gay travel in taiwan

LGBTQ Travel Guide: Taipei, Taiwan

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Taipei becomes the gayest place in Asia every fall, when Taiwan LGBT Pride draws visitors from all across the continent and beyond to take to the streets for a march, which breaks into three distinct, snaking routes. According to organizers, around 137,000 people attended 2018’s parade, and no doubt 2019's will be a joyous record-smasher thanks to this year's legalization of same-sex marriage. Politically, Taipei has been notably progressive over the past couple of decades: Ma Ying-jeou, Taipei’s ex-Mayor and, later, Taiwan’s President, was famously pro-gay and allocated funds to LGBTQ events. With the passage of legal same-sex marriage in May 2019, Taiwan officially became Asia’s most LGBTQ friendly destination.

Taipei's LGBT Scene

Taipei has a thriving LGBT scene and plenty of social opportunities throughout the year, with creative businesses owned by and catering to LGBTQ folks. One of the most obvious indicators of Taipei’s openness, and a compulsory stop for any LGBTQ visitor, is Red House , a multi-level complex of indoor and outdoor gay bars, clubs, and clothing and accessory shops located just a block or so from the Ximen MRT station.

During Pride weekend, Taipei's LGBTQ scene is even more vibrant. Spread over several days, the concurrent Formosa Pride festival features a handful of major parties including a WOOF bear tea dance, an evening at an outdoor hot spring, and an after-party. There are also circuit-style parties during the year from organizers G5 , and events for bears , who are quite popular in Taiwan. For film fans, November’s Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival typically includes new LGBTQ-interest titles and filmmakers. The Pride march in October, needless to say, is destination of its own: a mix of outrageous exhibitionism, activism, and, perhaps because it's positioned so close to Halloween, lots of cosplay and colorful costumes.

The Best Things to Do

After taking in the “big” tourist sights—the shops and observation deck at skyscraper Taipei 101 , The National Palace Museum,  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall , and one of Taipei's many amazing night markets (the sprawling Shilin is a first timer's must-do)—head directly to  Gin Gin , a gay, everything store in the Zhongzheng district. Packed with Asian and international LGBTQ books and magazines (including naughty ones), movies, clothing, lube and sex toys, clothing, and fun home items, it’s also a prime queer Taiwan souvenir stop. An LGBTQ coffee shop, H*ours Café , is a door or two away, while Love Boat is located just around the block. This trailblazing, 15-year-old, women’s business carved out a niche producing and selling men’s-style clothing and breast binders to Asia’s “Tomboy” population (lesbians who take on a masculine identity and appearance). Love Boat has more recently expanded to include a cafe salon as well as wellness and healing products. It’s a must for transgender male and non-binary visitors, too.

Taiwan is brimming with local creativity and arts. There are several popular “art parks” filled with studios, temporary exhibitions (some require entry fees), shops, and cafes, including Songshan , Huashan 1914 , and the new Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab . Datong district’s tucked away, gay-owned Wild Flower Bookstore is chock full of locally made, small press photo books, graphic novels, quirky arts publications, and artwork. Keep an eye out for anything by Chinese queer photographer, No. 223 . Ready to relax in a natural hot spring? Head to Beitou's Kawayu hot spring for a naked soak.

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

What began as a single gay watering hole called Bear Café in 2006 blossomed into the fully-fledged gay complex Red House. Today you have your pick of bars broken down by themes, crowds, drinks menus, and outdoor versus indoor seating. To name a few: bear and chubby favorite G-Paradise , Japan-themed Shibuya , Casa Bar (formerly known as G-Mixi, this completely revamped venue was a 2007 Red House pioneer) and Cafe Delida , where you can see lip-syncing drag queens.

Zhongshan’s two-level G*star Club gets jam-packed with 20 and 30-somethings ready to dance late into the weekend nights (or mornings). While Taiwan’s first leather and fetish bar, Commander D , may seem “vanilla” by Western standards (especially when contrasted against, Berlin, Amsterdam, or San Francisco’s establishments), this is your chance to wear that harness or latex outfit. Basement level bar Hunt also veers into fetish and frisky adult naughtiness with events like lube wrestling, underwear parties, and skimpy “towel night.” As the name indicates, Bear Junkies teems with Taiwanese bears, cubs, chubs, and the skinny “monkeys” who like them, socializing over cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks.  Lesbians, meanwhile, flock to Taboo , which hosts theme nights ranging from dress code specific to international-friendly. For even more gay bar listings, including details on recent closures, changes in management, and openings, check GayTaipei4U .

The Best Places to Eat

Bubble tea is one of Taiwan’s best known culinary exports, and just a few minutes’ walk from Gin Gin and Love Boat you’ll find an exemplary brown sugar bubble tea at Chen San Ding . Mind you, there’s no actual tea in this concoction, just milk, which is shaken with freshly stewed tapioca pearls and caramelized brown sugar to form an addictive, creamy, chewy delight. Another Taipei must is the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung , home of the best xiao long bao (soup dumplings) which has numerous, and perpetually busy, locations around the city.

Meanwhile, Taipei's modern fine dining scene has exploded over the past five years with tons of sustainability-minded chefs and venues that channel Taiwan’s earthy, seasonal local flavors and ingredients via French and Japanese techniques. Trailblazers that continue to epitomize this movement and offer visitors deeply local flavors they haven’t encountered before include RAW and MUME . Chef Kai Ho’s Tairroir was awarded two Michelin stars in 2019 for its New Taiwanese creations, and newcomer logy (sister to Tokyo’s mind-blowing Florilege ) has also accrued serious buzz for memorable set menus.

The mixology movement has truly arrived, and some venues offer cocktails heavy on local fruit, herbs, spices, teas, as well as housemade infusions, with accompanying menus of tasty bites. Be sure to try East End at Hotel Proverbs, which also boasts sparkling glass-enclosed city views at night, and avant-garde speakeasy ROOM by Le Kief , which puts a molecular spin on its ever-changing nibbles and libations.

Where to Stay

Hands down, the chic W Taipei is the city’s gayest 5-star property, and hosts special Pride Week events like a LOVE is LOVE wedding fair, an LGBTQ speed dating mixer for singles age 25-45 (registration required) , and an open-to-the-public Rainbow Market. The latter two events will take place on October 27, 2019. All year-round, one can activate gay social apps at the W and see that the immediate area is absolutely packed with gay visitors and locals, some of whom can be found lounging in W’s WOOBAR, its outdoor pool, and 31st floor Yen restaurant and bar (try the tea-based cocktails). Service is outstanding, and rooms are ultra-comfortable and functional, some of which have show-stopping floor-to-ceiling views of Taipei 101, and electric blackout shades when you desire total darkness. The W also boasts an enviable location just next to Xinyi’s 24-hour Eslite bookstore, an MRT and bus station, and some of the best and newest shopping centers in town, including stunningly designed, Japanese-themed, Breeze NanShan.

In nearby Songshan, the palatial 303-room Mandarin Oriental Taipei is another favorite for the luxury set, remixing Asian motifs and design through a 21st-century pastel and muted tone filter. There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and handful of incredible restaurants, while all manner of LGBTQ folk, including cosplayers, can be found savoring afternoon tea at MO’s glittery see-and-be-seen Café un Deux Trois.

Da’an’s striking, angular 42-room Hotel Proverbs is the work of Ray Chan, who blends wood, leather, and one-of-a-kind carpets (seriously—they can’t be replaced) to make rooms homey, classy, yet contemporary, and unstuffy. Perks include a free minibar, a Nespresso machine, and lightning speed Wi-Fi.

On the extremely budget-friendly side (think a step above hostel), the Songshan district’s G’s Gay Hotel is billed as Taiwan’s first men-only, gay boutique property and is located a short walk from the Raohe Night Market. Wanhua’s beautifully appointed InHouse Boutique Taipei and nearby sister property InHouse Heritage are fantastic, comfy, and reasonably priced options if proximity to the Red House complex and its nightlife is a priority.

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Ultimate Taipei LGBT Map

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Words: Sebastian Morgan

New in town? Taipei’s LGBTQ scene has a deserved reputation as one of the largest and most welcoming in Asia. So if you’re feeling a little too spoilt for choice, we’ve got you. On this map you’ll find a colorful selection of our top queer picks in this city of millions. From bars and boutiques to clubs and cafes, there’s plenty to explore. What are you waiting for? (Read More: Pride Hopping this Fall? Here’s Why Taiwan Should Be Your First and Only Stop )

Best Gay Bars in Taipei

1. abrazo taipe i.

Towing the line between bar and supper club, Abrazo is one of Taipei’s most popular spots with the young gay crowd—and it shows it on weekends. Come in the day for contemporary fare and an afternoon cocktail. Come a little later for some top-forty fun and a little wiggle on the dance floor.

2. Commander D

Kinky, S&M-themed bar in Ximen, dressed in all the trappings you’d expect. There’s chains and leather in the walls, bars hanging from the ceilings. Approach the bar staff and ask nicely bough and they might even tie you up. Crowd is young, drinks are stiff, and doors open until 3 a.m. on weekends. Leave your scruples at the door.

3. Café Dalida

Ask any queer guy or gal in Taipei to name a gay bar and Dalida’s the name you’ll hear. This Red House institution has been drawing in patrons for decades, and has helped launch more local drag careers than there are colours on the rainbow. First timers come for the botanical decor. Regulars stay for the Ru Paul viewing parties, cute bar staff, and easy-to-love cocktail menu (the special mojitos are a must). Come on select weekend nights for the drag shows. Expect to leave late.

Small but jumping bar about 10 minutes walk from Red House. Hero tends to attract a fairly young to mature crowd. The atmosphere here is very welcoming and friendly and there’s a cruising area upstairs.

5. Staff Only

Exclusive, members-only bar in the south of the city. At staff only, it’s the best of old and new: classic cocktails served on lego bricks, retro-inspired art deco decor, and elevated contemporary fare. The catch? You need a member’s card to enter and the management reserves the right to refuse entry—oh, and “good apples” only.

6. The Garde n

Verdant outdoor bar and terrace on the ground floor of Red House. The Garden is essentially the local crowd’s answer to Dalida, just a couple of doors down. It offers a decent selection of cocktails and mixed drinks, as well as cute, attentive waitstaff.

7. Wonder Bar

Chill gay and lesbian bar close to Taipei City Hall MRT station. Wonder Bar is swanky but unassuming; think drinks at the hotel bar with a slightly cuter staff. Draws a mixed crowd of local and international night owls. “Never lose your sense of wonder,” is their motto. We don’t think you will. 

23 Public Craft Beer

Not strictly a gay bar, but 23 Public is extremely supportive of Taipei’s LGBTQ community. Offering a selection of quality craft beers and more, the small, cozy bar, a short hop from Taipower Building MRT, has a friendly atmosphere and is also the current home of stand-up comedy collective Two Three Comedy.

LGBT Coffee Shops

This cozy little gay café is the cuter face of Taipei’s queer scene—art hanging on the walls, idle cats lounging on the bar, and a younger college-kid crowd. It’s the perfect place to get your bearings, ideally over a cup of hand-brewed coffee.

9. The Jen Library (真書軒)

Eclectic lounge, cafe, and gallery offering coffee, snacks and an extensive book collection. Located just across the road from Da’an Forest Park, Jen draws in the patrons with its artsy vibe and regular art exhibitions.

10. Maple Maple Cafe

Cosy French-Canadian style cafe and bar serving Montreal specialities. Owner Dominic takes pride in his healthy homemade desserts, and we’ve heard great things about the quiches. If you’re serious about your wine, Maple Maple serves perfect pours using an enomatic dispenser, and they also serve a popular cheese plate.

11. Tokyobike Taiwan

Chill cafe and bike rental shop that’s sure to ring any enthusiast’s bell. Located near Zhongshan Junior Highschool MRT, Tokyobike Taiwan is the Taipei location of the eponymous bicycle company founded back in 2002.

12. Sugarman

Nostalgic late-night cafe just around the corner from National Taiwan Normal University. Sugarman’s cozy, wood-panelled decor makes it a great place to hide away if you find yourself in the middle of a sudden Taipei downpour.

Gay Friendly Restaurants

13. al revés.

Ximending gay-run and gay-friendly restaurant around the corner from Red House. Al Revés’ game is reasonably-priced, creative, western fare and a laid-back atmosphere. Offers a range of vegetarian options, too.

14. Fairy Taipei

Clean cut, beach-house-inspired bar in Zhongxiao Dunhua that draws in a young, hip crowd. Drinks menu offers a decent selection of cocktails, craft and draft beers, and there’s a dance floor downstairs in the basement (nothing seedy). Frequently holds themed events and parties.

15. Pure Cucina (純淨廚房 )

Homey, health-conscious bistro a short walk from Taipei 101 and Four Four South Village. Decor is New York nostalgic—edison bulbs and fifties inspired plastic sofas. The big selling point about Pure Cucina though are the wholesome meals—comforting Italian fare using only fresh ingredients without additives or preservatives.

16. VIxen’s Cafe (狐狸野餐)

Charming kid-friendly Zhongshan cafe and lunch spot with an adorable vintage vibe. Settle down into a wicker chair and help yourself to one of their set lunches—healthy takes on local Taiwanese fare.

17. WuYun Shaman’s Cloud (巫雲 )

Possibly Taipei’s cosiest little eatery, cluttered little WuYun offers a unique dining experience. There’s no menu here. Make your reservations in advance and get cozy in what is essentially someone’s living room while the owners decide what you’re having for dinner. Caters to vegetarians, too. Reservations advisable.

18. Zen Food (饞食坊)

Hip take on a traditional izakaya in Da’an district. Great place for some Japanese grub and a speciality beer or two—lychee anyone? There’s often a line for Zen on weekends, but you can jump the queue by adding yourself to a waitlist using Line or Facebook messenger. 

Activities and SPAs in Taipei

Very popular gay sauna hidden inside Ningxia Night Market that pulls in a young crowd. It’s not hard to see why—entry is free for 18 to 25 year olds. Amenities include a gym, dry sauna, steam room, showers, bar, and movie theatre.

20. Emperor Spa (皇池溫泉御膳館)

Colonial-inspired hot spring that is particularly but not exclusively popular with the local gay crowd. Emperor Spa is a Japanese setup, meaning there is a gender segregated section (and yes, it’s all naked). It also has a restaurant attached. Fun fact: spend more than NT$400 on your meal and you get free entrance to the spa!

21. inBlooom (印花樂)

Eco-conscious lifestyle boutique in the heard of Taipei’s historic Dadaocheng district, inBlooom’s game is fabric accessories and household items in an appealing palette of soothing pastels. They are also committed to using zero single-use plastics making inBlooom a great place for minimum-impact souvenirs.

22. MK (木客微光 )

Handmade lamps and other trinkets for the home near Beimen MRT. Muke Weiguang’s forté is the kind of bare-bones, nuts-and-bolts decor you’ll find adorning café tables and walls across Taipei. Best of all, they also teach DYI classes, making Muke Weiguang the perfect souvenir pitstop.

23. Sculptor Barber

Minimalist men’s barbershop founded in 2014 by contemporary artist Chou Shi Hsiung. Sculptor Barber is your classic men’s stylist with a couple of extra much appreciated frills—head massages and a cheeky glass of cider anyone?

24. The Witch House (女巫店)

Sounds dank? It isn’t. This tavernous little space has been at the forefront of Taipei’s indie music scene for over two decades. The likes of Cheer Chen, Deserts Chang, and Sodagreen all got their big break here, making it the perfect place to rub shoulders with local rising stars.

Street Food

25. deepfry ( 初炸小食店 ).

Delicious roadside stall specializing in a vegetarian version of a Taiwanese night market classic— xian su ji (鹹酥雞) . A fun dining experience for first timers, drop your ingredients into your little plastic shopping basket and wait at the one outdoor table while the staff fry it up into crunchy, peppery goodness. Hao chi (好吃)!

26. Gongguan Night Market (公館夜市)

Youthful night market in Taipei’s university district. Market stalls here are surrounded by a tight network of cafes, live-music houses and restaurants serving local and Southeast-Asian fare. This is one of the places to slurp up a cup of Taiwan’s bubble milk tea at its finest.

27. Just Do Eat Ximen (就醬滷西門隆昌店 )

Adorable little hole-in-the-wall that’s perfect for trying out one of Taipei’s favorite street snacks. If you’re new to luwei , the game is pretty simple. Take your basket, fill it up with with your favourites from a selection of meat, vegetables, tofu, and noodles and pick your spice level. Most luwei stores serve pretty similar fare, but this one doesn’t do a bad job on the broth.

28. Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市)

Established foodie heaven so dear to the locals that it was named one of Taipei’s best night markets to grab a bite at a few years back. Ningxia serves up a selection of classic local snacks, fresh seafood, and Hakka specialities. If you’re planning on dining at just in Taipei night market, this is the one to hit up.

Cultural Experiences

29. dadaocheng (大稻埕).

Historic neighborhood on the west side of central Taipei. Prior to Japanese colonization, when it was known as Twatutia, it was the city’s business district, though nowadays things are a lot more laid back. Hit up Dihua Street (迪化街) for great street eats, especially in the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year.

30. Rabbit God Temple (兔兒神 殿)

Fascinating little shrine that merges Taiwan’s traditional Taoist beliefs with its progressive 21st-century culture. The Rabbit Temple, or Wei-Ming Tang (威明堂) in Chinese, is dedicated to Tu’er Shen, the long-eared Taoist god of homosexuality. Since it opened in 2006, it’s drawn an almost exclusively gay congregation, most of whom come to beseach the heavens for a lover. 

31. Red House (西門紅樓)

The palpitating heart of queer Taipei, as well as one of its best outdoor drinking areas. Red House is a two-storey strip of some ten-to-twenty bars that curve around the eponymous red-brick building, which itself is a boutique store and exhibition space.

Head to Red House for weekend outdoor markets, drag shows, and all you can drink deals (at some locations). The bar staff are pretty cute too!

32. Treasure Hill (寶藏巖)

Blink-and–you’ll-miss-it artists’ community near National Taiwan University. A short walk from Gonguan Night Market, this cluster of ramshackle houses has gone through various guises over the years: an anti-aircraft position, veteran’s lodgings, and later a squat. Today, it houses a number of galleries, museums, and studios.

33. Xia Hai City God Temple ( 霞海城隍廟)

Historic temple in the heart of Dadaocheng district. Xia-Hai Temple’s resident deity is none other than Chinese cupid and was reportedly brought over by villagers from Quanzhou, southern China,in 1821. Today in his new digs, he is visited daily by hundreds of young Taiwanese hopefuls here to pray to for one thing—a date!

Nightlife and Gay clubs

Dark n’ smokey, queer-friendly venue buried under the Jut Art Museum on Civic Boulevard. B1 is ground zero for Taipei’s electronic and techno music scene. Expect either house or techno on most nights, and keep an extra careful eye out for the monthly queer party—Blush—with drag performances and ballroom runways from 11 p.m. to sunrise.

Relatively supersized Zhongshan club. It probably isn’t too much of an exaggeration to say that G Star was every Taipei gay’s first. DJs tend to favor dance music and K-pop and the crowd hovers somewhere around the low twenties. Extremely popular on weekends. If you’re coming with a crowd, a table reservation may be wise.

Well-established Lesbian club near Xingtian Temple and Songjiang Nanjing stations. Taboo is a cozy venue, but that hasn’t stopped it from serving a very happy community for over 20 years. If you’re going with a group of friends, its NT$1,500 for a five-person box. If you’re going to make the most of the night, though, there’s also an open bar deal.

37. Triangle

Swiss-army club located in north Taipei’s Maji Square market area. Triangle is not exclusively a gay venue and does a number of themed nights and parties five nights a week, from KTV to college parties. Keep it on your radar though for the monthly drag parties though, which attract a mix both expats and younger Taiwanese guys.

Gay Pride Shops (晶晶書庫)

38. gingin store.

Long-standing lesbian bookstore on a quiet residential street. GinGin Store was one of the driving forces behind the year-2000 “Rainbow Community in Gongguan” project, one of Taipei’s earliest LGBTQ development plans. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of queer literature, magazines, and movies, as well as toys and accessories.

39. Love Boat

Cozy, colorful, and queer, Love Boat doesn’t hold back on the rainbow flags. This fun and friendly venue set up shop back in 2004 as Asia’s first queer lifestyle store and offers a variety of knicknacks and essentials for a mainly lesbian clientele. Doubles as a café salon. (Read also: PRIDE, Healing and Taiwan’s LGBTQ Community: A Conversation with Olivia Wu )

40. PAR.T (帕特拉拉時尚舘)

Ximending clothing store popular with queer gals. PAR.T peddles in androgenous apparel with a bit of a K-poppy edge to it.

Read also: Taiwan Pride 2019: 5 ways to celebrate with Taipei’s LGBTQ community

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Gay Taiwan: Asia’s best destination for LGBTQ+ travelers

By Author Maartje Hensen (she/they)

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2021

Taiwan, to us, is on top of the list of countries in Asia that have surprised us the most. Frankly, we didn’t know much about Taiwan, and odds are: so do you (except the fact they recently legalized gay marriage). And that has to change! Taiwan is AMAZING and definitely the most progressive place in Asia, in my opinion, arguably the world (yes, Dutchie speaking!). Are you ready to be surprised by how gay Taiwan is?!

Taiwan Gay Marriage: Asia’s First

In 2017, the Constitutional Court of Taiwan ruled that the definition of marriage as one man and one woman in the law was unconstitutional. The Court requested a change of legislation, by either adjusting existing laws or creating new ones, within a time frame of two years.

On International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019 – May 17 – gay marriage was officially legalized. Over 500 couples have already registered today (the day the law went into effect). Legalizing gay marriage wasn’t without controversy and there will be some limitations. The new law offers similar legal protections as straight marriage, but it’s a separate law. Gay couples will only be allowed to adopt children biologically related to at least one of them.

While the entire world seems to be setting steps backward (abortion is up for discussion again? Seriously?!), Taiwan is setting a big step forward. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize gay marriage. The president, Tsai Ing-wen (yes, Taiwan has a female president!), proudly tweeted:

On May 17th, 2019 in #Taiwan , #LoveWon . We took a big step towards true equality, and made Taiwan a better country. ?️‍? — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) May 17, 2019

And to the question: but is Taiwan a country? Here’s the answer from Taiwan’s foreign minister:

WRONG! The bill was passed by our national parliament & will be signed by the president soon. Democratic #Taiwan is a country in itself & has nothing to do with authoritarian #China . @PDChina is a commie brainwasher & it sucks. JW https://t.co/eHKzXdzxoT — 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) ?? (@MOFA_Taiwan) May 19, 2019

It would be amazing if China would set the next step in Asia, however, we have little hope. We suspect Thailand is next to legalize gay marriage!

Progressive Gay Rights

Although public opinion and legislation aren’t always aligned, legislation is very important for queer people and travelers. Of 48 countries in Asia, 23 criminalize being gay. That is almost 50%! Interestingly, Taiwan has no laws against being gay, nor did it ever have them!

Let’s build a stronger case: Taiwan is one of the very few places in Asia that has anti-discrimination laws on the basis of orientation. There are about 9 countries that allow gay people to serve in the military, but only Isreal and Taiwan provide a wider range of LGBT rights.

In addition, people can legally change gender without transitioning – providing a freer choice for transgender and interടex people. Taiwan is the world’s first country to have a transgender minister: Audrey Tang.

Public Opinion

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Many opinion polls over time have found the majority of the Taiwanese population supports gay marriage. Support is highest among 20-29-year-olds but decreases significantly with age. Older generations worldwide are more conservative, but name a country where that isn’t the case!

Unfortunately, in 2018, the shocking results of a referendum regarding gay marriage were: the majority of Taiwanese people were against marriage equality. As mentioned before, legalizing gay marriage wasn’t without troubles. Like many places in the world, Taiwan also knows homophobia and anti-LGBT activism, but it is different than we know in the western world: in Taiwan, anti-gay violence is extremely rare .

Many Asians believe being gay does not exist in traditional Asian culture and see it as something that belongs in Western cultures. With the new law, a new message is sent out all over the world: it does exist within Asian cultures and it does not jeopardize traditional values.

Taiwanese Acceptance

Interestingly, Taiwanese are very open-minded, even the government is liberal. The government decided in 2004 kids should be educated about LGBT-acceptance in school, so they passed the Gender Equity Education Act, requiring schools to teach gender equality and diversity. This might explain why the younger generation is much more liberal than the older generation.

Taiwanese culture centers around respect and being politeness, much like the Japanese. Where everyone in the western world is entitled to their own opinions (and always so eager to share those opinions with the whole wide world), integrity is a huge part of Asian cultures like the Taiwanese and Japanese.

More about Japanese acceptance: How Friendly is Japan for LGBT+ Travellers?

Taiwanese people believe things happen for a reason. So if a man falls in love with a man, it must serve a purpose. This can be led back to the main religions in Taiwan: Buddism and Taoism. In none of these religions are arguable issues about LGBT+ people, nor do they discuss issues regarding intimacy. This isn’t the case in Western culture, where religion is often at the roots of homophobia. In Taiwan too, being gay is a taboo, but it was never criminalized or ‘wrong’ per se.

Lesbian Taiwan: our experience

We can seriously not say enough great things about Taiwan. After traveling through all of Asia for a year, we arrived in Taiwan and it was a brand new Asia.

During our trip through Taiwan (we traveled along the east coast) we were blown away by the country’s openness. We have rarely felt so at ease as a lesbian couple. When we saw other gay couples holding hands in public, we nearly lost it. It’s very uncommon in Asian cultures to show affection in public in general (straight couples too), so imagine our surprise when seeing gay couples do it!!!

It’s an indescribable feeling to be able to be openly affectionate with your partner and not worrying about homophobic responses. We felt safer than ever and that truly is the best feeling ever!

We also met a few LGBT+ people on our way. At our first Couchsurfing address in Taipei, we were surprised to meet the girlfriend of our host: she’s a gorgeous trans woman. Although we did not talk about the subject, we can see her transition openly documented on her Facebook-account. In Kaohsiung we couchsurfed at a young art student’s apartment. He was adorable and gay, he was super interested in learning more about Europe and he was so happy to host his first lesbian couple haha. He proudly showed us pictures of his Estonian boyfriend, whom he visited a few months later. At some other couchsurf-addresses, the topic gayness came up without us bringing it up, which – in our opinion – shows how liberal the Taiwanese people are.

Gay Taiwan Travel

Of course, our experience as queer females doesn’t represent the experience of queer males in the community. That is why we’ve asked gay traveler Vinny from V-Squared to share his experience of traveling to Taiwan:

I was invited by the Taiwanese Tourist Bureau for a press trip in 2016 as a recognized LGBTQ Influencer – and the experience changed me forever. I still remain in touch with some of the locals that I met 3 years ago. The Taiwanese culture is warm and inviting and has a surprising LGBTQ scene with a decent amount of LGBTQ venues and safe spaces – Drag queens too! During my stay, there was an LGBTQ Pride March being held in Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei. The march was like no other I have ever seen. Most of the attendees marched in silence; it was not a celebration but a protest.

I was told by a local LGBTQ member that the 2016’s pride march was going to be a demonstration to the Taiwanese government, who, at the time, were considering amending their government to recognize and include gay marriages. As the largest LGBTQ pride parade in Asia, everyone was poised to stand together in solidarity, willing the Taiwanese government to recognize that their love is also valid, and therefore the law should reflect that basic human right.

To see Taiwan come full circle, all beginning with a march that really catapulted the decision of marriage equality, and now to see my friends celebrate their victory, has been truly one of the best experiences as an LGBTQ traveler. Taiwan holds a very special place in my heart, and I could not be happier that love, once again, wins.

Learn more about Vinny’s experiences in Taiwan, he made a Youtube video about it!

Taipei is considered the San Francisco of the East and is known for being accepting, open and progressive. It’s the gay capital of (east) Asia basically. The gaybourhood of Ximending is the place to be for drag shows and gay bars. The Red House is especially famous, the square behind the building is home to many (outdoor) gay bars. One of the lesbian places to go to is the area around ShiDa night market.

The other big cities, Kaohsiung and Taichung, also have gay scenes, though much smaller. Kaohsiung is famous for being artsy (many murals!) and Taichung has a rainbow village you can visit. You will find the same acceptance in these cities as you’ll find in Taipei!

LGBT+ events in Taiwan

✶ Taiwan Pride – since 2003, the largest gay pride event in East Asia, and the second largest in Asia behind the parade in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Celebrated yearly in late October.

✶ Kaohsiung Pride – since 2010, a lesser-known Pride parade, but increasingly popular! Celebrated yearly in late November.

✶ Taiwan International Queer Film Festival (TIQFF) – the only LGBTQ+ film festival in Asia. Takes place yearly in autumn since 2014, in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung.

Read all our Taiwan articles !

PIN THIS ARTICLE

Monday 24th of June 2019

would sound better if this article is called Gay in Taiwan instead of "Gay Taiwan", just because they're the first asian country to legalize gay marriage doesnt mean everybody is gay

Roxanne & Maartje

Tuesday 25th of June 2019

Haha, you are totally right!

Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad

Saturday 25th of May 2019

This is actually amazing! What's even more amazing is that so many people voted against it, yet it still happened?! I hope that doesn't cause a rift in the attitudes towards gayness there, but it is incredible news!

Also is it bad that I find it hilarious how undiplomatic the foreign minister is in that tweet? Haha.

Monday 27th of May 2019

So happy the higher court decided it was unconstitutional regardless of the public opinion. It's interesting how previous polls always showed the majority in favor of gay marriage! And yes, I think the same thing about the tweet hahaha.

Way to go Taiwan!!! I absolutely adore Taiwan. Been there 3 times. Proud of them for being the first in Asia to legalize gay marriage :D

So jealous of you being there 3 times! We'd love to go back!

Taiwan Insight

The online magazine of the Taiwan Research Hub

LGBT Rights in Taiwan: What Travellers Should Know Before Going [Part 1]

Written by Queer in the World .

Image credit:  一對兒女的爸 by Phil Wong 黄飛立  /Flickr, license  CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Definitely a step (or several!) off the beaten track, there’s plenty to be discovered in  Taiwan , an island with a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences and food that will keep your mouth watering for months afterwards.

Travellers here will find stunning landscapes, from sea cliffs, soaring mountains, clear blue Pacific waters and gravity-defying rock formations. There’s also  Taipei , a bustling city with excellent infrastructure. Which brings us to the other interesting thing about Taiwan – its civil society and democracy (standing somewhat in contrast to its huge neighbour  China with it’s more questionable LGBT rights).

With such a liberal society, Taiwan must be a good place for gay travellers, right? It’s true that it is the most gay friendly nation in Asia. There’s a relatively open stance on LGBT rights in Taiwan and travellers certainly should feel comfortable visiting – not least because people are so welcoming they don’t really care about sexual orientation.

It’s always good to know more details on the situation in countries before visiting, so this guide aims to provide a summary of the situation for LGBT rights in Taiwan to help travellers prepare for a trip to this unique country.

The Legal Situation In Gay Taiwan

Interestingly, homosexuality has technically never been illegal in Taiwan. The  age of consent is the same  for both homosexual and heterosexual couples (16 year-old).

There have been a range of anti-discrimination laws in place in the fields of employment and education since 2007 and 2004 respectively. In fact,  since 2011 school curriculums have included topics promoting tolerance and LGBT rights .

The debate over same-sex marriage has been going on since 2003 when the executive branch of the government started to prepare legislation to allow gay marriage. That attempted stalled and was not voted on; there was then another failed attempt between 2014 and 2016.

Meanwhile, the movement in support of gay marriage was growing in Taiwan with publicity events like  the biggest same-sex wedding party ever in 2011 . Even the former president  Tsai Ing-wen announced her support before a general election .

Finally, in 2017, the Constitutional Court ruled that the marriage clauses stating that marriage was between a man and a woman were unconstitutional, given that the constitution states that all freedoms and rights should be granted to all people. The panel of judges gave the government  2 years to legalize same-sex marriage , which would make it the first country in Asia to legalise gay marriage.

This was a huge step forward, although there was a serious setback in November 2018 when voters  rejected same-sex marriage in a referendum  that posed five questions on the topic. Although not legally binding, this disappointing result in public opinion could shake the resolve of some lawmakers.

The Social Situation In LGBT Taiwan

As the result of the 2018 referendum show, the social situation of LGBT rights in Taiwan is complicated. While people generally have a ‘live and let live’ attitude, this result shows that true open-mindedness is still a bit further away (although many believe there was a  flood of misinformation spread by conservative campaigns to skew the vote ).

The good news is, according to  a 2016 study , tolerance towards homosexuality in Taiwan increased 132% between 1995 and 2012 and Taiwan’s reputation as the most gay-friendly country in Asia is certainly more than justified by this and its  thriving gay community .

There have been annual Pride events in Taipei  since 2003  and the country has come a long way from those first ones when people wore masks to hide their identity. The  2018 pride  had 137,000 joyful marchers.

The positive trend in attitudes  could be down to improvement in education  as more people have access to higher education and so are more open to new ideas; additionally, young people are growing up with stronger links to the outside world and so are more socially aware.

However  another study  showed that Taiwanese people were less likely to be tolerant of gay members of their own family with  38.7% saying they couldn’t accept a homosexual family member . This shows that there are still some ingrained prejudices and a certain amount of misunderstandings about the gay community – sadly something reflected in the 2018 referendum result.

Nevertheless, there is considerable hope that attitudes will continue to improve.

Trans Rights In Taiwan

In 2014 the Taiwanese government promised they would  no longer require transgender people to have surgery in order to change legal gender  (a requirement that had been in place since 2008) – however, this process dragged on to 2018 and as it stands is still compulsory.

Excitingly, the government also proposed a  ‘3rd gender’  option on ID cards and passports in 2018, something which maintains the progressive status of LGBT rights in Taiwan.

Despite these steps being taken in terms of legislation, there is still little understanding of trans rights in wider society.  Transgender Taiwanese citizens face daily struggles  including domestic violence, workplace discrimination and family conflict.

It’s one of those things where education is absolutely key and with public figures like minister Audrey Tang there is hope that members of the trans community could become more accepted.

So What Does This Mean For Gay Travellers?

Although there are challenges for LGBT citizens, gay travellers to the country can feel confident that they’ll find a warm welcome, some great gay nights out and the biggest gay scene in all of Asia.

It’s been this way for years, to be honest, but only recently has it become an international LGBT travel destination and gay travellers should feel encouraged to visit and lend support.

Visitors will notice a relatively high number of gay couples out and about, perhaps even getting a little close in a bar, but it’s worth highlighting here that in general public displays of affection are not big in Taiwan. That’s why gay travellers to Taiwan should be aware of where they are to ensure they are not embarrassing people around – it’s rarely hostile, but people here will feel a bit embarrassed by both heterosexual and homosexual displays of smooching!

Queer In The World is a blog and online resource for gay and lesbian travellers who want to explore the world. We don’t believe ‘being gay’ should define our choice of destination or travel choices – but having gay and gay-friendly hotel stays, nightlife, events, and sightseeing can enhance travel, increase awareness of LGBT issues and help us become a globally connected family. This article is a re-post from the website and the original post is here . 

After a long battle, same sex marriage was finally legalised in Taiwan on 17 May 2019, and parliament was asked to pass the change within the following week. In this special issue, Taiwan Insight shares the experiences of those who witnessed this historical moment and looks at some of the driving forces that led to this momentous breakthrough.

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While Taiwan is not as popular of a tourist destination as its Asian neighbors, it is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Asia. Taiwan was put on the map for many LGBTQ+ travelers on International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019, when it became Asia’s first country to legalize same-sex marriage. It has never had laws against homosexuality, and is one of the few countries in Asia that has anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender characteristics. In addition, Taiwan is the world’s first country to have a gender-diverse minister.

Besides a welcoming attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community, Taiwan offers so much more. It’s an interesting country in many ways, especially as it isn’t always recognized as independent. There are two Chinas: the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC). The former is commonly known as (mainland) China, the latter as Taiwan. Therefore Taiwan’s sovereignty isn’t always recognized, making Taiwan a province of China. Taiwan couldn’t be more different from mainland China. While they do share a language (Mandarin), the people are more like their former colonizers: Japanese. Like Japanese culture, Taiwanese culture is about being polite and considerate of others. Yet there are still many Chinese celebrations and traditions embedded in Taiwanese culture like Lunar New Year.

It’s a rapidly evolving country and is quickly growing to be amongst the richest in the world. The fast trains and architectural wonders like the Taipei 101 amaze every traveler visiting Taiwan—and the speed of the trains makes it possible to cover a lot of Taiwan in one holiday. The island of Taiwan isn’t that big; it’s about three times smaller than New York State.

Why Visit & When to Go?

Taiwan is a great destination for all kinds of travelers, because it has it all; its geographic diversity ranges from mountain peaks of over 9,840 ft. (3,000 m) to beaches at sea level. Because it’s a small island, you can travel from mountains to beaches in less than two hours. Besides nature, Taiwan is also a great destination for travelers that are more interested in culture and cities. While the east coast is great for nature lovers, the west coast is perfect for city trippers.

Taiwan knows a tropical climate: hot and wet in summer, mild and dry in winter. The best time to visit Taiwan is in spring (April–June) and fall (September-November), because of the pleasant weather. Typhoon season runs from June to October, the hottest and wettest months. From November to March you avoid monsoons and typhoon season, and you’ll experience mild winter and the cheaper prices of low season.

Interesting Cities to Visit in Taiwan

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and is home to Asia’s second-biggest Pride celebration: Taipei Pride. In 2018 an  estimated 130,000 people marched  through the streets of Taipei. The capital city is located in the northern part of the island. Taipei has the nickname ‘San Francisco of the East’ for its welcoming character. Ximending is the area to hang out, as it’s the gayborhood. You’ll find many gay bars at the square behind The Red House, and the area of ShiDa night market is the go-to place for lesbians.

NEW TAIPEI CITY

Formerly Taipei County, New Taipei City feels less like a city. It’s the surrounding area of Taipei and has its own mayor. Popular places to visit in New Taipei City are:

• Shifen: home to Shifen waterfall and where Taiwanese celebrate the annual Pingxi lantern festival.
• Houtong Cat village: on the Pingxi train line, you can stop by Houtong. This village is home to many (hundreds!) cats, which is where it got its nickname.
• Jiufen: a small mountain village once built by the Japanese, with Jiufen Old Street as the most popular attraction.

Taiwan’s third-largest city doesn’t have a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene like Taipei but still offers a lot for LGBTQ+ travelers. This city has one special highlight: a rainbow village! Veteran Huang Yung-Fu painted this small village in all colors of the rainbow. This was his way of protecting his home, which was about to be demolished by the government. Huang, also known as “rainbow grandpa,” started painting in 2008, at age 86, and hasn’t stopped since. You can still meet him when you visit; he says he will paint even when  he’s 100 years old

Experiencing Taiwanese Food

Taiwanese cuisine knows many influences from Japanese and Chinese cuisine and many from specific (southern) Chinese regions. One of Taiwan’s specialties is soup dumpling, Xiao Long Bao. These aren’t just dumplings, because their skin is really thin and filled with tasty broth and meat, fish and/or vegetables. The original Xiao Long Bao comes from Shanghai, but the Taiwanese have perfected the recipe. The top restaurant to eat the best soup dumplings is Din Tai Fung. The original restaurant is located on Xinyi Road in Taipei. Another dish you must try is Taiwanese beef noodle soup! If you like eating street food, stinky tofu is a must-try. It’s a strong-smelling fermented tofu, which you can find in night markets or food stalls on the streets. Another world-famous thing you can’t miss in Taiwan: bubble tea. Since its invention in the 1980s, it has become increasingly popular and you can now find it all over the world. It’s a tea-based drink with milk, sugar (optional) and chewy tapioca pearls.  

Tips and Safety Considerations for LGBTQ+ Visitors to Taiwan

As an LGBTQ+ traveller, you will feel very welcome in Taiwan. It’s one of the most progressive countries in Asia for LGBTQ+ people both in legislation as in public opinion. Like all countries around the world, the older and more traditional generation  still struggles to understand the LGBTQ+ community . And over the last years, leading up to same-sex marriage legalization, more radical right-wing religious groups became active. Nevertheless, anti-gay violence is rare in Taiwan and  LGBTQ+ locals feel comfortable living out and proud . On the streets, you will notice Taiwanese, in general, rarely show public displays of affection. Relationships are considered ‘private’ in traditional Taiwanese culture, but the younger generation likes living more openly. Especially in the bigger cities, you can find same-sex couples walking hand in hand.  

LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Taiwan

For the best LGBTQ+ scene, Taipei is the best city, but there are smaller LGBTQ+ scenes in other cities too. There are a few LGBTQ+ events that are worth planning a trip to Taiwan for:

• Taiwan Pride is the biggest gay Pride in Asia, behind Tel Aviv, Israel. This Pride has been celebrated annually since 2003 and takes place in October.
• Kaohsiung Gay Pride Parade is another, smaller, gay pride held yearly in the city of Kaohsiung.
• Taiwan International Queer Film Festival (TIQFF) is the only LGBTQ+ film festival in Asia. The festival takes place each fall, across the cities of Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung.  

We’re Roxanne and Maartje, a Dutch lesbian travel couple, traveling all over the world since March 2017. The first continent we conquered stole our hearts, which is why we’ve spent most of our time traveling through Asia. We don’t shy away from non-LGBTQ+ friendly countries but also celebrate places where we can truly be ourselves. Our biggest belief is that travel is for everyone and we’re determined to showcase the magic the world has to offer. By creating our own story, our own fairy tale, we inspire other LGBTQ+ travelers to do the same. And besides writing about just travel, the ladies also write about lesbian lifestyle topics, including  lesbian movies  and more.

Read our  LGBTQ+ travel blog See our travel photography on Instagram  @onceuponajrny Watch our travel adventures on  Youtube-channel

Featured image by  @onceuponajrny

Rumput Mati Cepat

Gay Taichung, Taiwan | The Main LGBT Travel Guide!

Overshadowed in almost every admiration by Taipei during the north, Gay Taichung – the 3rd biggest area in Taiwan – provides limited but fun LGBT scene though most travelers go to for your pure variety of cultural attractions, funky places and walking for the nearby hills.

A whole lot an under-the-radar gay visitor destination Taichung comes with a vibrant arts world, amazing meals options, friendly residents, and lower rates than Taipei (60 minutes north via Fast Practice ), Tainan and Kaohsiung .

LGBT recognition in Taichung is fairly large, and Taiwan is actually well-known as the most gay-friendly invest Asia, so you are unlikely to own any issues in terms of public showcases of affection or discrimination.

The Taiwanese are some of the best, friendliest people in the whole planet and during all of our whole amount of time in Gay Taiwan couldn’t experience any such thing except cozy welcomes – a fantastic modification after visiting Shanghai and Hanoi.

Gay existence in Taichung is relatively normalized, and discover loads of more youthful homosexual partners wandering the road, or acquiring cozy over cocktails – although you will quickly notice the society of Taiwan isn’t huge on general public exhibits of affection: straight or homosexual.

Alongside varied homosexual night life options, Taichung’s gay world even offers upwards many different cultural occasions, the most significant which may be the Taichung Gay Pride, held every year in December. While Taichung might still be somewhat traditional when compared to Taipei, homosexual tourists can feel totally comfortable inside liberal society and generally are very unlikely enjoy any issues anyway.

In this post we will cover…

Attractions in Taichung

Obviously, being homosexual cannot determine which attractions the majority of us should see in each city, and the majority of queer travelers only will would you like to browse the leading points to see in Taichung every day!

There is certainly so much to accomplish here – but we found the most popular recollections had been wandering across the nearby mountains, making use of the area’s considerable bicycle lanes (while promptly obtaining missing) and wandering the radiant night areas.

One of the best tips we could offer you for exploring Gay Taichung is always to pre-order a vacation SIM credit for simple airport collection and activation the minute you appear, so you will not spend a fortune in intercontinental roaming costs.

Get restaurants suggestion and bookings throughout the fly, public transport instructions up-to-the-minute, bar opening hours and, when it is your thing – accessibility gay hook-up software for more information towards regional world.

Mobile phone data is fast, inexpensive and available almost everywhere in Asia, so it is no wonder most tourists decide to remain connected to get off the beaten track (without ever before worrying about getting lost). Why wait? Pre-order best local SIM card now to possess it available in Taiwan when you appear.

Nevertheless – it helps for some sort of idea of what is happening, very listed below are all of our must-see tourist attractions in Taichung you absolutely not overlook! If you get missing along the way, you can reference our very own gay Taichung map by the end.

Rainbow Village

Perhaps one of the most shocking shows of Taichung, this colourful village, could be the lovechild of a visionary, old experienced soldier. Built quickly to accommodate KMT troops after showing up from mainland, this passing away town is currently covered in most their radiant and hand-painted pets, dolls, airplanes and mange characters. Needless to say, the town does quite nicely today!

Fengjia Evening Market

Wander is the best evening industry in Taichung, where from ripple tea to stinky tofu can be acquired to use. The atmosphere is actually quintessential Taiwanese and oh-so-photogenic.

Nationwide Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

An expansive art gallery with an extensive assortment of Taiwanese artwork and a forward thinking sculpture yard that is excellent for discovering on a bright and sunny time.

Maple Outdoors

The tranquil metropolitan playground is ideal for relaxing through the weekdays or people-watching throughout the vacations.

Coated Animation Lane

An enjoyable town lane filled with street artwork portraying anime and famous Taiwanese cartoons.

CMP Block Museum of Arts

a contemporary artwork museum with fun backyard sculptures and revolving displays. Or simply go out inside the uber-hipster cafe.

Conventional Taiwanese Preparing Course

Pattern around town, picking up the freshest local elements from neighborhood vendors before proceeding back for a master class addressing three conventional Taiwanese meals.

Tangyue Hotel Community Hot Spring Salon

City existence is hard, so why not just take every single day out and relax in relaxing spring h2o enclosed by soaring hills, and rich jungle and breathe fresh, clean air?

Sanyi Material Sculpture Museum

Browse this amazing art gallery centered on the Taiwanese history of timber sculpture, which started when you look at the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Wood Carving Workshop

Discover how to expertly carve lumber tableware within the pleasant 80-year-old carpentry shop based in central Taichung.

Taichung When The Sun Goes Down

A fun strolling concert tour is taking in the very best of this powerful town after dark. Explore fun discos, notice ghost stories, and determine all the leading websites with this city in a totally new-light.

Scuba Diving Taichung

Jump into a strange, recreated shipwreck during the deepest scuba diving share in Asia…all inside the center of area.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Go to one of Taiwan’s preferred amusement parks with magnificent views, enjoyable trips, peaceful charm and also the famous Aboriginal Cherry Blossom Festival presented yearly in February.

Lukang Old City

Stroll through the old road with this ancient town merely away from Taichung with standard design, arched entrances, and red-brick wall space, + a lovely art village.

Paragliding

Visit the skies with an unforgettable paragliding flight over Nantou simply out-of-town. Under the advice of specialist paragliding trainers, definitely!

Taiwan’s Natural Splendor

Hire an automobile and take a tour observe several of the most magnificent natural features of Taiwan contained in this 9-hour schedule. Features through the Xitou Monster Village, Sun hyperlink water Park therefore the mysterious Lotus woodland.

Sun Moon Lake

Roam many scenic pond in Taiwan; get a surreal vessel experience and check out the historic Wenwu Temple.

Taichung LGBTIA Pride Parade

A yearly pleasure parade which said to be the second largest in Asia takes place in December. Beginning in  Taichung individuals Park, it creates a loop through the urban area and comes back into the park for speeches and activities. Now that homosexual relationship is appropriate in Taiwan, there’s an increased concentrate on transgender , bisexual, asexual and pansexual men and women.

Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Taichung

As Taiwan is the most progressive and gay-friendly country in Asia, pretty much every lodge in Taichung can be considered gay-friendly, and not one of one’s readers will probably enjoy any problems here. Most likely, being gay-friendly is not exactly about upscale deluxe, but about offering friendly solution and pleasant everyone with open arms!

However, everybody else loves to end up being in the middle of people who have usual interests, and as such, there are a few prominent resorts in Taichung that are recognized hot areas for gay tourists to remain – either because of their area near homosexual groups and spa in Taichung, or just courtesy their own fantastic style and friendly employees.

This amazing motels in Gay Taichung are merely the most popular with homosexual tourists – but you will find a huge selection of various other hotels in Taichung if you don’t find very what you are actually interested in.

Whether you need a fun and social hostel, an inexpensive place to crash after per night of partying or a trendy fashion designer option to drink cocktails and surround your self with fantastic men and women  – Gay Taichung features anything for everyone!

Millennium Resort Taichung â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Popular high-rise hotel for visitors that happen to be right here to your workplace plus don’t want any amazed. Smooth areas, large insures, time day spa, sauna and the finest backyard swimming pool in town!

Inhouse Hotel Large â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A gay-popular luxury hotel in the heart of Taichung. Understated charm, super-relaxing comforts and all sorts of the amenities you would expect from a hotel of your caliber.

1969 Blue-sky Resort â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

a stylish, vintage-inspired lodge that contributes just a bit of the roaring 1920s to modern-day Taichung. Retro details are plentiful, but fortunately you will find airy rooms and a Nespresso device, so that the modern world is certainly not entirely forgotten about. Some areas have actually spectacular town opinions, as there are a funky lobby and visitor lounge with a great jukebox.

Moving Star Resort ☆☆☆☆

A great innovative resort with robots on appearance and an enjoyable space-age layout. We usually love hotels which can be equally as much of an attraction once the town, so rolling celebrity Hotel fits the balance perfectly. Brand-new areas and a hotel that basically cares concerning tiny touches.

Green Resort â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Another fantastic themed resort, this time using notion of environmentally friendly to its intense. Gorgeous environmentally friendly attributes tend to be hidden every-where you can imagine (such as some lightbulb showcases), and it also feels just like residing in an ecological utopia. Three delicious morning meal options, friendly and supporting staff members and an area near all of the artwork galleries.

Taichung Box Design Resorts ☆☆☆

a stylish resort with a combination of inexpensive personal areas and comfy dorms, indicating you’ll be able to regularly satisfy other tourists right here. Great area when you look at the heavy of everything, and a tasty evening market waits just around the corner.

The Sun’s Rays Hot Spring & Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Whether your hiring a car or never mind a little bit of trains and buses, this really is an entirely unique stay and perfect for soothing a la mode. Today’s hot spring season resort located inside beautiful Dakeng area merely out of Taichung town.

We loved the polished wood floors, pioneering design, in-room hot tubs causing all of the clothing-optional hot spring season baths. Chill out and charge into the serene escape.

Reddot Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†

The most costly ‘budget stay’ in Taichung, but we believe it is really worth the little bit extra because fun resort attributes a 2-floor-high pipe slip, solid wood flooring, cool artwork and plenty of instagrammable locations. Ultra-clean, helpful personnel and no-cost bicycles to make use of to understand more about the city. Probably the most enjoyable we now have got in a hotel in quite a long time!

Kiwi Express Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†

Trendy, affordable, and cool hotel with a few with the lowest rates in central Taichung for a private place. There is no idea just what it has to do with a Kiwi (and view no similarity to Gay Auckland), but it is extremely clean, comfortable, stylish and also a reasonable day-to-day breakfast add-on.

Backpacker 41 Hostel â˜†â˜†

A very-popular hostel with rave reviews only some mins stroll from Taichung Stop . Industrial loft-style, I encourage staying here if you should be on a budget, taking a trip solo or simply want to make friends to understand more about the Taichung nightlife with.

In addition they hold standard occasions making it even easier to satisfy folks from all over the world. You might also decide to try the Unicorn Hostel , though sadly, not a gay hostel while we had wished!

Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Taichung

Like the urban area alone, the gay nightlife scene in Taichung flies underneath the radar and is often overshadowed by Gay Taipei or Gay Hong Kong – in case you know where to search, rest easy there are numerous intriguing gay and gay-friendly bars in Taichung!

Depending on your own feeling, available such a thing here, from a comfortable cocktail in an upscale club to an all-night party rave enclosed by your queer family members!

In the past gay activities in Taichung used to occur, but stream seemingly have ceased since very early 2017, therefore it will pay to ask around whenever you arrive (age.g., sign in Grindr). At the moment, however, they are the hottest night life places, gay bars and homosexual clubs in Taichung for people and locals.

The primary homosexual bar in Taichung with sensuous go-go performers, drag shows, karaoke and a popping dancing flooring regarding vacations.

Seriously muscle is found on screen here, basically fairly unusual in Gay Asia, with enjoyable activities presented all through the year, such as jelly wrestling, remove demonstrates and more. The biggest market of Gay Taichung and not as missed.

No Boundary

a homosexual cafe in Taichung is hetero-friendly. A great place to begin the evening, appreciate lunch or fulfill other residents during the Taichung LGBT society. Have a look at their particular rainbow cocktails or Glamazonian toast!

Maunto Yoshino

Tiny but fun gay / gay-popular karaoke bar with a dedicated utilizing.

1st Floor Taichung

A favorite homosexual drink club frequented by a more youthful crowd with a sort staff. Karaoke and all-you-can-drink Fridays

Funway Tbar

a cool bar popular with regional lesbians. Inexpensive beverages, a small dance floor, and fun shows.

Newly exposed gay hangouts aspiring to boost the presence associated with local community. Fun cocktails, tasty food and super-friendly personnel (also by Taiwan’s high expectations). Identify the Pink Union Jack outside.

3 Giants Brewing Organization

Not a gay club, but extremely popular with ex-pats. Get away from the crowds of people and unwind using these signature drinks and ales in a laid-back gastro-pub ecosystem.

Moonight lounge @ Millennium Resort

Finest views in the urban area, delicious cocktails, and sophisticated environments.

Experience Lounge Club

a funky brilliant club placing where A-listers into the Taichung social world go to an event the evening out. Plenty of homosexual natives are right here, but more straightforward to bring your staff to you and merely benefit from the moving environment.

Tall Seas Gong Tall

An area student/hipster hangs completely with an ex-pat following. Costs are reasonable, and there’s usually something taking place right here, so it is the right place to make brand new pals.

Man Therapeutic Massage and Gay Spas in Taichung

Never value the places or just need benefit from high-quality homosexual spas in Taichung? Subsequently you will want to get a sensual male massage therapy in Taichung – there are lots of options!

Listed below are all of our recommended homosexual spas in Taichung and male massage therapy Taichung choices (though there are numerous various other homosexual massage locations in Taichung, we’ve got heard mixed evaluations regarding the rest!).

Taichung King Male Massage

Expert and highly qualified masseurs been trained in old-fashioned Thai fragrance oil massage therapy and base massage treatments. All team communicate English and in addition provide solutions in Taipei and Hsinchu.

(briefly or forever shut. If you know some thing, kindly suggest an edit.)

Gay male massage services from sexy kids tend to be notably competed in traditional oil and full-body massage treatments. Since Golden Map salon has stopped being functioning, TT salon is now a lot more common.

Cookie Gay Salon

An abundance of precious guys providing different male massages in Taichung according to their own accessibility. Offering Chinese Shiatsu, Oil Relaxation, and Body to system massage solutions.

Goldmine928 Massage Center Taichung

Among the best massage and spa facilities in Taichung. The current manufacturing design helps make this massage center feel like a cross between a health nightclub and a museum. Large floor-to-ceiling glass wall surface design with yard opinions make you feel totally calm.

Their particular viewpoint focussed on pedicures and base massage treatments, even so they also offer complete body, acupuncture, and back-scraping.

The Mandara Rub @ Tempus Hotel

The closest you get to a Western-style therapeutic massage is Taichung. Downright high-quality with costs to fit. Offering base, complete human anatomy, and oil massages.

Gay Saunas in Taichung

Had an adequate amount of gay cruising in Taichung – in a choice of the bars or elsewhere?

For individuals who wish a little more assured motion, discover today singular gay sauna in Taichung, it will get fairly hectic. Foreigners need no issues visiting any Taichung gay spa but be cautioned we know research that more mature, hairy or chubbier men will most likely not get a lot activity.

Adam Sauna (亞當三溫暖)

Old and worn out, but it is going to do in a-pinch. More pricey with activity compared to the homosexual saunas in Taipei, even so they’re however always some one right here having fun with. It absolutely was popular with the match, younger guys it is today the outdated bathhouse left around, so it’s a mixed web page. Steam room, TV / XXX lounge, network and dark places with a play zone.

This gay spa in Taichung is a bit difficult to get; seek the major white neon sign-board and complement the Chinese characters/phone wide variety (+886 4 2220 1069). The target is actually proper on our very own gay Taichung Map – No. 2號, Lane 19, part 1, Shuangshi path, so you can utilize Google street view prior to going.

Most well known on week-end afternoons but could be busy from 4-6 pm on weekdays.

Honghua Palace Sauna is now once and for all closed.

Gay Map Of Taichung

Discovering it hard to envisage in which all things are in Taichung? Ideally, this queer-centric chart assists in which we have designated most of the taverns, groups, events, hotels, saunas, massage treatments and more will help you to stay static in the location suitable for your requirements!

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8 Fabulously Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels In Taipei To Try On Your Next Gaycation!

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2023

Categories Gay Accomodation , Taiwan

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

While Taipei is mainly famous for its status as the heart and soul of Taiwan’s economic and political sectors, the city is also essential to the culture of its country and region – serving as a beacon of local and international tastes mixed together into something truly wonderful. This colorful and bright open-mindedness has brought Taipei to the world stage as one of Asia’s most queer-friendly cities and certainly one of its most interesting places to visit. 

Regardless of whether they are specifically angled toward queer travelers, Taipei’s historical and public landmarks are just as engaging and interesting as they are beautiful and unique.

Activities such as visiting the city’s temples, palaces, and memorials or taking a day tour through the nearby and surrounding nature are top hits with people of all ages, meaning that even the most party-focused of holidayers will be able to soak in and enjoy the individual energy of the city and the distinctness of its different districts and business regions. 

On top of its items of general appeal, Taipei has a strong and lasting relationship with the gay community, including having housed Asia’s first queer rights organization Tongzhi Hotline since 1998.

The city continues to strengthen its ties with its LGBTQ+ residents and the international scene to this day, thanks to its yearly Taiwan Pride march, which has been established since 2007 and has constantly grown in numbers and success ever since.

The main queer districts in Taipei are the Ximen and Zhongshan areas, and it is here that visitors to the city are most likely to find gay clubs, bars, and other establishments as they explore the streets, but one needn’t confine themselves to these districts to have a wonderful, queer time.

LGBTQ+ communities and hotspots of gay social activity can be found throughout the city, especially at night and in its colorful downtown in general. 

We’re sure you understand just how much of a naturally excellent queer travel destination Taipei is by now, but there is a lot more to the city than simply its specifically queer-labeled locations and establishments.

Although there are some truly amazing queer-centered locations in our world for gay travelers to explore and immerse themselves in, with Taipei being one of them, things that appeal to gay travelers aren’t always necessarily marketed towards them, and therefore we’d like to note that the hotels on this list follow the same logic.

Most of these wonderful hotels have been listed as accommodating and unjudgmental towards queer people in general and highly rated by previous guests and critics.

So, if you’re ready to explore one of East Asia’s more important and most queer-friendly cultural hubs, and if you’re itching for a holiday experience unlike any other thanks to the lively and unique atmosphere of Taiwan’s capital, then get your bags packed and prepare to jet off for the top eight hotels in Taipei!

In this article we will cover...

Hotel Eclat Taipei

Citizenm taipei north gate, gs gay hotel, burgary hotel, inhouse boutique, gay hotel map of taipei.

Although starting this list of wonderful gay hotels in Taipei with a luxurious and centrally four-star location may seem a bit unwelcoming for those looking to travel with a lower budget in mind, the Hotel Eclat Taipei most absolutely justifies its presence here with its firm status and excellent general-appeal location that even holidayers new to international travel will have no trouble checking in and out of.

Everything about this location screams style, convenience, and ease of accessibility. There’s free parking if you arrive in the city by car or if you have a hire vehicle that you’re planning to use to explore the city, there’s free Wi-Fi to keep you up to date with the rest of the world and able to conveniently plan the rest of your trip, and there’s an excellent in-house dining experience to be had at the hotel’s very own Italian Restaurant, the BELLINI CAFFÉ DunNan. 

When it comes to location, visitors to the city planning to visit its queer areas will love to hear that it’s located quite centrally between both of Taipei’s most popular gay districts and that its connection to both is strengthened powerfully by multiple bus stop choices within less than a minute’s walk.

This and everything else about the shiny, well-maintained design of the Hotel Eclat brings it up to par with its regional competitors and certainly to be one of the best hotels on this list.

As we said earlier, the Hotel Eclat’s price tag maybe just be a little higher than is the norm for this list’s hotels in general. Still, the rewards of convenience and international attitude that those extra few numbers bring are priceless. As such, this location is a perfect starter’s hotel to explore Taipei’s gay scene from. 

The Cho Hotel is a true black sheep of an establishment – holding one of the best review ratings in the entire city and a healthy business with the traveling community, but still relatively small and uncrowded. In truth, however, the Cho Hotel’s size says nothing negative about the quality of its services, rooms, and amenities.

This is a gay hotel that comes out surprisingly modern, well-refined, and stylish when one considers how casual and affordable it is as a hotel and as an accommodation springboard into the rich nightlife and the gay community of Taipei. 

Although it doesn’t have any official notes about being queer-friendly on any of its social media or website storefronts, the Cho Hotel most absolutely stands in support of the LGBTQ+ community and has proven it time and time again through outward acts of charity and sympathy.

This location understands its clientele and the district atmosphere it finds itself in very well, and you can trust that your status as a queer person staying here will be anything but a problem.

Comfort and convenience are kings here, and this isn’t just true for the hotel’s common spaces and amenities. The individual rooms of the Cho Hotel are anything but small and provide an uncannily home-like yet still stunning, innovative atmosphere to its respected guests.

Although we’ve focused on its proximity to queer hotspots for now, there’s a lot more to say about the excellent location of the Cho Hotel than just that one factor. The surrounding district that houses the Cho Hotel is famous for its culture and historical sites, and there are important locations nearby, such as the Taipei cinema park, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the city’s highly famous national theatre. 

Rising tall above the heights of the city around it, spreading both a metaphorical and concretely literal atmosphere of confidence, professionalism and welcome out to the surrounding areas, the citizenM Taipei North Gate is a three-star location with quite a good bit of class and style tucked under its belt, with a sterling reputation and a service-ready attitude to go along with it too.

Straightforward and convenient doesn’t have to mean bland, after all, and nothing speaks for a location in a great gay hotel better than the creative effort it puts into its image.

This fine establishment is the perfect option for gay hotels for those who favor a more business-traveler-sequel approach to holidaying and those who like a strong dose of reliability and casual comfort mixed with their exotic affairs abroad. No matter whether that describes you or if you are more adventurous.

However, it cannot be denied that this hotel is a strong pillar of confidence in its accommodation practices and that its location is just as central in gay Taipei as that of the rest of the hotels in this list. 

While a lot of the other hotels on this list set out towards capturing their style and unique brand sense in their own equally unique and successful ways, the CitizenM Taipei is a true trailblazer in a lot of ways, bringing a colorful and queer-friendly approach to inviting both new and returning guests in to enjoy its surroundings and personal in-house offerings.

Some on-paper benefits that the CitizenM holds to its chest include its proximity to public transport and to the Ximen gay district, its private bar and eatery ensemble with plenty of international options, and a large amount of comfortable and luxurious furniture options for its rooms.

Here it is – the first, the greatest, and the most stylish gay-specific hotel in the entirety of Taipei! This statement may appear to hold little water thanks to the fact that it is also the first and the only solely queer-catering place of accommodation in the city, but we promise that the GS Gay Hotel delivers upon every bit of the glamorous, socially-connected statement that it makes through lip service. This isn’t just a gay hotel in name, but a part of gay Taipei’s heart.

The rooms of the GS Gay Hotel are soundproofed, designed to a relatively top-tier level of modernity, and – surprisingly enough when one considers the nature of many single-niche hotels – not at all at a level that makes guests feel like they were forced to sacrifice maintenance and quality in favor of queer-centric care.

There’s no need to dig too deep in your wallet for this one, as the individual suites at the GS Gay Hotel are as filled to the brim with good value and incredibly affordable ratios between size, convenience, services, and price as they are private and cozy. 

Although the GS Gay Hotel is located closer to the second queer district in Taipei that we mentioned at the beginning of this list – Zhongshan than to the Ximen neighborhood that we’ve been discussing for the vast majority of the other locations, this in no way presents a disadvantage for the establishment’s guests, and instead gives them with an entirely new world of opportunities and the same degree of connectedness.

Distances between different areas of the city are covered with little difficulty thanks to its excellent public transport system, and that’s without mentioning the amount of time one can spend exploring even the most relatively mundane section of the city. 

If modern services and amenities with a mix of a more traditional and contemporary atmosphere sound appealing, then this is the perfect location for you to kick up your feet and not have to worry about anything except enjoying your time in Taipei and amongst its lively queer community.

The practicality and the excellence of the Burgary Hotel are multiplied tenfold by the incredibly respectable comparison between its asking price and quality, and as such – just as was true for the GS Gay Hotel before it – previous guests seem unable to give anything but their strongest recommendations to this location.

Without money as a worry, one can truly relax and immerse themselves in the innate queerness of the nearby atmosphere and nightlife, and if that isn’t a killer factor in the making of a great gay hotel, then what is?

The Burgary Hotel feels a lot more Scandinavian than Asian in many ways and is a little more separated from the center of the Ximen gay district than the rest of the hotels on this list. This isn’t a worry, however, as Taipei is more than interesting enough to make every corner worth visiting, and there’s no better platform for exploring it than a reputable, comfortable, and stylish queer place of accommodation like the Burgary Hotel.

Besides, the direction that the Burgary Hotel drifts away in brings it marginally closer to the Tamsui River between the new and old parts of Taipei, one of the most important parts of the city and an integral center for its cultural sites.

Some important on-paper benefits of staying at the Burgary Hotel include its daily free breakfast for guests, its free Wi-Fi and concierge services, and – of course – its excellent views out over the Taiwanese capital.

Inn locations are generally regarded as being somewhat low down on the shelves of accommodation, but this couldn’t be more of an unfair way to begin your impression of the honestly quite charming Energy Inn.

Although it is one of the cheapest and most no-nonsense locations on this list, the Energy Inn does anything but a sloppy job at providing accommodation to its respected guests – instead, going above and beyond at just about every turn to make sure that everyone who walks through its doors experiences a unique blend of hospitality and every shred of convenience that they could need in navigating the streets of Taipei.

The Energy Inn is just as centrally located amongst the Ximen queer district as the vast majority of the hotels on this list, which gives it just about every benefit that we’ve mentioned for those locations district- and surroundings-wise for a much lower price. Money saved for your nights out on the town and perhaps towards making your trip just that little bit longer and more enjoyable!

If the positivity of our opinion here doesn’t succeed in convincing you of the merits this location offers, however, you need only check its review rating from previous customers online.

Guests of the past with all creeds and callings have found it to be an absolute haven of respectable and comfortable accommodation, and LGBTQ+ community blogs all across the internet agree that it is just as welcoming towards and accepting of queer crowds as the more explicitly gay-catering establishments that we’ve shared.

There’s free breakfast every morning for the Energy Inn’s guests, self-made dining options galore thanks to its in-house kitchenette and cooking appliances, and – most importantly – large, convenient, and private rooms for a perfect stay.

Now this retro café-hotel blend is a location that truly screams modern-Asian fusion! The Inhouse Boutique doesn’t just focus on being quaint and quiet but, instead, also delivers upon just about all the important factors of up-to-date accommodation, bringing itself right up to contend with a quite high tier of nearby establishments.

Although the in-house may not be as outwardly luxurious or exquisite as the rest of the hotels on this list, it nonetheless serves as a perfect fit thanks to its low rates and the no-frills nature of its accommodation and public amenities. Even though the rest of this hotel’s aspects fail to disappoint in any way, the in-house Boutique’s true strongest suit only shows its face regarding location.

The In-house Boutique is located only one or two minutes walk away from the heart and center of the city’s gay neighborhood, and as such, a room at this hotel is well positioned to serve as a priceless advantage for those looking to truly experience gay Taipei.

The Ximen district is also home to a wide range of cultural sites and general-appeal hangout spots, so if you’re interested in socializing, testing new food, or visiting tourist destinations, you will be amazed by the number of opportunities open to you here.

To summarize everything above, convenient, inexpensive, centrally located, and no-nonsense are all taglines of the in-house Boutique, and you can expect even those strong base points to be over-delivered upon while staying here.

The breakfast at the in-house Boutique is also well-rated, with reviews praising the focus and expertise placed into and upon the hotel’s in-house food offerings and drinks, and the individual rooms of the hotel are far larger than one might expect and spotlessly clean. 

We needn’t go any further than the name of this hotel to establish just how excellent it will be. W Hotels always provide a home run when it comes to delivering an amazing queer accommodation experience wherever they set up shop, and the franchise’s Taipei location is far from an exception to this rule.

Although it may seem a little late to factor in this list’s very first five-star, truly top-shelf location, our focus so far has been on exploring the truly unique and queer-catering options that Taipei has on offer, and thus it’s only due to the strength of its franchise’s behavior towards the queer community and its excellent location in the gay-centric Xinyi district that the W Taipei finds a place here. 

The W Taipei isn’t just officially LGBTQ+ friendly, either. It also has an official queer-accepting mission statement and a truly impressive history of doing the right thing when it matters to help a wide range of local gay spaces.

Other contributing factors towards its sky-high public score include its excellent rooms and wide common areas – the likes of which are exquisite and designed to absolute modern perfection – its free parking on site for those looking to travel the city by car, and – perhaps most importantly for those looking for real relaxation – its in-house spa center.

If relaxing in pools and getting massages isn’t your thing, however, and if you’d rather spend your time in Taipei exploring the queer heart of the city, then you’ll be very glad to know that this hotel is both extremely well connected to the local public transport system and the gay quarter itself. With that said, no matter where you’re looking, W Taipei has the position and services to get you there without fuss.

Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to Taipei? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.

And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are fabulous; they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in Taipei! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in Taipei.

Gay Travel Directory. Best LGBTQ+ welcoming hotels.

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GAY AND LESBIAN HOTELS IN Taiwan

The Taiwan’s attitude towards gays and lesbians is among the most progressive in Asia. There is no sodomy law to penalize homosexuality. Marriage or other forms of legal partnership are not available to same-sex partners. Taipei is a great city for LGBTQ+ visitors for nightlife.

GAY & LESBIAN FRIENDLY HOTELS IN Taiwan

The travel blog tips, ideas and inspiration.

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Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Relationships

Posted on December 18, 2023 December 18, 2023

Pope Francis has taken a significant step in his efforts to foster a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ Catholics within the Roman Catholic Church.

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The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Beach Holidays in Europe

Posted on October 2, 2023 September 12, 2023

Forget the culture and history. Forgo culinary delights. The real reason to visit Europe is its stunning beaches. From the glamour of Cannes to the rugged terrain of the UK’s cliffs, our guide to LGBTQ+ friendly beach holidays will help you plan your next sunny vacation.

Taiwan Gay Pride 2024

Taiwan Gay Pride is biggest Gay event in Taipei more the 80,000 people attending the 4 day event from around the world.

Event Dates

From: Thursday, October 24, 2024 To: Sunday, October 27, 2024

The Parade is on Sat 26th, 2024 

Key Highlights

• Amazing City
• 20 Gay Bars
• Circuit Parties
• The Main Parade
• Post-Parade After Party

Plan Ahead!

Taipei Gay Pride fills the city hotels To get the best deal and save up to 70% Book your hotel early!

An open and proud Taipei hosts Taiwan Pride in October 2024

The biggest Gay event in Taiwan is Taipei Gay Pride with more the 200,000 people attending the 4 day event from around the world. The Gay parade takes place on the last Saturday in October and is the highlight of the event. Pride celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2024. Taipei  fills up with visitors from across Asia and beyond for Pride. Book your hotel early as the city sells out well in advance. Try the Citizen M hotel for an ultra modern stay in one of the world’s most ultra modern cities. Taipei Pride Parade 2024 Sat 26th Oct, 2024 The Parade starts from the town hall , then moves through the streets of Taipei, ending up back where it started where you will find the main stage and many stalls  highlighting the gay charities and organisations supported by the Pride. The following routes are the ones that typically take place. We are awaiting updated for the 2023 route. Two groups of participants will set off at 2 p.m. from Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office. North Route : Taipei City Hall → Renai Road → Dunhua South Road → Zhongxiao East Road → Yixian Road → Taipei City Hall South Route : Taipei City Hall → Ren’ai Road → Guangfu South Road → Xinyi Road → Dunhua South Road → Ren’ai Road → Taipei City Hall Taipei Pride Village and Afterparties Sat 26th Oct 2024 The official gay pride village is open during the weekend of the pride festivities and features a stage with live shows and performances throughout the day and a big post-parade party that lasts well into the late evening. The pride village is located in front of the Town Hall. Awaiting confirmation. Taipei Pride Circuit Parties October 25th to 27th, 2024 – Formosa Rainbow Music Festival hosts a weekend of spectacular circuit events with international guest DJs and hot GoGos at Zepp, New Taipei. Gay Taipei Check out our insider gay guide to Taipei , with the latest bars, clubs, parties and events. Taipei is one of Asia’s best kept secrets; there is always something to do; shopping in some of the world’s biggest designer filled shopping malls; night street markets offering everything from exotic fruits to the latest fashion and the not-to-be-missed 101 Tower – the tallest building in Taiwan offering a bird’s eye view of city and surrounding mountings of Taipei. Culture Vultures have an endless choice of things to do, from hot springs to museums, places to Buddha temples . When it comes to eating out there are hundreds of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Taipei has a vibrant and fun gay scene offering something for everyone, with over 20 gay bars in the Red House district and 3 gay clubs, not to mention the big parties being held over the pride weekend. Saturday night at the W hotel is one of the highlights of the weekend, especially as it coincides with the Halloween festivities. Stay in the trendy Ximending district , home to the city’s best gay bars and nightlife. Recommended  Hotels in Taipei If you want to be in the heart of the gay area then stay close to the Red House entertainment complex and Ximan. Hotels here are cheap and cheerful.  Book early  as they tend to fill very fast! The following Taipei Hotels are close to the city’s top attractions and a short ride to the gay bars and clubs: The Tango Hotel ,    The Okura Hotel ,    Ximen Airline Hotel ,    CityInn Hotel

Recommended Hotels

Where to stay close to all the gay bars  Our top 4 selections with the best rates .

Where we stay!

W Hotel in Taipei  is one of the most best hotels in Asia and our preferred hotel

More on Taipei

For further information and advice on Gay Taipei, check out  The Website

Gay Map of Taipei

Taipei’s main gay district is located in the Red House District, a large outdoor complex featuring shops, bars and restaurants.

10 Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 5 Xinyi District, Xinyi, 110 Taipei

Artistic and chic, the luxurious W Taipei enjoys a central location in Xinyi District. Located directly above Uni-UStyle Taipei, it boasts the beautiful WET® outdoor pool, pampering massage at AWAY® Spa and the trendy Woobar.

With stunning views of Taipei 101, surrounding mountains and Taipei City from floor-to-ceiling windows, all stylish rooms feature signature beddings, seating area with sofa or day bed, flat-screen TV, audio system and interior decorations inspired by local elements. 

No. 9 Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491

A heated rooftop pool with sun loungers, panoramic views of Taipei City and modern rooms with free WiFi can be found at The Okura Prestige Taipei. Just 5 minutes' walk from MRT Zhongshan Station (Danshui Line), it also has sauna zone at its spa, 3 dining options and an in-house bar.

All spacious air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a coffee machine, flat-screen TV and minibar. Rooms include a seating area with sofa and en suite bathrooms that come with a hairdryer, bathtub and free toiletries.

No.63, Baoqing Road, Zhongzheng District,, 100 Taipei

City Inn Plus is located at the popular  Ximending  Area, a 5-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station. It offers stylish accommodation free Wi-Fi access. Drinks and coffee are available at the lobby.

Air-conditioned guestrooms feature colourful designs with unique artwork. Each room is equipped with a 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, electric kettle and refrigerator. The private bathroom comes with slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

8F, No.144, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Wanhua District, 108 Taipei

A short 3-minute walk from Ximending shopping area, the stylish Ximen Sky Line Hotel offers modern air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. This design hotel features an airplane theme, and is only 15 minutes' walk from Taipei Main Rail Station.

Rooms at Airline Inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and personal safe. Private bathrooms all come with a shower and hairdryer.

Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony & patio and city views, the apartment includes 1 bedroom, a living room, cable flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a shower.

No. 258, Xining Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

This apartment offers 2 Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms shower, a living room with flat screen TV, a kitchen with cooker, kettle, and refrigerator. A balcony. Free 4G WIFI . Close to all the gay bars and good restaurants

No. 36, Kunming Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony 2 bedroom apartment has a living room with flat screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer, a bathroom with bath and free WiFi

No. 27, Section 1, Chongqing North Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

This 3 bedroom apartment has a living room with flat screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer, a bathroom with shower and free WiFi, Close to all the gay bars and restaurants

No. 11, Lane 160, Section 1, Dunhua South Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Bacio – Italian for kiss. The sexy staff at Bacio will undoubtedly treat you well.Popular with the post-work local gays, the bar plays a mix of pop music and, on weekends, hosts special disco theme nights complete with the hottest Gogos in town. It tends to be the first stop before sexy boys head to Abrazo.

No.12 SongShou Road, Taipei, Taiwan 

Think of it as a dash of whimsy meets sophistication: the bar takes a fun twist, modelled after a carousel, setting the vibes of a grown-up playground. A central stage ensures you get front-row feels to some enthralling dance numbers. Weekends dial up the charm with fabulous drag queens, dashing hunks, and electric dance acts.

2nd Floor, No. 25, Lane 10, Chengdu Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Popular gay bar offering a fun night out

108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Kunming St, 15-2號2樓

 A tourist gay bar! With its spacious counter and stylish seats

B1, No. 15, Lane 138, Linsen North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

Gay bar with karaoke

No. 198, Section 1, Dunhua South Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Abrazo Bistro – The hottest gay bar of the moment in Taipei. Located close to Bacio, this part-bistro, part-club and bar serves excellent cocktails and has a hip yet stylish industrial decor. The basement downstairs turns into a dance club on weekends with guest DJs. It is all very cool, without trying too hard!

3F., No. 2, Ln. 49, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei

Fairy Bar – A regular restaurant and bar that gradually transforms into a Chic cocktail bar with a hip vibe, a gathering place for young and attractive men from 10 pm onwards. Their motto? “It takes balls to be a fairy”. Busy on weekends with a mix of guys in their 20s and 30s. Hosts fun theme nights, including No Pants Day and Fairy Kiki.

  No. 34, Neijiang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108006

Locker Room, just a 2-minute walk from Red House, hosts the Instagram sensation “Wet Room”, a unique shower show with the hottest boys on stage. It’s time to get wet! The venue also organises theme parties, including SM Night and K-Pop marathons.

No. 63, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Gay bar offering Strong drinks. No drink minimum. Cute staffs. Cash only

No. 30, Lane 119, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491

Small gay bar popular with locals

Red House, No. 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd,, Wanhua District, Taipei City

Gay cafe bar with terrace offering food and drink Drag shows every Fri & Sat

Head upstairs later on to  The Secret Garden , one of the few upstairs venues with a DJ each night.

No. 11, Lane 121, Section 1, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei

Fun Gay bar with  Karaoke! This is a hidden gem in Taipei

Red House, No. 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Fun gay bars with terrace mixed ages

Popular gay bar with terrace

2nd Floor, No. 41, Lane 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City

Commander D is one of Taiepi’s most famous bars, known for its intense BDSM scene with different themes each night. Popular nights include Under Armor Day, Dog Night, and Sock Day. And if you are looking to hook up with some hot guys, one highlight not to miss is the famous “darkroom.”

No. 179, Xining South Road, Taipei, Taiwan

SOL Bistro Cafe – A gay restorbar just off the entrance to Red House. Serving delicious pizza and snacks with a great cocktail menu. With a fun, buzzy vibe, Sol is open daily until 1 am.

Gay bar with terrace Popular with a younger crowd

No. 245, Kūnmíng St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Bears Bar serving non alcoholic drinks

Popular Bears Bar with locals and tourist alike

Recommended Hotels in Taipei By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com We have chosen hotels in Taipei that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

The Okura Prestige 5 Star, Luxury

• 5-Star, Heated Rooftop Pool, Panoramic City Views
• Close to the gay district
• Coffee machine, flat-screen TV
• Offers luxurious rooms with a rooftop pool, sauna, dining options, ideal for an upscale Taipei experience

W Taipei 5 Star, Readers Choice

• 5-Star, Views of Taipei 101, Stylish Rooms
• Floor-to-ceiling windows, branded toiletries
• Stunning views of Taipei City, modern fitness equipment, perfect for a trendy and comfortable stay

Just Sleep 4 Star, Great Value

• 4-Star, Renovated in 2019, Comfortable Mattress
• A short walk to the gay bars
• Flat-screen TV, electric kettle
• Newly renovated rooms, convenient luggage storage, 24-hour computer corner, ideal for a value-packed stay

Ximen Airline Hotel 3 Star, Location

• 3-Star, Airplane Theme, Design Hotel
• Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV
• Air-conditioned rooms with airplane theme, 15 minutes from Taipei Main Rail Station, perfect for a unique stay

Video Of Taipei Pride

Taiwan Pride Parade Highlgihts

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene with several gay-friendly neighborhoods and areas. These areas are known for their inclusive atmosphere, LGBTQ+ establishments, and vibrant nightlife.

Ximen | Considered the heart of the LGBTQ+ District

• Ximen has earned a reputation as a hub of LGBTQ+ culture in Taipei.
• One of the focal points of Ximen’s LGBTQ+ scene is the Red House Theater. It’s a place where LGBTQ+-owned businesses, bars, galleries, shops, and cafes are concentrated.
• Throughout the year, Ximen hosts various LGBTQ+ events, including pride celebrations , drag shows, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals.
• Taipei LGBTQ History and Culture Guided Tour

Da’an District

The Tonghua Street Night Market area, in particular, features a concentration of LGBTQ+ bars & venues.

Linsen North Road

Zhongshan District

This district has range of LGBTQ+ establishments, including bars, clubs, & cafes & is known for its trendy vibe

Xinyi District

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The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
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• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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China to resume Taiwan-bound travel for Fujian Province residents

China said it will resume Taiwan-bound travel for residents of Fujian Province in the country's southeast during a meeting on Sunday with the island's opposition lawmakers.

Rao Quan, China's vice culture and tourism minister, made the remarks to Nationalist Party legislators when they met ahead of the May 20 inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing views as a separatist.

The vice minister said Beijing will first restart the travel of Fujian residents to Matsu, a remote group of Taiwan islands, and then allow group tours to other parts of the self-ruled territory after resuming ferry services between Pingtan County of Fujian and Taiwan.

He also told the group led by veteran opposition lawmaker Fu Kun-chi that Beijing welcomes Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland for sightseeing and to see the development and changes there, according to the Chinese ministry.

The mainland has banned individual Chinese tourists, including Fujian residents, from traveling to Taiwan since August 2019 amid a deterioration of cross-strait ties under the rule of the island's government led by the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party starting in 2016.

China's General Administration of Customs also said Sunday it will approve the import of pomelo and other agriculture and fishery products from Taiwan, given that they meet the mainland's quarantine requirements, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

The decision came as Zhao Zenglian, deputy chief of the customs authority, met with the 17-member delegation of the Taiwan opposition party, also known as Kuomintang (KMT).

Fu expressed hope that products from all industries in Taiwan, especially high-quality agriculture and fishery products, can be successfully marketed to the mainland, Xinhua added.

Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has treated the KMT favorably while rejecting talks with the DPP government and denouncing Lai as an independence advocate. In the island's parliament, the opposition party now has the largest number of seats.

On Saturday, the legislators held talks with Wang Huning, who is ranked No. 4 in the ruling Chinese Communist Party's top leadership. In early April, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT in Beijing.

Communist-led China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split in 1949 due to a civil war, with the then-ruling KMT government retreating to Taiwan.

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Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel

FILE - Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, accompanied by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, walk to meet the media after a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington, Oct. 26, 2023. Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences over issues ranging from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting in Beijing China, April 7, 2024. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences. The trip follows Yellen’s visit, a phone call this month between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and a phone call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on issues from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability.

The rivals are at odds on numerous fronts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, Taiwan and the South China Sea , North Korea, Hong Kong, human rights and the detention of American citizens. The United States and China also are battling over trade and commerce issues, with President Joe Biden announcing new tariffs on imports of Chinese steel this past week.

The State Department said Saturday that Blinken, on his second visit to China in less than a year , will travel to Shanghai and Beijing starting Wednesday for three days of meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Talks between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected, although neither side will confirm such a meeting is happening until shortly before it takes place.

The department said in a statement that Blinken would “discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues,” including the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

He will also talk about progress made in “resuming counternarcotics cooperation, military-to-military communication, artificial intelligence, and strengthening people-to-people ties” and will reaffirm how important it is for the U.S. and China to be “responsibly managing competition, even in areas where our two countries disagree,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The trip follows a phone call this month between Biden and Xi in which they pledged to keep high-level contacts open, something they had agreed to last year at a face-to-face summit in California. Since that call, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has visited China and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken by phone with his Chinese counterpart . Meetings at lower levels also have taken place.

Despite those encounters, relations are rocky. The U.S. has recently become more vocal in its calls for China to stop supporting Russia’s military-industrial sector, which Washington says has allowed Moscow to boost weapons production to support the war against Ukraine .

“We see China sharing machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items that have helped Russia rebuild the defense industrial base that sanctions and export controls had done so much to degrade,” Blinken said Friday. “Now, if China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it can’t on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.”

Blinken also has pushed for China to take a more active stance in pressing Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East . He has spoken to his Chinese counterpart several times since the Israel-Hamas war began six months ago as he has sought China’s help in getting Iran to restrain proxy groups it has supported, armed and funded in the region.

That topic has taken on new urgency since direct back-and-forth attacks by Iran and Israel on each other’s soil in the past week.

Also high on the agenda for Blinken will be Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The U.S. has strongly condemned Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary. Successive U.S. administrations have steadily ramped up military support and sales for Taipei, much to the anger of Chinese officials.

In the South China Sea, the U.S. and others have become increasingly concerned by provocative Chinese actions in and around disputed areas. In particular, the U.S. has voiced objections to what it says are Chinese attempts to thwart legitimate activities by others in the waterway, notably the Philippines and Vietnam.

That was a major topic of concern earlier this month when Biden held a three-way summit with the prime minister of Japan and the president of the Philippines.