Taiwan’s LGBTQ Progress Under Lai Ching-te: From Rhetoric to Action

During her eight years in office, Taiwan’s previous President Tsai Ing-wen endorsed marriage equality and aspired to build a Taiwan where individuals can freely express themselves and marry their loved ones, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019 highlighted her administration’s support for gender equality and LGBTQ activism, helping to bolster Taiwan’s standing as a staunch advocate of LGBTQ rights. Lai should embrace a two-pronged strategy: forging a LGBTQ-friendly society at home and boosting Taiwan’s profile abroad through the utilization of “queer diplomacy.” Promoting Gender Equality at Home There has been a surge of support for LGBTQ rights in Taiwan. Given Taiwan’s progressive policies on human rights – it was the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage – Lai should utilize LGBTQ rights diplomacy to leverage Taiwan’s international standing as a thriving democracy where all citizens enjoy equal rights. Lai’s remarks at the 2023 pride march should be taken as serious promises toward backing LGBTQ rights in Taiwan, much like Tsai’s 2016 presidential campaign pledge to support marriage equality, which she eventually delivered on.