A group from the Taiwanese Designers in Australia association yesterday represented Taiwan at the Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne.
The march, held in the St. Kilda suburb, is the city’s largest LGBTQIA+ parade and the flagship event of the annual Midsumma Festival. It attracted more than 45,000 spectators who supported the 400 groups and 10,000 marchers that participated this year, the association said.
Taiwanese Designers said they organized a team to march for Taiwan this year, joining politicians, government agencies, professionals and community organizations in showing support for LGBTQIA+ people and diverse communities.
Photo courtesy of a reader
As the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, standing for equality has become an important part of Taiwan’s national image, the association said.
Taiwan’s team showcased shared values of love, freedom and creativity in the march, displaying the nation’s inclusivity to the international community and deepening social exchanges with Australia, it said.
The team also designed rainbow Taiwan tote bags, which were to be handed out to people along the route, showcasing Taiwanese culture and passing on blessings from the nation.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne Director-General Ray Lu (呂明澤) and Vice Director-General Yang Jung-ching (楊容清) marched with the team, saying that Taiwan has long supported diversity, mutual respect and gender equality.
Australian Member of Parliament Monique Ryan also cheered for Taiwan at the parade.
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