What We Want to Know
When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.
Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Taiwan is!
LGBTQ+ Laws
On May 24th, 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage! They have always had some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in Asia, and are often regarded as one of the most liberal countries on the continent. But passing marriage equality is a huge step for Taiwan and for Asia! It indicates just how much things are changing around the globe, and moving towards equality for our community. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Taiwan, and always has been, and same-sex couples now have nearly all of the same rights as heterosexual married couples. At this time, same-sex couples are only allowed to adopt children that are genetically related to one of them, and they do not have access to “assisted reproductive technologies”. Hopefully now that marriage equality has passed, equal access to adoption and family planning will follow. There are currently anti-discrimination laws in place for LGBTQ+ people in employment, education, and all other areas, and everyone is protected under the constitution regardless of their orientation. Overall, Taiwan is a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. They are taking huge steps toward the full inclusion and acceptance of our community, and we can only hope that other countries will start to follow suit.
Social Climate
The public opinion in Taiwan is in favour of the LGBTQ+ community, with the majority of the population finding same sex relations to be acceptable, and being in favour of equal rights. The social climate continues to improve as laws change! With Taiwan passing marriage equality this year, this should help to further improve the public opinion of LGBTQ+ people. Pride parades have taken place in Taiwan since 2003 in the capital city of Taipei as well as in smaller cities around the country, and they have grown in numbers each year. Taipei’s parade in 2018 saw 137,000 people in attendance. The country has made great strides in the past decade in terms of acceptance for LGBTQ+ people, and will hopefully continue to move forward. Taiwan is also home to the world’s only religious shrine for homosexuals. Located in New Taipei City, the temple was founded for Tu’er Shen, the God of homosexual love. Approximately 9000 gay pilgrims visit the temple each year to pray for a partner.
Gaybourhoods
In the country of Taiwan, the most prominent LGBTQ+ community can be found in the capital city of Taipei. There is a famous gay district in Taipei called Ximending, often referred to as the “Harajuku of Taipei”. This area is home to gay bars and nightclubs, as well as restaurants, shops, and hotels. There is also a lesbian nightclub in Ximending called Taboo, as well as regular lesbian parties that happen at other nightclubs. A smaller gaybourhood is also taking shape on Yanji Street, with some more laid back gay friendly venues. If you’re looking for the LGBTQ+ scene in Taiwan, it’s definitely in Taipei!
Our Experience
We had a really amazing visit to Taiwan, and definitely felt very safe and comfortable there. We spent our time in the capital city of Taipei, and had no problems being open as a married lesbian couple. We stayed in a hotel in the city centre, and the hotel staff made no notice of us booking a small room with only one bed. We walked the streets holding hands, and received no negative attention from the locals. It felt like a very safe city, and we weren’t nervous about being open and showing some PDA. We were really comfortable and at ease, and had a great time exploring the city. We would love to go back and spend more time, and especially experience the gay nightlife in Ximending! We definitely recommend Taipei to other lesbian travellers as the most LGBTQ+ friendly destination in Asia!
Have you been to to Taiwan? Share your experience in the comments below!
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