Taiwan Pride 2025: Asia’s Largest Pride Parade Celebrates 23rd Year

Thousands rally in Taipei for 23rd annual event

REPORTER:  

The skies in Taipei may be cloudy, but here in the heart of the city it’s all rainbows as Taiwan’s annual pride parade gets underway. Thousands of people from around the country and the world are marching through the streets to show support and unity with the LGBTQ+ community.

REPORTER:  

Now in its 23rd year, this is Asia’s largest pride event, and it continues to grow year after year, with many new and returning attendees. Some have even flown to Taiwan just to experience the grand celebration.

VOXPOP-1 gay:  

At first, I came here to support same-sex marriage.  

But in recent years, I feel that because you rarely meet that many gay people in your daily life. So you’d want to come and connect with the community.  

To meet everyone.  

After same-sex marriage passed, I don’t have a very specific cause anymore.  

But I still attend the parade because many friends are here at this time.  

You might only see them for a few times a year.  

But here, you keep running into friends you know.  

For me, it’s a really joyful experience.  

I just ran into him.  

It's the first time I’ve seen him in 15 years.

VOXPOP-2 tourists:  

This is my fourth year here at Taipei, and I love it. It's so big. And and being from mainland China, Shanghai, they don't have any pride parades. So we come here to like, support, show our love for the pride community. And I feel international.

REPORTER:  

The parade’s theme this year is transcending stereotypes and understanding each other's differences.  

Taiwan was the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage, though the queer community here still faces some barriers, like ID requirements for transgender people.  

With the challenges around legal gender recognition and the difficulties trans people are facing this year, I’m really glad to see everyone showing up here.  

Just by being here, people are showing their support.  

Still, the country’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues was reflected in some of the most high-profile attendees at pride, including Taipei City mayor Chiang Wan-an.

Chiang Wan-an (TAIPEI MAYOR):  

I especially wanted to come to City Hall Plaza on this day.  

The most important thing is that we represent the spirit of “leaving no one behind.”

REPORTER:  

The parade started at Taipei City Hall and spread out into two routes, each with different queer right groups and performers leading the procession.

REPORTER:  

It’s been a wet week for Taiwan, but people here are not letting the bad weather dampen the positive energy as they come out, have fun, and march for a better future for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.