Taiwan is set to host Asia’s largest LGBT-themed conference, starting on Wednesday. About 300 people from 30 countries are set to share their experiences in promoting equal rights in Asia.
The group behind the conference is ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association). This is their bi-annual Asia conference, which is taking place for the first time in Taiwan.
ILGA’s mission is to connect the world’s LGBT communities, and to collectively face the challenges of discrimination and inequality.
ILGA’s co-Secretary General Ruth Baldacchino said that Taiwan is an important participant in the LGBT movement, because of recent efforts to promote gay marriage.
She called attention to issues such as unequal treatment of teenage LGBT students, workplace bullying, and other issues. She said she hoped the government could uphold equal rights for all citizens.
The European Union is contributing 40,000 Euros to the conference. The EU’s trade office in Taipei says that’s to help promote equal rights and a respect for different values. The office says it hopes Taiwan can become a leader of the LBGT movement in Asia.