22 years ago, the public worldwide generally held a negative attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. Back then, we were still labeled as "crystal boys," and many LGBTQ+ individuals had to stay in the closet. Since the "Pride Parade" marched onto the streets, we have steadily and gradually made society take notice of the LGBTQ+ community. More and more LGBTQ+ individuals are courageously coming out and participating in the parade, leading to increased awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and related issues among society and the government.

Recognition and Being Yourself

We never heard teachers discussing this issue in the classroom before. Our parents and elders tended to think of us as outliers who didn’t belong. However, when you see so many LGBTQ+ individuals marching together, you start to truly understand the essence of "recognition" and the ease of "being yourself"! Each person, every individual, has many different facets. While some are beautiful but unappreciated, others are approachable and loved by everyone. Some are bald but sexy, while those with thick hair might be worried about it. Everyone is different in many ways, and sexual orientation is just one of these differences. Those who think LGBTQ+ people are outliers have a mindset different from ours. But that’s not important. What’s most important is that we have the courage to be ourselves, a key message conveyed to me by thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who participated in the Pride Parade.

Taiwan is not only the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, but it was also the only place in the world able to hold a physical Pride Parade in 2020, when the globe was still grappling with the COVID-19 outbreak. Taiwan's Pride Parade carries significant meaning. Amid the pandemic, it sent a message to the LGBTQ+ community worldwide that a return to normalcy was possible.

We are always a minority, and being a minority means being disadvantaged. Society is gradually recognizing the fact that LGBTQ+ individuals are like their brothers and sisters. This acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is not something that can be taken for granted. It is the result of the joint efforts by all of us with the "X gene" who fought hard for it.

The annual Pride Parade has subtly changed society's perception of the LGBTQ+ community, helping people get to know us better. People tend to become more accepting after seeing, hearing, and experiencing more. For yourself and for your LGBTQ+ friends worldwide, remember to visit Taipei on the last Saturday of October, which falls on the 26th this year, to participate in our annual Pride Parade.

For more details on the parade and activities, please refer to: https://www.instagram.com/taiwanlgbtpride