This year’s theme for the 17th annual Taipei Pride parade is “Together, Make Taiwan Better.” The main event of the weekend is the parade itself, which runs for around four hours around Taipei city. Last year saw an attendance of 130,000, and with the passing of same-sex marriage legislation this year, organizers are expecting up to 200,000 to take part in the parade as tourists flock in to celebrate Taiwan being the first country in Asia to pass such legislation.
Running over the entire weekend is a smorgasbord of events, parties, and seminars centered around Pride. However you like to celebrate Pride, be it discussing rights or enjoying an exhibition or party, there’s something for everyone (including kids) this weekend.
The News Lens has compiled an event guide to accompany our Taipei Rainbow Map featuring the city’s LGBTQ hotspots.
Happy Pride everyone!
The Official Taiwan Pride Parade
Saturday, October 26 | 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In a break from previous arrangements, the Pride parade will start from outside Taipei City Hall this year, with an earlier embarkation time at 1:30 p.m.
There will only be a single route heading along Zhongxiao East Road and the parade will end with performances at Ketagalan Boulevard outside the Presidential Palace. The MRT-heavy route means it’s easy to join the parade at different MRT stations along the blue line (see below) if you have a late start. (Top tip: Bathrooms are available in MRT stations.)
The crowd is strong come rain or shine, but bring water and umbrellas for the day-long event. A convenience store is never far away in Taipei if you need to replenish something. Layered clothing should help you transition from the warmer part of the day to the slightly cooler evening weather.
Starting point:
Taipei City Hall Plaza (台北市政府廣場) | 1 Taipei City Hall Road (市府路1號)
Nearest MRT Stations:
Taipei City Hall (Exit 2) – Blue Line
Taipei 101 (Exit 5) – Red Line
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Exit 5) — Blue Line
Stage performances will be held in front of the Presidential Palace starting from 4 p.m. Award-winning Taiwanese indie singer HUSH is the rainbow ambassador this year and will be performing as well.
Taipei Rainbow Market
Saturday, October 26 | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday’s festivities will start off with a Rainbow Market at Taipei City Hall Plaza, with the biggest stall dedicated to the first ever Taiwan Rainbow Family Festival. There will be plenty of stalls where you can kit-up with rainbow gear for the march and show your support for pro-LGBT businesses and find out more about the NGOs that work tirelessly to promote the concept of a better Taiwan for all.
The market opens at midday, with the stage show kicking off at 12:30 p.m. While the parade itself is scheduled to leave from 1:30 p.m., the market will stay open until 6 p.m.
There’s also a “mini parade” scheduled for 3:30 p.m. designed for families with toddlers and babies which will loop around the plaza.
Venue:
Taipei City Hall Plaza (台北市政府廣場) | 1 Taipei City Hall Road (市府路1號)
Nearest MRT Stations:
Taipei City Hall (Exit 2) – Blue Line
Taipei 101 (Exit 5) – Red Line
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Exit 5) — Blue Line
Admission: Free
Taipei Rainbow Festival
Friday, October 25 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 | 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 27 | 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
This ever-popular three-day outdoor market and free party event organized by Taiwanize is held in front of the iconic Red House Theater in Ximending. Celebrating the “first in Asia” in true style there will be a mass wedding at 7:30 p.m. on the Friday. Over the course of the weekend local performers, including Drag Queens and DJs will grace the stage and LGBT-friendly brands and businesses will set up stalls. There are quiz events and cultural performances throughout the afternoons with the DJs taking over from around 5:20 p.m.
Location: North Square of The Red House
Nearest MRT: Ximen (Exit 1) — Blue/Green Lines
Admission: Free
2019 Taiwan Transgender Procession - Seeing Transgender
Friday, October 25 | 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Taiwan’s first transgender procession will be held the evening before the main Pride Parade. The procession starts from Changsha Street and Hanzhong Street intersection – next to Nishi Honganji Relics (長沙街與漢中街口: 西本願寺旁) at 7 p.m.
Nearest MRT: Ximen (Exit 1) — Blue Line
Pride Weekend Parties
There’s a party for pretty much every taste this weekend. For pre-drinks or more intimate venues, check out our LGBT hotspots map.
Clubs in Taipei usually ask to check official photo ID upon entrance. The minimum entry age for most clubs is 18 and some clubs may not allow flip-flops or sandals.
PARADE after PARADE
Saturday, October 26 | 10 p.m. - 4 a.m
Lez’s Meeting (女人國) has teamed up with popular LGBTQ-friendly WonderBar to put on an “innovative rave party.” With Lez’s meetings 15 years’ experience in organizing LGBTQ-friendly events, this is sure to be a storming evening with DJs, VJs on a 270-degree screen and, of course, drag kings and queens. To celebrate the passing of the same-sex marriage legislation, the organizers have doubled the usual free drinks allowance too.
Venue: Citizen Space (CS 市民會館) | No. 198, Sec. 4, Civic Blvd., Da’an District, Taipei City (市民大道四段198號)
Nearest MRT Station: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Exit 1) — Blue Line
Admission: NT$1,500 at the door (incl. 4 drinks)
Pre-sale tickets: NT$1,200 (incl. 4 drinks) available until 11:50 p.m., Friday, October 25
Dress Code: Candid Pride (Candy rainbow theme, be candid!)
POSE with Aja & KimChi | Drag Race Superstars PRIDE Party
Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
C.U.M - Create Ur Mmmagic ruled the Taipei Drag scene for a good while with monthly parties, but have switched to throwing all their efforts into an annual extravaganza for Pride.
This year the party will be held at Riverside Live House, right in the heart of Taipei’s gay bar district. Aimed at recreating the opulence of New York’s Ballroom scene right here in Taipei, organizers have doubled the star power with two RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars. The crème de la crème of Taipei’s homegrown drag scene will also perform with a solid lineup of local queens. Expect the crowd to dress up in their finest and most fabulous outfits to get into the spirit of things.
DJ Victor Cheng, who was a stalwart of the gay party scene in 1990s and early 2000s Taipei with residencies at Paradise, @LIVE, and TeXound, among other clubs, will return from Canada to take to the decks and celebrate marriage equality this weekend.
Venue: Riverside Red House Theater Performance Hall (西門紅樓河岸留言) | No. 177, Xining S. Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei (西寧南路177號)
Nearest MRT: Ximen (Exit 1) — Green/Blue Lines
Admission: NT$1,500 at the door (incl. 1 drink)
Pre-sale: NT$1,200 (incl. 1 drink) online or in person at Cafe Dalida and PUSH HOMME (2nd floor of Hong Lo) until midnight on October 25.
Formosa Pride – Love Parade
Friday-Sunday, October 25-27
Upping the ante this year in celebration of “first in Asia” for marriage equality, Formosa Pride is throwing a Black Ball on Friday, White Ball on Saturday, After White after-party in the early hours of Sunday, plus Woof Bear (Bear tea dance) on Sunday afternoon.
If you’re still going then, Camo Survivor kicks off at 11 p.m. on Sunday and runs until 4 a.m. Monday. Expect international DJs and go-go dancers galore.
Venue details will be released on the day of each event so it’s best to check out the details on their well-laid out English website.
Admission: Prices range from NT$1,300 for the after parties and up to NT$2,700 for the main parties.
Dress code: No sandals/flip-flops permitted.
MEGA Taipei Pride
Friday-Saturday, October 25-26 | 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Two parties will be hosted by the WOW in its third year of Pride parties. Friday night is Pink Power, headlined by Spain’s DJ Suri, and Saturday’s Celebration party will be headlined by Forever Tel Aviv’s Micky Friedmann. Get your rave on!
Location: 9F, No. 116 Hangzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City (above H&M) | 台北市萬華區漢中街116號9樓
Nearest MRT: Ximen (Exit 6) — Green/Blue Lines
Admission: NT$2,500 on the door, NT$2,200 pre-sale.
Dress code: Saturday’s wedding theme calls for red clothing, a traditional color for weddings in Taiwan.
Taiwan Pride Parade Girls' Party: To-get-her
Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 p.m.
This women-only party hosted by Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association will feature pole dancing, a strip show, and DJs. Sure to be a friendly event, the organizers encourage single people to come along and make new friends. All profits go to Hotline which provides an invaluable service to the LGBT+ society in Taiwan.
Location: PIPE Live Music/Riverside Park | No. 1, Siyuan St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City | 中正區思源街1號(自來水園區/公館水岸)
Nearest MRT: Gongguan (Exit 4) — Green Line
Admission: NT$1,000 at the door (incl. drink voucher for NT$150 and glow stick bracelet). NT$800 in advance.
Women only. Strictly over-18s, ID must be shown.
WERK! 2019 PRIDE x RAINBOW HALLOWEEN
Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Billed as “Taipei’s biggest underground LGBTQ event,” WERK has been hosting a crazy fun Pride after-party at Taipei Expo Park’s Triangle Club / MAJI Square for the past five years and this year there will be no exception. With fabulous drag shows, go-go dancers, a costume contest, and DJ’s spinning at both indoor & outdoor party areas, this is guaranteed to be a fun night where you can eat, drink, dance, and mingle with local and international party animals.
Venue: Triangle Club / Maji Square | No.1, Yumen St, Taipei City (台北市玉門街1號)
Nearest MRT: Yuanshan (Exit 1) — Red Line
Admission: NT$350 (incl. 1 drink) before midnight, NT$600 (incl. 2 drinks) after 12
Special offer: Those in costume get in for NT$300 (incl. 1 drink) before 11 p.m.
Outdoor Party @ Maji Square: Free
Alternative Entertainment
The Rocky Horror Show
Saturday, October 26
Not up for hardcore partying? Perhaps this shadowcast of the Rocky Horror Show is more up your street. Time Warp Taiwan is hosting the Pride edition of their popular event and dressing up is definitely encouraged. There’s even a prize for the winner of the costume contest. Sing and dance along to the classic film that embraces and celebrates diversity.
Venue: Shin Kong Cinemas (Ximending) | 4F, No. 36, Xining Road, Wanhua District
Admission: Tickets are NT$600 each and only available on KKtix. There will be no ticket sales at the theater.
Love Out Loud – Rendezvous
Sunday, October 27 | 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
A speed dating party for singles, hosted by will be held at the W hotel on Sunday. There are two time slots, pre-registration is required, and age restrictions are in place. See the event page for further details.
Venue: W Hotel Taipei | 10 Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 5 Xinyi District (忠孝東路五段10號)
Admission: NT$600 (includes one rainbow cocktail)
Drag Brunch: Brunch with Babs!
The popular monthly drag brunch hosted by Taipei darling Bouncy Babs has a special Pride edition. Expect drag fun, bingo games, and brunch shenanigans. The drag show will go on all afternoon to ease your hangover away, and will continue with a rooftop party with DJ Marcus Aurelius spinning funky house till late.
Location: Toasteria Cafe (Yong Kang Branch) | No. 200, Sec. 2 Xinyi Road, Da’an District
Nearest MRT: Dongmen (Exit 5) — Red/Orange Lines
Admission: NT$200 (Message Bouncy Babs for reservations.)
Exhibitions & Seminars
2019 Taipei International Rainbow Family Seminar
Sunday, October 27 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A day of seminars on rainbow families hosted by the Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy (台灣同志家庭權益促進會), including talks on stories of international rainbow families and cross-border issues, assisted reproduction, adoption rights, and related legal issues.
Venue: GIS NTU Convention Center (集思台大會議中心蘇格拉底廳) | B1, No. 85, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Da’an District, Taipei City (羅斯福路4段85號B1)
The Liberation of Sex, Feeling and Acceptance
Now until Friday, October 25 | Daily 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Creative and Action Co. - LEZS Magazine & Lez’s Meeting event organizers have teamed up to put together an exhibition to challenge the concepts of the physical and socially-constructed body. On Friday evening, there will be talks given by LEZS founder AJ and clothing brand Basics for Basic founder Kayla Wong. They will share how they use their celebrity status to face conflicts and challenges and to commit and practice their affirmation on gender topics.
Location: VENUE | 5F., No. 10, Ln. 107, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei (林森北路 107 巷 10 號５樓)
Nearest MRT: Zhongshan (Exit 2) — Red Line
Admission: Free
Connect the Rainbow Dots
Thursday, October 24 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Forum organized by the Taiwan Association for the Promotion of Civil Rights (TAPCR) with LGBT-friendly companies such as Goldman Sachs Group, Ernst & Young Co., Ltd., Winkler Partners Law Firm, Citibank, and Unilever to discuss their gender-friendly policies and company culture.
Location: National Taiwan Normal University - Mansion Campus - Research Building Audiovisual Classroom S102 立臺灣師範大學-公館校區-研究大樓視聽教室S102 | No. 88 Tingzho Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City (汀州路四段88號)
Crippling Sex: How “abnormal bodies” teach us extraordinary sex
An exploration of sexuality and practicalities, including BDSM, in the context of people with disabilities. Hosted by Hand Angel, this “sex/love journey” offers opportunities to learn about the importance of the emotional nourishment of intimate relationships.
Signing, transcription services, and accessible toilets are available on site.
Location: Datong, Zhongshan District Physically Impaired Resource Center, 2nd Floor, Exhibition Area （大同、中山區身障資源中心古蹟二樓展演區）| No. 2, Lane 5, Chang'an West Road, Zhongshan District, Taipe (長安西路5巷2號)
Positive Life 2.0
October 15-29 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This exhibition encompasses an informative look at HIV & AIDS, including life stories from people with HIV, plenty of information on up to the minute treatments, preventions, busts some myths and looks at how HIV has been written about historically. Mixed media including a video tunnel and game cards make this an interactive and educational exhibit.
Location: Shuxin Hall (西本願寺樹心會館) | No. 174, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Wanhua District, Taipei（中華路一段174號）
Admission: Free
The Seductive Mickey: Chun Junzhi retrospective
Now until December 31 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition on the life and work of pioneering documentary-maker Mickey Junzhi Chen, who passed away last December at the tender age of 51. Chun was much loved and honored for his work on gay and feminist issues, gender, sexual harassment, AIDS, and domestic violence. The exhibition runs until the end of the year.
Location: Taipei City Library Qiming Branch (台北市立圖書館啟明分館) | No. 76, Lane 155, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei (敦化北路155巷76號_
Nearest MRT: Taipei Arena (Exit 5) — Green Line
RELATED: 2019 Taiwan Pride — Queerness in Asia
TNL Editor: Daphne K. Lee (@thenewslensintl)
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