25,000 Turn Out for Seventh Gay Pride in Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan, held its seventh annual Gay Pride on Saturday and 25,000 people showed up, Agence France Presse reports:

"Rainbow flags, balloons and placards were in abundance as participants gathered in a square outside the presidential office, with dress varying from period costumes to swimming trunks.' I hope the government will not only legalise same-sex unions but also allow us to adopt children,' said Nancy Chen, who pushed a stroller to highlight her call. But Chen admitted that 'it would take a few more years' for the general public to accept the idea before the legislation process can begin.' Even though Taiwan is becoming more open-minded towards gays, many still think that gay people can have romantic relationships but not something as serious as starting families,' she said. Taiwan's cabinet in 2003 drafted a controversial bill to legalise same-sex marriages and recognise the rights of homosexual couples to adopt children, the first in Asia to do so. However, the law has yet to be passed and some gay groups have criticised the bill as a ploy to woo voters."

About 1,000 turned out in Hong Kong for Gay Pride over the weekend as well.

Amnesty International Points Out Gay Discrimination in Hong Kong

The above image is from a set of PSAs by Amnesty International in Hong Kong highlighting the persecution and discrimination felt by gay people there.

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Hong Kong Hosts First Official Gay Pride Parade

Hong Kong had its first official Gay Pride parade on Saturday.

TIME reports:

"People emerged from shops and restaurants to witness the historic event. While some spectators cheered in support, most looked confused and bewildered. 'I never thought I would see this in Hong Kong,' said Kevin Li, a salesman who nevertheless believes the younger generation is less homophobic than the older one. 'Our society has different values than the West regarding sex because we are more traditional and more Chinese.'...Hong Kong lacks any non-discriminatory ordinance, and many locals still regard homosexuality with unease. Eric Herrera, a member of a white-collar gay-rights group called Fruits in Suits, which helped organize the parade, said, 'I have no problem walking down the streets arm in arm with my partner of 21 years, but it makes many people very uncomfortable.'"

Two videos of the event, including some go-go boys dancing to Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff", AFTER THE JUMP...

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