxun, the media spokesperson for the Taiwan Rainbow Citizen Action Association, emphasized that the legalization of gay marriage was a milestone but not the endpoint of the movement. The theme of “infinite” possibilities reflects the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition within the LGBTQ+ community.

Highlights of the parade included the representation of “Kyiv Pride” by Ukrainians in Taiwan, showing international solidarity. The parade also reflected on its 20-year journey, from seeking visibility to making tangible changes in society. The participation of lesbians and the organization of exclusive events underscored the inclusivity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Despite the achievements, the fight for gay rights and gender equality continues. The parade highlighted the need for further progress in areas such as transnational gay marriage, joint adoption, and transgender rights, among others. Taiwan’s journey from its first democratically elected president in 1996 to legalizing gay marriage in 2019 showcases the country’s rapid progress in LGBTQ+ rights. However, as Meizi points out, there is still much work to be done beyond marriage equality to achieve true gender equality and social movement growth.

Taiwan’s Gay Parade not only celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s achievements but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. As the parade marches on, it carries the hopes and dreams of countless individuals fighting for a world where love knows no bounds, and gender is indeed unlimited.