LGBT rights in Asia — A difficult fight for equality

While LGBT rights have improved in some Asian countries in recent years, the community still faces widespread persecution, and anti-gay rhetoric and prejudice remain pervasive.

India has a rainbow moment

September of 2018 was a good time to wave the rainbow flag in India. In a landmark ruling, the Surpreme Court scratched Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a move that meant homosexuality is no longer illegal in the South Asian nation. But while this was definitely a reason to celebrate, the prospect of same-sex marriages in India is still a long way off.
Transgender beauty queens on stage

Thailand has a more open approach when it comes to the LGBT community. In 2019, the country hosted a beauty pageant solely for transgender contestants. With a transgender candidate running for parliament in the 2019 elections, the issue is also getting more political attention. Same-sex marriage, however, is still not legal in Thailand.
Still no chance to pop the question in Taiwan

Same-sex couples in Taiwan were full of hope in 2018 that they could soon get married. But their hopes were dashed after Taiwanese voters rejected legalizing same-sex unions in a referendum. Still, LGBT activists remain optimistic that Taiwan will be the first place in Asia to introduce marriage equality or at least civil partnership for same-sex couples.
Indonesia clamps down

Homosexuals and transgender people are forced to hide their sexual orientation in Indonesia. Vitriolic rhetoric against the community and anti-gay prejudice are pervasive across the world's most populous Muslim nation where anti-LGBT demonstrations happen frequently. NGOs supporting LGBT rights have sometimes been attacked by radicals, with the government failing to come to their rescue.
Malaysian minister dismisses LGBT community

Malaysia's Tourism Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi recently caused an outcry after making a dismmisive comment about the LGBT community. When asked by reporters ahead of the world's largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin, whether gays were welcome in Malaysia, he said: "I don't think we have anything like that in our country." Other ministers have also made derogatory comments about LGBT people.
A rare moment of freedom

These participants of a gay pride parade in Singapore enjoy a rare moment out in the open. Even though Singapore is progressive in many aspects, the island city-state has a very conservative view of sexuality. Being in a same-sex relationship can cost you a lot of money or, in the worst case, land you in jail.

India has a rainbow moment

September of 2018 was a good time to wave the rainbow flag in India. In a landmark ruling, the Surpreme Court scratched Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a move that meant homosexuality is no longer illegal in the South Asian nation. But while this was definitely a reason to celebrate, the prospect of same-sex marriages in India is still a long way off.
Transgender beauty queens on stage

Thailand has a more open approach when it comes to the LGBT community. In 2019, the country hosted a beauty pageant solely for transgender contestants. With a transgender candidate running for parliament in the 2019 elections, the issue is also getting more political attention. Same-sex marriage, however, is still not legal in Thailand.
Still no chance to pop the question in Taiwan

Same-sex couples in Taiwan were full of hope in 2018 that they could soon get married. But their hopes were dashed after Taiwanese voters rejected legalizing same-sex unions in a referendum. Still, LGBT activists remain optimistic that Taiwan will be the first place in Asia to introduce marriage equality or at least civil partnership for same-sex couples.
Indonesia clamps down

Homosexuals and transgender people are forced to hide their sexual orientation in Indonesia. Vitriolic rhetoric against the community and anti-gay prejudice are pervasive across the world's most populous Muslim nation where anti-LGBT demonstrations happen frequently. NGOs supporting LGBT rights have sometimes been attacked by radicals, with the government failing to come to their rescue.
Malaysian minister dismisses LGBT community

Malaysia's Tourism Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi recently caused an outcry after making a dismmisive comment about the LGBT community. When asked by reporters ahead of the world's largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin, whether gays were welcome in Malaysia, he said: "I don't think we have anything like that in our country." Other ministers have also made derogatory comments about LGBT people.
A rare moment of freedom

These participants of a gay pride parade in Singapore enjoy a rare moment out in the open. Even though Singapore is progressive in many aspects, the island city-state has a very conservative view of sexuality. Being in a same-sex relationship can cost you a lot of money or, in the worst case, land you in jail.

Read also

Taiwan referendum threatens both LGBT rights and Olympic athletes 23.11.2018

A key referendum in Taiwan has the potential to roll back same sex-marriage and jeopardize international athletic competition. Conservatives and pro-independence groups are using referendums to push their agenda.

Opinion: All is not lost after Taiwanese rejects same-sex marriage 27.11.2018

Voters in Taiwan have recently rejected legalizing same-sex unions in a referendum. Taiwan's young generation lost because of a more backward-looking majority of older Taiwanese, says Alexander Görlach.

Taiwan LGBT activists press for right to marry 27.10.2018

With massive crowds gathering for a gay pride parade in Taiwan, activists have called on the government to provide them with marriage rights. Christian pastors, foreign tourists and diplomats all showed their support.

Taiwan Kundgebung nach Legalisierung gleichgeschlechtlicher Paare durch das Verfassungsgericht

Taiwan court first in Asia to approve gay marriage 24.05.2017

Taiwan's Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of marriage equality as a matter of "human dignity." The government of President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed the decision.

Date 19.03.2019
Number of pictures 6
Author Ann-Christin Herbe
Related Subjects Asia, LGBT rights
Keywords LGBT rights, rainbow flag, Homosexualität, Asia, LGBT
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LGBT rights in Asia — A difficult fight for equality

India has a rainbow moment

Transgender beauty queens on stage

Still no chance to pop the question in Taiwan

Indonesia clamps down

Malaysian minister dismisses LGBT community

A rare moment of freedom