The 22nd Taiwan LGBT+ Pride Parade saw all three political parties come together to celebrate and embrace inclusion.
The 22nd Taiwan LGBT+ Pride Parade took place Saturday afternoon with an estimated 180,000 people in attendance to celebrate this year’s theme of "Embrace Inclusion.”
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) participated to express her support for the LGBT+ community. She recalls her experience attending Taiwan’s first parade 20 years ago, which only saw a few hundred attendees, and exclaims that the rainbow in Taiwan's sky has become the most dazzling light in the world, representing the beauty of progress.
While the DPP gathered in large numbers to show their support, the KMT and TPP were not absent. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) signed autographs and cheered on the festivities.
TPP representatives also took the opportunity to promote the draft amendment to the Assisted Reproduction Act which will grant single women and lesbian couples access to reproductive technology. Legislator Chen Gau Tzu (陳昭姿) emphasized that every demographic regardless of orientation or ethnicity should have access to reproductive rights.
In addition to politicians, world-famous drag queen Nymphia Wind made an impact wearing her version of armor and a rainbow flag, representing the defense of LGBT+ rights.
This year’s parade, the sixth since same-sex marriage was legalized in Taiwan, started and finished at Taipei City Hall Plaza. Events also included opening and closing ceremonies, the Rainbow Market, and stage shows.