Taiwan's gay pride parade

A gay's mother, who did not give her name, called on the local authorities to make laws to allow gay marriage as soon as possible.

"Like other parents, I'd also like my son to find a good partner and have a grand wedding ceremony where the two can receive their friends' and relatives' blessings and best wishes. In Taiwan, gays don't have the right to get married yet."

Taiwan pop singer A-Mei, the "rainbow ambassador" for this year's parade, performed at the concert.

Lai Jeng-jer, who opened Taiwan's first gay and lesbian bookstore, Gin Gin's, in 1999, was one of the two master of ceremonies at the gay-pride performances at Kaidagelan Boulevard.

"The parade allows gay people to get together and have their voice heard. It shows society there are many LGBT people who are willing to come out and demand LGBT rights," said the 44-year-old, who himself is gay.

"We chose to stage the parade at Kaidagelan Boulevard because this is an area that has witnessed the history of homosexuality in Taipei and homosexuals' fight against discrimination, with the 228 Memorial Park where homosexuals used to get together at night also nearby," Lai said.

Qingdao University Professor Zhang Beichuan, a mainland expert on HIV/AIDS prevention and homosexuality, told Xinhua, "Such activities give psychological support to those who dare not come out and those who are still reluctant to admit their homosexuality."

"The parade attracts the public's attention, forcing respect and ensuring the rights of LGBT groups," he said.