Taiwan gay

Despite this atmosphere of acceptance, public dispays of affection are uncommon among the entire population. Since its invention in the 1980s, it has become increasingly popular and you can now find it all over the world. This happy news officially made Taiwan the first Asian country, and the first jurisdiction in the Chinese-speaking world to legalise same-ʂex matrimony – this is quite an achievement!

In fact, Taiwan has never had any laws against homosexuality – same-ʂex activity has always been legal, and the age of consent for LGBTQ+ persons has always been the same as their heteroʂexual counterparts.

But it goes even further than just providing LGBTQ+ persons with the same rights as straight persons – Taiwanese laws and legislation actively prevent discrimination towards LGBTQ+ persons based on ʂexual orientation, gender identity, and gender characteristics.

The clientele is mixed, but it does attract more of a younger crowd.

The bar usually has a ‘minimum consumption’ charge to enter, which may vary depending on the day, i.e. The space is a former abandoned sugar factory, made up of 22 warehouses that were built during the Japanese Colonial Period.

After sitting unused for quite some time, the area and space was repurposed by the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, a music troupe from southern Taiwan that aims to promote local culture, music and art, and as a result the Ten Drum Cultural Village was born.

The entire site has now become a cultural venue – warehouses have been developed into museums, theatres, classrooms where guests can participate in a drum lesson, shops and restaurants.

There are even rides and slides and adventure activities to participate in – including some for thrill-seekers, such as a 7-story free fall ride, swings that go out over the tree top canopy, and zip-lines.

Things to do in Kaohsiung

Gondola Tour on The Love River

Formerly known as The Kaohsiung Waterway, or The Kaohsiung Canal, thanks to a boat company opening near the bridge called The Love River Boat Company, giving people the chance to row up and down the river, the name Love River was passed to the waterway itself – especially as the majority of people taking boats out were couples – “in love.”

The Love River divides the city of Kaohsiung into two, with various bridges connecting the two sections – such as the Jiangou and Jhongjheng Bridges.

maybe more on a weekend, but sometimes there are unlimited drinks included with this fee, so it is always worth checking out.

Address: No. 23號, Lane 141, Section 1, Taiwan Blvd, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400

No Boundary

No Boundary is a café bar and restaurant rather than a gay bar or club – but it is gay owned!

Nevertheless, anti-gay violence is rare in Taiwan and LGBTQ+ locals feel comfortable living out and proud. Inside are lots of lovely gift stalls, some of which sell Taiwan pride gifts.

There are also a handful of LBGTQ+ stores located just outside the entrance to the Red House.

Whilst shopping heaven in the daytime, Red House reinvents itself at night with an array of LBGTQ+ bars opening in the courtyard.

Around the back of the Red House, you’ll find around a dozen pubs, clubs and bars plus another couple more hidden away on the upper level.

All of the bars around Red House have very late opening hours, (very) Happy Hour drinks prices plus themed outdoor terraces and tropical gardens with neon signs.

Some of the most popular LGBTQ+ Red House bars in this part of Ximending include The Secret Garden, Mudan (the OG bar), G2 Paradise and Café Dalida (famous for its Taipei drag queen performances).

Once in Taipei you can also make your connections onwards.

Most international travellers from UK, USA and the EU can visit visa free for stays of less than 90 days, however I would always advise to double check travel requirements as these can and do change.

The main spoken language in Taiwan is Mandarin, however many locals, and in particular the younger generation do speak English.

In fact, Taiwan has a thriving LGBTQ+ community of locals, that feel comfortable and safe to live out and proud – especially within the larger cities, and in particular in the capital of Taipei.

And whilst for the most part, public displays of affection are kept for behind closed doors (in line with the majority of Asian cultures), the younger generations are starting to be more open.

Our biggest belief is that travel is for everyone and we’re determined to showcase the magic the world has to offer. Visitors are whisked from the 5^th floor, to the 89^th floor in just 37 seconds.

But the view from the observatory is definitely worth the journey. This octagonal building, so named from the red brick it is constructed from is a beautiful building, dating back to 1908.

At the time of writing, £1 is worth about NT$40, US$1 is worth about NT$32 and €1 is approximately NT$34. Even a lot of the signage, such as when using the public transport system is also in English.

Power outlets are the same as in the US and Canada, so pack an adaptor!

Wrap Up

And there you have my complete LGBTQ+ travel guide to gay Taiwan!

I had high hopes for visiting and it certainly exceeded all of my expectations!

Mangrove forests on either side of a small river estuary have grown together and met in the centre, branches intertwining to form a dense, dome of green shrubbery.

The sunlight filters through, reflecting on the water as you cruise down in a small boat, creating a completely green and somewhat mysterious atmosphere.

The boat cruise lasts around 30 minutes in total, during which guests can sit back and relax or look out for various forms of wildlife, such as mud crabs, and different birds.

Ten Drum Cultural Village

The Ten Drum Cultural Village is part of the Ten Drum Cultural Creative Park, a 7.5 hectares space located in the suburbs of Tainan.

Or you may encounter individuals amongst the older and more traditional generations that don’t fully understand my community; however, this is highly unlikely to ever result in anything beyond an inquisitive look.

Hate crimes and anti-gay violence towards members of our community is extremely rare.

– and so my plans to hit up more of Asia had to be put on hold.

That is, until October 2023 rolled around, and I had the chance to finally visit Taiwan – and it certainly blew all of my expectations out of the water.

My Taiwan gay guide will give you all the information that you need to know about this gay-friendly island in East Asia.

Is Taiwan Gay Friendly?

While not quite as popular a travel destination as some of its Asian neighbours, Taiwan has long been considered as one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Asia – rivalling even Thailand.

Although situated in a part of the world where for the most part, views towards LGBTQ+ people are more conservative, and LGBTQ+ rights are challenged, the island of Taiwan is a shining beacon for LGBTQ+ visitors – where LGBTQ+ travellers are not only accepted, but welcomed with open arms!

Since 2003 Taiwan has also held its iconic annual Pride celebration – which I was so fortunate to be a part of last year.

Relationships are considered ‘private’ in traditional Taiwanese culture, but the younger generation likes living more openly.