Taiwan cancels global LGBT+ event after demand to rename it

Taiwan won last year the organization of WorldPride 2025, an event combining marches and cultural events, is at the forefront of LGBT rights in Asia, with the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019, a first in the region.

(Illustrative image) REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

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A global LGBT+ event was canceled on Friday by Taiwanese officials in protest after global organizers demanded that Taiwan be removed from the event's title.

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The cancellation of WorldPride Taiwan 2025 came after LGTB+ rights NGO InterPride decided to rename the event WorldPride Kaohsiung, after a town in the south of the island that was to host the gathering.

It was too much for the organizers of the demonstration, as was the government of Taiwan, which regretted political interference in the event, the first of its kind in Asia, and which aimed to advance diversity and equality. In the region.

Taiwan is an autonomous democracy, which

China

claims, depriving it of full participation in the international scene and restricting its diplomatic relations.

Taiwan deeply regrets that InterPride, out of political considerations, unilaterally rejected the consensus reached by the two parties and broke a relationship of cooperation and trust

 ," the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded in a statement on Friday.

Not only does the decision disrespect Taiwan's rights and diligent efforts, it also harms Asia's vast LGBTIQ+ community

 ."

InterPride did not respond to solicitations.

Taiwan had won last year the organization of this event combining marches and cultural events.

The island is also among the countries at the forefront of LGBT + rights in Asia, with the

legalization of same-sex marriage

in 2019, a

first in the region

.

WorldPride's Taiwan committee said it made the decision "

 in the best interests of Taiwan's LGBTIQ+ community 

" and said its members would step down from their positions.

► 

To read also: Thailand paves the way for same-sex marriage

(

And with

AFP)

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