With an LGBT–friendly president and legislature, Taiwan’s gay community is optimistic that it will finally achieve the rights denied it for so long
Taipei Times
Date: Feb 29, 2016
By Eddy Chang / Staff reporter
When it was announced that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
The national campaign headquarters of Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen is illuminated in rainbow colors on Oct. 30 last year, in support of the 13th Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade. Photo courtesy of Tsai Ing-wen’s national campaign headquarters
Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) won the presidential election last month, supporters crowded her national campaign headquarters in celebration.
In addition to being elected Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai’s victory is especially significant for the country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Unlike other candidates and all former presidents, she will be the first Taiwanese president ever to publicly support same-sex marriage.
A NEW PRESIDENT
Tsai’s LGBT-friendly position was summed up last month in a headline by news outlet Quartz: “Taiwan’s new president is a female academic who loves cats and supports gay rights.” Before the Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade in Taipei last year, she publicly declared support for marriage equality to boost parade’s visibility and momentum. With her popularity and influence, Tsai should make a positive impact on Taiwan’s gay rights movement. [FULL STORY]
