REPORTER:  

Lip-syncing to an emotional song in knee-high leather boots and a sparkly dress. Taiwanese drag queen Hannah Monina was on a special assignment on this particular night as a performer AND a tour guide. She’s given the tour many times, but it was her first time hosting the ride in English. Despite the nerves, she said the ride offers a unique opportunity for both her and her audience.

Hannah Monina (TOUR GUIDE, DRAG QUEEN):  

I think that is more personal because you get really close to the audience, and normally it only happens when you have really close friends  

they have this question like where does Hannah from? And they offer me the opportunity to explain how I feel, my identity, because I could feel there's something inside myself and drag is a thing to make that happen.  

I feel like so touched because normally only in arts field will somebody else will ask me about that.

REPORTER:  

Hannah is part of ‘Taiwan Drag Queen’ also known as TWeen, the first agency in the country to represent and find work opportunities for artists like her. In its first official collaboration with the Taipei city government, the agency offers a total of 30 tours along 7 routes that take people on rides around some of the most significant LGBTQ+ landmarks. From Taipei’s queer cultural hub to some of the community’s favorite gay and lesbian bars.

REPORTER:  

Every October, thousands come from all over the world to immerse themselves in the Pride celebrations in Taipei including this bus tour. As well as boosting local tourism, it also teaches people about the history of LGBTQ+ communities here.

REPORTER:  

Some audience members said they see a lot in common between drag culture in Taiwan and back home, but they are impressed by both Hannah and how fast the culture has progressed here.

It was great. Good fun. Yeah, really good fun. Hannah was great. Uh, especially like considering the weather was not on her side. She did a really good job.  

In politics in the UK, I think, uh, queer, gay and trans rights are actually going backwards to a degree. So it's really interesting and kind of refreshing because I feel like here things are going forward and my like the message is never go backwards,

REPORTER:  

Some also said they were just glad to hop on the ride during their overseas trip.

I didn't realize that it was pride week. But when I found out, I was, like, super excited. Um, because I was in some other countries and I didn't really see any, like, people who were out. Um, and then when I came to Taipei, I noticed, like, it was way more queer friendly

REPORTER:  

For lesbian bar Taboo, which has been a tour stop two years running, management says the tour has brought growth both in its business and in acceptance for their communities.

Danny (STORE MANAGER, TABOO):  

[The bus tour has brought] many interesting customers.  

I’ve seen mothers bringing their kids along.  

We’re glad to see customers like these.  

This bus tour has introduced various people  

to our communities’ cultures.  

While we appreciate how it helps our business grow  

we’re more grateful for [its contribution to]  

promoting our cultures.

Raise our glass for ourselves! Yay happy pride for yourself!

REPORTER:  

The bus tour will continue until the end of the Pride parade this weekend, with the cheers from the crowd echoing not only for the drag queen performing on stage but for the ongoing effort to bring people together.