Lessons from Gay and Lesbian Activism in Asia: The Importance of Context, Pivotal Incidents and Connection to a Larger Vision

Abstract

Recent success and setbacks in the journey towards the recognition of same-sex marriage in Taiwan has drawn international attention to gay rights in Asia. While Taiwan may be making strides towards recognition of same-sex relationships, in contrast to Europe and North America, gay and lesbian activism has enjoyed only mixed success in Asia. This article examines the development and success factors of activism in five neighbouring jurisdictions: Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia. In doing so, it explores how various elements condition the evolution and achievements of activist efforts. Specifically, the study examines the impact of the political and religious/cultural context on the progress towards equality. Beyond these contextual conditions, it concludes that activists most effectively make critical progress in instances where they are able to capitalize on pivotal incidents that have the potential of generating public empathy, and when they successfully draw connections between their specific claims to the values and needs shared by the larger population.