Taipei became the first Asian city to join Germany-based Rainbow Cities Network earlier this month, spotlighting the metropolis’s position as a regional leader in promoting LGBT rights.
According to Taipei City Government, the inclusion is of particular significance as the city is gearing up for the annual Pride Parade scheduled for Oct. 31.
The step is a recognition of TCG policies in recent decades, the agency said, adding that it will enhance Taipei’s global image as a diverse and inclusive city.
As the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019, Taiwan has come a long way in creating a nondiscriminatory environment that protects the rights of the LGBT community, TCG said.
The local government said it has been making a concentrated effort to address LGBT issues since 2000, passing measures such as the action plan for creating an LGBT-friendly environment in Taipei.
According to TCG, other supportive actions include creating a platform for policy dialogue between government officials and residents; designing package tours to highlight the city’s LGBT history; providing sensitivity training courses and guidelines for city employees; and setting up a LGBT FAQ website and hotline.
It is hoped that more cities in Asia will be inspired to join the network and work together to strengthen support for their LGBT communities, the local government said.
Originally founded by Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cologne and Turin, the RCN has since expanded to include 33 cities from 17 countries. Through exchanging practices and staging joint activities, the network is dedicated to encouraging municipal authorities to propose policies protecting and supporting LGBT residents, according to the organization. (SFC-E)
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