June is Pride month. And in many cities across the globe, it’s a joyful time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community – and have a rocking good time in the process. In Asia, Taipei is arguably the city with the most vibrant scene. Not only does it host East Asia’s biggest Pride parade – in October – it offers many ways to soak up queer culture and nightlife all year round.
From lavish drag shows to intellectual bookshops, here are six ways to celebrate Pride all year round in Taipei.
1. People watch in Ximending
This buzzing shopping district is the drumming heart of Taipei’s LGBTQIA+ community Find a myriad of bars, saunas, restaurants and open-air plazas for hanging out. Expect to see lots of rainbow flags and couples wandering freely and merrily. Ximending is also a shopping destination ideal for people-watching. Marvel at appearances by impromptu street performers, cosplayers, fashionistas and more. Make sure to visit the historic Red House Theatre, built in 1908, in central Ximending for weekend artisan markets and LGBTQIA+ events and take photos at the Instagrammable Rainbow Six art mural.
2. Go shopping at GinGin Shop
Opened in 1999, this LGBTQIA+-focused bookstore is the first of its kind in Taiwan and is a hub for activism. Although it first endured hostility upon opening, the bookstore teamed up with activists to launch the first Taiwan Pride Parade, ultimately expanding the reach and recognition of the community. This cornerstone has an English-speaking staff; you’ll find curated books, DVDs, gifts, clothing and magazines. GinGin Shop also hosts art panels, exhibitions, book signings and other events.
3. Get a wellness check at Light Program Red House
While you’re in Ximending, visit this LGBTQIA+-owned wellness center offering massage, I Ching readings, energy work, guided meditation, emotional art workshops and more. The English-speaking owner Olivia Wu is also an advanced certified practitioner of knife massage (dao liao), which is believed to restore balance and positive chi to the body, and I Ching – used by Chinese for thousands of years to help prepare for future decisions. Visitors should book appointments in advance. Wu is also the director and co-founder of the Asia Rainbow Ride, an annual three-day charity bike ride in late October with monthly social rides, Flywheel classes, meal gatherings and more.
4. Catch a drag show at Café Dalida
The owner of Café Dalida, Alvin Chang, is legendary in the gay scene and considered the godmother of Taipei drag. His bar and restaurant features animated drag shows, karaoke nights and Pride-themed events year-round. It’s also one of the first spaces in Taiwan to feature drag kings. Located in front of the renowned Red House Square in the vibrant Ximending district, this well-known bar caters to locals, foreigners and expats, and shows take place in an outdoor tropical garden. Don’t leave without trying their mojitos, which come in flavors like passion fruit, grape, ginger, absinthe, lychee and more. There’s also a fun cocktail named Drag Queen, consisting of gin, Amaretto, Campari and cranberry juice.
5. March in Taiwan’s Pride Parade
The first Pride parade in Taipei was held in 2003 with just 800 attendees, many of whom wore masks to conceal their identities. Things have come a long way since then, and attendance has ballooned to over 100,000 revelers of all ages and backgrounds, including many attendees from across the world who do not enjoy the same freedom in their home countries. Join Taiwan’s 21st Pride Parade this year, taking place on the last Saturday in October and lasting four days. The parade usually starts in front of Taipei City Hall, conveniently near two subway stops, so attendees can easily access the festivities from almost all parts of the city. Visitors fly in to attend, and hotels usually sell out, so make sure to plan ahead.
6. Explore 228 Peace Memorial Park
The oldest park in Taipei is one of the filming locations of The Outsiders, a movie based on Taiwan’s first gay novel Crystal Boys – set in 1980s Taipei. A popular meeting spot for gay men since the 1960s, 228 Peace Memorial Park was known as Taipei New Park until it was renamed in 1997 to honor the 1947 February 28 Massacre. Additionally, the 228 Memorial Museum and 228 Memorial Monument are located inside the park in remembrance of the tens of thousands of state terrorism victims. Besides the park’s historical significance, it’s also a charming place to view the splendid Japanese-style ponds and landscaping and stroll the walking paths.
Excited to explore the LGBTQIA+ scene in Taipei? Fly to Taiwan with Thai Airways.
