Guest Post: Ming, a Taiwanese Voice


 Guest Post:  Ming, a Taiwanese Voice

    In 2019, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.  Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the most LGBT friendly countries on earth.  Having been to Taiwan 7 times myself, I can attest to this fact.  Taiwanese LGBT people do not live in the shadows or exist in a liminal or criminal space as many LGBT persons have to do in other countries.  There is a large queer community in Taiwan, and the biggest Pride Parade in Asia is held annually in Taipei.  LGBTQ discrimination is banned in workplaces and schools. In addition, people can legally change their gender. Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, officially supports the rights of the LGBT people, and she once said she desired that Taiwan become the first country in the Asia to allow same-sex marriage, which it subsequently did. Overall, Taiwan is progressive when it comes to the history and current situation of LGBTQI+ people.

    I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Min Min (the moniker I know him by) for sharing his story, a ray of hope in an often blighted world.  He is a hardworking, talented artist, food photographer, and designer.  You can check him out here, here, and here.   

 

    我覺得我是少數同志群體當中幸運的人了，即使我父母從小表達對於同志的不認同，但在我18歲出櫃之後，他們也用迅速的時間表達對我的支持，他們也見過幾次我的歷任伴侶，可以說同志群體在百分之90的年輕族群當中已經是能被接受的。
    但我也認為這跟你所從事的行業息息相關，像是醫生、律師這類的行業大家還是會希望低調行事，但是像走設計業的我，並不認為同志身份對我的人生及生活帶給我多大影響。
    我從小對自己的狀態感到舒適，即便現在在外與伴侶牽手，也不會感到被歧視或是關注。
    -王明陽

   Translation from Chinese: I think I am one of the lucky few in the gay community. Even though my parents expressed disagreement with gays since I was a child, after I came out at the age of 18, they also took little time to express their support for me. From my previous partners, it can be said that the gay community is already accepted among 90% of young people in Taiwan.  
    However, I also think this is closely related to the industry you work in. In industries like medicine and law, everyone still wants to act low-key, but like me in the design industry, I don’t think that being gay will bring hardship to my life. I don't think that being gay has much influence on my life and life.
    I have been comfortable with my state since I was young, and even if I am holding hands with my partner, I do not feel discriminated against or concerned.
    -Min Min

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