Cancellation of Taiwan Pride event shows China’s influence extends far beyond its borders

The Taipei city hall building is lit up with Pride colours during the annual Taiwan LGBTQ event in Taipei, Taiwan, in October 2021. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

WorldPride 2025 would have been the first time a global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) event was held in Asia.

Originally scheduled to be held in Taiwan, the event was abruptly cancelled in August due to disagreement over the naming of the event. Despite winning the bid to host the pride event under the name WorldPride Taiwan, organizers InterPride suddenly requested that the word “Taiwan” be dropped altogether.