TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Pride attracted an estimated 130,000 participants on Saturday, with organizers saying this year’s parade sought to address sensitive and divisive topics such as surrogacy and transgender rights.

In an interview with Taiwan News, Simon Tai (戴佑勳), chairperson of the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association (台灣彩虹行動協會), discussed the group’s focus on building understanding within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

TN: What’s your position in the group?

Simon Tai: I’m the chairperson of the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association.

TN: Can you tell me about this year’s theme and discussion topics?

Simon Tai: This year, there’s been heated discussion about “surrogacy” and “gender change without undergoing surgery.” These two issues have been debated over and over online, with strong opinions on both sides. Taiwan still lacks laws governing these areas, and people tend to focus on differences rather than mutual understanding.

TN: You mentioned these topics have been debated for the past two years?

Simon Tai: The debate over transgender rights and women’s rights goes back to 2019. Many people believe that supporting gender identity change without surgery could threaten women’s public spaces. There’s still a long way to go before we have legal protections that balance both sides.

TN: Can you describe the debate over transgender rights?

Simon Tai: Transgender rights are very important. Online, some people use women’s rights as an argument against transgender rights, and that creates conflict. Each side has valid concerns, but we need more education and discussion, because some women do feel unsafe.

TN: Is this an international issue, or specific to Taiwan?

Simon Tai: In recent years, we’ve seen an LGB movement overseas that believes transgender issues should be addressed separately from the rest of the gay rights movement. Since the Trump era, DEI initiatives have weakened, and this “LGB without the T” idea has spread to many communities. Most in Taiwan, however, do not agree with this separation. That’s why our theme this year is “Beyond Links: More than Clicks.”

TN: How are online discussions and chat groups affecting people?

Simon Tai: On Facebook, people write long essays. On Instagram, it’s photos. On Threads or X, messages are short and spread quickly. Because the information is incomplete and moves fast, it easily stirs up debate or misinformation — for example, false claims about transgender people abusing others in public restrooms.

TN: What is the debate around surrogacy?

Simon Tai: Many gay activists support legalizing surrogacy and want the government to regulate it. Currently, surrogacy is illegal in Taiwan. Critics worry it could turn women into “baby-making machines.” Supporters argue that it’s essential for gay men who want families. Without laws or systems in place, the issue divides the LGBTQ+ community, particularly between gay men and lesbians.

TN: Have you seen people’s behavior changing because of social media?

Simon Tai: Yes. Everyone believes they’re right and that the other side is wrong. There’s a lack of real dialogue or empathy. These arguments are dividing the LGBTQ+ community, which should be united.

TN: There was a separate transgender parade yesterday. Can you comment on that?

Simon Tai: The transgender parade focuses on issues such as gender-affirming surgery, legal ID changes, and recognition without surgery. These issues don’t directly affect the rest of the gay community, but we support them. We cannot separate groups within the LGBTQ+ community. Only by standing together can we build a better society.