Why was the 2025 WorldPride in Taiwan canceled?

In 2021, Taiwan won the bid to host WorldPride 2025, making it the first East Asian country to be selected for this globally significant LGBTQ+ event.

The original plan was to hold a nationwide celebration, with parades and cultural events across multiple cities under WorldPride Taiwan 2025.

According to a 2022 report by Reuters, the organizing committee of Taiwan Pride and Kaohsiung Pride was canceled due to political disagreements, especially over the naming of “Taiwan” versus “Kaohsiung” (Reuters, 2022).

The dispute centred on the event’s name; the Taiwanese side wanted “Taiwan” for national identity, while InterPride insisted on “WorldPride Kaohsiung 2025,” changing the representation from country to city, which contradicted a prior bidding agreement that used “Taiwan. “

The situation became even more challenging as InterPride expressed concerns about Taiwan’s ability to host such a significant event, even though Taiwan Pride is the largest in Asia and boasts considerable experience in the region.

Responding to ongoing questions regarding its legitimacy, identity, and capacity, the Taiwanese organizers faced a tough choice and ultimately decided to withdraw. 

In their public statement, they emphasised the need to safeguard Taiwan’s dignity and ensure the best interests of the LGBTQ+ community are upheld.

Video: TaiwanPlus News "WorldPride Taiwan Cancelled Over Naming Row" YouTube

We’ll still light up the streets.

2025 Taiwan Pride Parade

While WorldPride was called off, the 23rd Taiwan Pride Parade will go on, louder, prouder, and more determined than ever.
Organizers expect thousands to gather in Taipei, with this year’s theme emphasizing resilience and unity.

2025 Pride Details

The Parade kicks off from the town hall and gracefully winds through the vibrant streets of Taipei, returning to where it all began, where you’ll discover the main stage and a variety of stalls celebrating the wonderful gay charities and organisations supported by Pride.

The usual routes for the Parade are as follows: two groups of enthusiastic participants will embark at 2 p.m. from Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office.

 North Route: 

Taipei City Hall → Renai Road → Dunhua South Road → Zhongxiao East Road → Yixian Road → Taipei City Hall

 South Route: 

 Taipei City Hall → Ren’ai Road → Guangfu South Road → Xinyi Road → Dunhua South Road → Ren’ai Road → Taipei City Hall

Information: GayTravel4u. (n.d.). Taiwan Gay Pride 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.gaytravel4u.com/event/taiwan-gay-pride/

Video: TaiwanPlus News “Thousands March in Downtown Taipei for Inclusion at Taiwan Pride” YouTube

Volunteer With Pride

The 23rd Taiwan LGBT+ Pride Parade is now recruiting volunteers!
Last year, we made history with over 180,000 people marching together.

This year,  Taiwan LQBT+ Pride invites YOU to be a part of the magic—whether it’s organizing, designing, coordinating, or simply cheering us on behind the scenes. 

Join one of the biggest LGBT+ Pride Parades in Asia.

We are recruiting volunteers in 7 teams:
🗣️ Mobilization｜📜 Administration｜🎨 Design｜🛑 On-Site Coordination｜💸 Crowdfunding｜🖊 Publicity｜🎤 Stage