Taipei, Taiwan (2024-10-26) — Taiwan LGBT+ Pride Parade Draws Over 180,000 for 'Embrace Inclusion'

Taipei saw a massive turnout for its 22nd annual LGBT+ Pride Parade, featuring the theme "Embrace Inclusion," on October 26, 2024. The Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association (TWRCAA) reported over 180,000 participants.

TWRCAA Chairman Fletcher Hong welcomed the large number of participants, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and recognizing individual differences as a source of societal enrichment. He stressed that true inclusion requires understanding and appreciating diversity to create a fair and accepting society.

This year's theme, "Embrace Inclusion," builds upon previous years' focus on diversity . The TWRCAA has consistently advocated for equity, ensuring everyone's needs are recognized and respected and that all individuals are protected by equal rights. This year's parade called for moving beyond simply acknowledging diversity to actively incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.

The parade diverged into two routes, the north and the south, starting from Taipei City Hall Plaza. Participants of the north route (red, yellow, and orange trams) and the south route (purple, green, and blue teams) primarily paraded up Dunhua South Road and Xinyi Road before returning to the plaza. Each team was led by various NGOs, including the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association (red team), Amnesty International Taiwan (yellow team), and groups focused on HIV/AIDS issues (orange team). On the south route, the purple, green, and blue teams were led by TWeen, the Association of Parent Participating Education in Taiwan, and the BDSM Company with the Taiwan Relationships Education Association respectively. Participants included political parties, student groups, corporations, and religious organizations, and all of them united in pursuit of a more harmonious society.

Karl, the Golden Bell Awards and Q POWER Spirit Awards finalist, hosted the event, bringing the public’s focus on gender issues and diverse perspectives to the "Embrace Inclusion" theme. You Jen, an actor, singer and writer, performed before the parade commenced.

Sixteen short speeches addressed topics such as anti-sexual violence, HIV/AIDS, and inclusive political engagement. Indigenous youth and members of Kinmen's LGBT+ community also spoke, reflecting the parade's theme.

The parade highlighted issues related to family formation and childbirth. The Cross-Strait Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy group called for legal amendments to ensure equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Taiwan and China. The Serve the People Association addressed reproductive rights for migrant workers, advocating for equal access to medical care and welfare support. The Harmony Home Foundation promoted awareness and resource allocation for long-term AIDS care.

Discussions also focused on support for survivors of sexual violence. "Nuan Nuan Sunshine" founder Tang Jing shared their personal story, emphasizing the importance of recovery support services. The Garden of Hope Foundation reiterated its commitment to combating gender-based violence through education, regulation, and survivor support.

The stamp rally encouraged participation in Pride Month events throughout October. Participants collected stamps by completing tasks and received prizes awarded for collecting a certain number of stamps. The Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy organized the Rainbow Babies Mini Parade, showcasing the joy and resilience of LGBTQ+ families.