Asia » Taiwan
Gay Guide Taiwan
There is neither the concept of homosexuality in Taiwanese law, nor a concept that includes an age of consent. One is allowed to marry from the age of 18 and is thus automatically of full ciminal responsibility, but legally of full age only at the age of 20. Ten same-sex couples were married at a mass wedding in Taipei on 24 October 2015 in an event organised by the city authorities - a novelty at the event for heterosexual couples which has been held twice a year since 1973. Even the Mayor of Taipei, Ko Wen-je, took part in the event. Nevertheless, the ceremony was not legally binding. On 24 May 2017, the Constitutional Court ruled that prohibiting the marriage of homosexual couples was unconstitutional - and gave Parliament two years to open marriage. After that deadline, marriage for all will be possible in one fell swoop - making Taiwan the first country in Asia to introduce gay marriage. Taiwan is generally regarded a pioneer among its neighbouring countries in terms of LGBT rights. According to an April 2006 survey, 75% of the Taiwanese accept homosexual relationships. In 2007, a law was passed prohibiting discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. The Taiwan Pride in Taipei was the first such event in a Chinese-speaking country in 2003. It is attended by more and more people every year - by 2018 it had risen to 137,000 participants. Prides are also held in the cities of Kaohsiung and Taichung.
Cities in Taiwan
Kaohsiung | Taipei/Taipeh | Taitung |
Location: Off Mainland China
Initials: TWN
International country code: 886 (omit 0 from area code)
International access code: 002
Language: Chinese
Currency: 1 New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) = 100 Cents
Population: 23,318,000
Capital: T'aipei
Religions: 35% Buddhist, 33% Daoist, 2.6% Christian
Climate: Tropical and marine climate. The rainy season during southwest monsoon lasts from June to August.
Top Hotels
Hotel Lemongarden
Bougainvilleas, roses, hibiscus - the flowers are almost lavish in their use of color. And while your gaze wanders over the lush sea of blossoms, you can hear the sea in the background in the idyllic harbour of Sutivan... more
Hotel Villa Carlotta
An heavenly retreat in the most panoramic area of Taormina, Hotel Villa Carlotta was built in 1860 for a local aristocratic family. With magnificent views across the sea and of Mount Etna, enchanting gardens, excellent Sicilian dining and an outdoor pool, this coastal idyll promises peace and exclusivity... more
The Student Hotel
A member of the one-of-a-kind Pink Pillow collective of hotels, The Student Hotel is a hybrid model of student accommodation and 4-star hotel right in the middle of Berlin’s heart of hearts... more