Event is first since Taiwan ruled in favour of gay marriage but some activists are frustrated by slow progress of legalisation

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A sea of rainbow flags and glitzy costumes filled downtown Taipei as tens of thousands marched in Asia’s largest gay pride parade, the first since Taiwan’s top court ruled in favour of gay marriage.

The island looks set to become the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage after the constitutional court said in May that laws preventing same-sex unions violated the guarantee of freedom of marriage. It gave the government two years to implement the decision.

The anticipation was felt in Saturday’s parade, as dancing crowds in colourful wigs and sequined outfits made their way through the capital’s centre alongside vans blasting music.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Despite the slow progress in implementing gay marriage laws, Taiwan is one of the most progressive societies in Asia in terms of gay rights. Photograph: Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images

Many spared no effort in dressing up, from a man posing in a sweeping bridal dress and a tiara to another in an inflatable dinosaur costume.

But behind the celebrations, some are frustrated at the lack of progress in changing the marriage laws since the court ruling.

“A lot of people cannot afford to wait two years,” said Joseph Wu, 46, dressed in a matching kilt and rainbow turban with his partner of six years. “We just want the same things heterosexual couples have. We also do our military service, we pay the same taxes, so why can’t we have the same thing?”

Hino Chen, 29, said: “We are the same. We also want to start our own families.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tens of thousands of marchers filled the streets of downtown Taipei. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Gay rights activists expressed frustration last month when a Taipei administrative court rejected a request from a lesbian couple to marry, saying they could only register when relevant laws were in effect.

Still, Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to gay rights.

For Benny Chan from Hong Kong, it was worth travelling there just for the parade. He was dressed as a Chinese empress in a strapless full-length gold gown, which he says he would not dare to wear in Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is more conservative, maybe because of China’s influence,” said Chan, 35. “Only when I’m in Taiwan can I dress like this and not be afraid to express myself.”