Taiwan holds Asia's largest Pride

Around 180,000 people massed in Taipei on Saturday, 28 October, for Asia's largest Pride parade.

The Taiwan Pride march took place months after adoption rights were extended to same-sex couples in the country, which is at the forefront of supporting LGBTQ rights in Asia.

Drag queens and go-go dancers were among the throngs of people celebrating on the streets of downtown Taipei.

Taiwan is home to a thriving LGBTQ community, and the event also attracted people from around the region and beyond.

"Under the umbrella of Taiwan's democracy and freedom, we learn to accept everyone's characteristics and respect everyone's differences," President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on Facebook.

Vice president Lai Ching-te became the seniormost government leader ever to join the Pride march, which marked its 21st iteration this year.

Lai and Tsai, both of the centre-left Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), championed marriage equality in 2019.

"On this road the DPP has always been together with everyone," Lai said.

"Equal marriage is not the end — it's the starting point for diversity. I will stand steadfast on this path."

Lai will also be running for president himself at the next election, and was the only candidate to attend the parade.