Why Taipei is the World’s Most Underrated Gay Travel Destination
What are the most gay-friendly travel destinations in the world? For westerners, it’s the well-known queer capitals like San Francisco, Berlin, Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, and Sydney (to name a few) that usually come to mind. But ask this question in Asia and you might hear another answer: Taipei.
Taiwan’s capital city is arguably the most progressive on the continent, making it an attractive vacation spot for gaysians from more conservative societies. But it’s an awesome queer destination by western standards as well, and deserves more recognition as a fun alternative to the familiar gay capitals of the west. Here’s why you should consider Taipei for your next gay travel experience:
Biggest gay pride celebration in Asia
Taipei is home to the most attended gay pride parade of any city in Asia. Taiwan Pride was first held in 2003 and has steadily grown ever since, now attracting hundreds of thousands of participants from around the world. It’s held on the last weekend of October, which is unusual for a pride celebration — but that’s actually the best time of the year to visit Taipei due to favourable weather, and it doesn’t conflict with other pride seasons.
What’s cool about Taiwan Pride is how open it is; the parade is just an open march across the city, inviting anyone that wants to join. Yes there are floats with music and go-go boys, but the focus is on the rainbow-clad attendees who march both in celebration and in statement. The parade feels more political and less corporate than it does in most of the western gay capitals, making it a powerful and inclusive event that’s incredibly fun all the while.
First to legalize gay marriage in Asia
Taiwan made history in 2019 when it became the first country in Asia to legalize gay marriage. It was a long and hard-fought battle full of victories and setbacks, and there’s still progress to be made on the road to equal rights — but the fact that gay marriage passed demonstrates how far Taiwanese society has come in the last few decades. In terms of gay rights, it’s lightyears ahead of almost everywhere else in Asia.
Unlike nearly anywhere else in Asia (and most of the world, for that matter), it’s common to see gay couples holding hands in the streets of Taipei. The city feels very accepting thanks to its friendly and typically open-minded population — many businesses (including some of the city’s most popular cafes, shops, and restaurants) fly pride flags to show their support and inclusivity. Of course there are traditionally conservative factions like anywhere, but generally speaking, gay people can feel safe to be themselves out in public. That makes Taipei an easy place to enjoy without worry of judgement!
Thriving gay scene
With such a large and active LGBT population, Taipei is able to support a variety of gay establishments that cater to many different tastes. And they’re not restricted to a single village that’s segregated from the rest of the city — though there are concentrations, plenty of visible and proud gay businesses have popped up in otherwise regular neighbourhoods. This goes to show how integrated and accepted the LGBT scene is becoming in Taiwanese society!
Check out our guide to gay Taipei to browse some of the city’s most popular bars, dance clubs, saunas, and massage spas.
Taipei hosts the largest gay pride celebration on the continent in the only Asian country with marriage equality. It’s got a thriving gay scene that offers plenty to do and see. And if that’s not enough to convince you to visit, check out all the other reasons we love Taipei!
