Yes, same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan, making it the first country in Asia to do so, effective May 24, 2019, following a constitutional court ruling and subsequent legislation that grants same-sex couples many of the same rights as opposite-sex couples, though with some past limitations on adoption that have since been mostly addressed.
As in some other countries, homosexuality is largely unacceptable in Chinese society, homosexual men are thus widely stigmatized (Liu & Choi, 2006; Liu, Liu, Cai, Rhodes & Hong, 2009a).
Scientific research shows that homosexuality is a natural and normal variation in human sexuality and is not in and of itself a source of negative psychological effects.
The two Asian jurisdictions which nationally recognize same-sex marriage include Taiwan and Thailand. In 2019, a survey by The Economist found 45% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific believed that same-sex marriage is inevitable in the region, while 31% of respondents disagreed.
Things They Didn't Tell You About Gay Marriage Legalization in Taiwan
Can gays adopt in Taiwan?
Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal, and same-sex marriage was legalized on 24 May 2019, following a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2017. Same-sex couples are able to jointly adopt children since 2023.
Hong Kong, which markets itself as “Asia's World City” and China's financial gateway to the world, decriminalized homosexuality in 1991 but has yet to recognize same-sex marriage or legislate against discriminations based on sexual orientation grounds.
Thailand just made history! On January 23rd, 2025, the Equal Marriage Law came into effect, allowing same-sex couples to legally tie the knot. This is a massive win for love and equality, also a milestone for legal and social transformation towards true inclusion.
The 2023 Equaldex Equality Index ranks the Nordic countries, Chile, Uruguay, Canada, the Benelux countries, Spain, Andorra, and Malta among the best for LGBTQ rights. The index ranks Senegal, Oman, Brunei, Afghanistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Gambia, and Iran among the worst.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in Brazil rank among the highest in the world. Same-sex couples in Brazil have enjoyed the same rights guaranteed to heterosexual ones since 16 May 2013, including marriage and adoption.
It has never had laws against homosexuality, and is one of the few countries in Asia that has anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender characteristics. In addition, Taiwan is the world's first country to have a gender-diverse minister.
Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Taiwan is not legally recognized. Taiwan had plans to allow a third gender option on documents such as ID cards and passports and announced it would go forward with it in late 2020.
Globally, the average level of acceptance for LGBTI people has increased since 1980. Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada are the top five most accepting countries, and acceptance has increased over time.
Selection of safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers 2024/2025. Iceland is considered one of the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers due to its legal framework and acceptance in society.
Yes. Respect for guests is a common cultural value in China, and LGBTQ+ travelers we've welcomed have shared that they found the people warm and their experience rewarding and enriching.
The "3 3 3 rule" in marriage, often called the 3x3 rule, is a strategy for balancing connection and personal space by dedicating time for couples and individuals, typically suggesting 3 hours of couple time, 3 hours of alone time for each partner, and sometimes a third element like a 3-hour block for shared activities (chores, intimacy, hobbies), aiming to prevent burnout and strengthen the bond by ensuring quality interaction and personal space weekly.
It is traditionally believed that heterosexuality is the nature, coherent, and privileged sexuality. Popular media marginalises and discriminates against LGBT members of Hong Kong in an attempt to maintain "traditional lifestyles". In 1991, the government of Hong Kong legalised male-male same sex relations.
Despite common misconceptions, China has always been moderately open towards LGBTQ+ people. There is no real evidence of homosexual interdiction in Taoism, and homosexuality is generally not considered a crime or immoral.
Same-sex marriages and civil unions are not legally recognized in South Korea. In October 2019, the Government of South Korea announced it would recognize the same-sex spouses of foreign diplomats, but it would not recognize the same-sex spouses of South Korean diplomats who serve overseas.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since July 3, 2005. In 2004, the nation's newly elected government, led by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of the Socialist Workers' Party, began a campaign to legalize same-sex marriage, including the right of adoption by same-sex couples.
In 2010, Portugal legalised same-sex marriage, the eighth country worldwide to do so and the sixth in Europe, and in 2016 same-sex couples became eligible to legally adopt. In 2019, ILGA-Europe ranked Portugal 7th out of 49 European countries in relation to LGBT rights legislation.
