Taiwan LGBTQ+ Pride Parade 2022

Taiwan Pride Parade

Once a year, many eyes worldwide are fixed on the small island nation of Taiwan. This time, it is not due to the incursion of fighter planes or battleships over the Taiwan Strait. Being the first country in Asia to protect same-sex marriage, Taiwan has set the example for a progressive and inclusive society. The citizens of many countries pray for a day that they too can be given a voice. In this way, Taiwan has stepped up as a leader for the rest of the continent.

Despite all the hard work the LGBTQ+ community has done in Taiwan, the battle is not won. Many traditional families are still unwilling to accept children coming out. Although rights are secured for same-sex couples, members of the transgender community are still fighting for equality. Other than the legal side of the struggle, Pride in Taiwan is also a time for the community to come together and blanket each other with love and support. After a short hiatus, the Taiwan LGBTQ+ Pride Parade  (2022台灣同志大遊行) was back in full force in 2022.

Looking for more to do in Taiwan? Check out the Green Grass Lake Night Market!

Going to Pride

So when is the Taiwan LGBTQ+ Pride Parade? Pride is held once a year during the last weekend of October. The floats of the parade depart at around 2 pm and make their way back to the Taipei City Hall around 4 pm. The reason why the celebration is held in front of the city hall is due to the years of protesting and picketing the community has done for their rights.

Other than the parade itself, there is also a Rainbow Market. Throughout the stalls, visitors will find big corporations who have “gone pride” for the month. There are also several NGOs and independent vendors who are selling their wares. A stage facing the city hall holds concerts and celebrities to address the crowds who come out to pride. The market can be quite busy, the best time to visit will be before the parade starts at around 12:00.

If you’re looking for a traditional celebration, you won’t want to miss Confucious’s Birthday!

Rainbow Floats

It is heartwarming to see so many people from across Taiwan gather to support marginalized communities and stand in line with people whose voices are often unheard. The floats of the parade represent everything from bars to NGOs. What makes the parade particularly special is that no matter who you are, you can join the procession. Everyone along the spectrum of sexual and gender identity is represented.

One thing that parade-goers may raise an eye at is the abundance of large corporations at the Taiwan LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. From heart-shaped pizzas by dominos to law firms, these businesses slap a rainbow across their logos and make their way to the festival. Of course, it is important to feel welcome and included, even with big businesses. But much like the West, it is important to research who is actually donating to LGBTQ+ organizations, and who is simply using Pride as a marketing strategy.

Want to stretch your legs and do some hiking? Why not visit Lion’s Head Mountain?

Taiwan Culture

Some nations try to sell the idea of LGBTQ+ inclusion as Western propaganda. The Taiwan LGBTQ+ Pride Parade makes it clear that this is not the case. Other than people dressed in drag, leather chaps, and furry masks, there are also many who come to march in full Taiwanese-style regalia. From Peking Opera makeup to gowns taken straight out of a period drama, traditional culture is deeply infused with the LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan.

Outside of the 120,000 people marching in the parade, there are many members of the community who are simply living their day-to-day lives. Pride is a celebration of life and expression, but it is also important to remember the people of Taiwan who just want to be treated as normal working members of society. Many are still denied this freedom. No matter if it is someone wearing a Qipao or someone wearing a business suit, the right of all people of Taiwan should be protected.

One of the biggest celebrations in Taiwan is the City God Inspection in Hsinchu Taiwan! Read more here!

Happiness

Despite the rain that showered the parade, the main takeaway from the day was joy. Happiness was electric throughout the entire event. Even though there are still many battles yet to be won, many of these warriors march up to each struggle with a smile. No matter what the oppression might be, people of the LGBTQ+ community will stand together and fight back with happiness.

The joy of coming together also highlights the fact that there are still many people in Taiwan and around the world who do not have the freedom to be who they want to be. A simple embrace of these people makes them feel loved and gives them a sense of belonging. Even though Taiwan has had many victories, one can hope that the Taipei LGBTQ+ Pride Parade will continue for decades to come.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Taiwan, check out our complete list here!