TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Taipei on Saturday to celebrate Taiwan’s Pride parade, one of Asia’s largest annual celebrations of inclusivity.

Participants waved rainbow flags and banners with messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Many donned colorful costumes, with some hailing from other countries in Asia and beyond.

“I am happy to join this kind of parade, especially here in Taiwan, Taipei,” said Jonel Malinao, a Filipino who works in Taiwan. “This is my first ever pride march and celebrating who and what we are.”

Taiwan has built a reputation as one of Asia’s most gender-inclusive places. The island democracy in 2019 was the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after a yearslong campaign by gay rights advocates. Nepal and Thailand followed suit in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

However, the island’s LGBTQ+ community was rattled earlier this month by a police raid at a gay bar in Taipei.…