Taiwan more than ever a beacon for LGBT Asians after gay marriage law’s passage – ‘The difference between knowing there are a lot of people like you … and seeing it’
- They go from Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and elsewhere to see for themselves what it is like to be homosexual yet feel secure, to see gay couples hold hands
- Some LGBT Asians pay short visits to the island, such as for last month’s Pride parade; others move there to study or to stay long-term
Taiwan was a safe haven for queer Asians long before it became the first place in the region to pass same-sex marriage legislation in May.
The island is often the first place LGBT individuals from elsewhere, whether there as tourists or residents, can be visibly non-heterosexual and still feel secure, according to members of the community.
Kevin, a 26-year-old Indonesian content producer who was raised in a Catholic family and does not want to reveal his full name for privacy reasons, says it was the second time he had flown in from Jakarta to attend the Pride parade.
“I think the legalisation was a hard-won battle and I really, really feel for Taiwanese people,” he says. “Coming from Indonesia, especially, we know how hard the struggle must have been. So I am here to show solidarity.”
