Taiwan’s gay activists proud to lead way for Asian equality
MORE than 80,000 people took part in Asia’s biggest gay pride march yesterday, taking to the streets of the Taiwanese capital Taipei amid rising expectation that same-sex marriage would be legalised in the country.
Rainbow umbrellas went up, matching a sea of multicoloured flags and hats, in a typically flamboyant scene that included lederhosen, gravity-defying gold heels, and a dozen young men clad in tiny briefs to advertise a gay social network app.
This year, more than any in Taipei Pride’s 14-year history, the marchers had something to celebrate: same-sex marriage may finally be within their reach, making Taiwan the first country in Asia to grant full equality to LGBT couples.
On the eve of the parade, Chin Tai-san, Taiwan’s justice minister, gave marchers fresh hope by pledging that the government, elected earlier this year, had a clear position on same-sex marriage and backed equality.
The official parade theme was “fun together, honour diversity”, but many in the crowd said that marriage equality was their priority.
“It would make me so proud if my country became the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage,” said businessman Ted Chen, who was marching with his Australian boyfriend, Sam Livingston.
The couple were bashful about whether they were personally ready to marry, but said they desired the right to do so “one day”.