Same Sex Marriage Archives - Talking Taiwan Podcast

Birdy Explores Universal Themes of Freedom, Limitation and Identity Relevant to Taiwan | Ep 353

Felicia Lin — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:16:25 +0000

We were at the dress rehearsal of BIRDY, one Hung Dance’s most critically acclaimed productions, which will be premiering in New York at NYU Skirball on July 17 & 18^th. BIRDY explores the relationship between freedom, limitation, and identity through a distinctive movement language inspired by Tai Chi, traditional Peking opera and contemporary dance.

We sat down to speak with Lai Hung-Chung, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Hung Dance about his artistic vision for BIRDY and Wei-Ping Chen the dance company’s Operations Director. Lai told us that the themes of freedom, limitation, and identity not only reflect his personal struggles but also relate to Taiwan’s situation.

Hung Dance is an award-winning Taiwanese contemporary dance company founded in 2017. The troupe’s name comes from the Chinese character 翃 (Hóng), meaning to fly.

Dr. Hsing-Huan Wang (王興煥): Chairman of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party, An Unwavering Voice for Taiwan’s Independence | Ep 351

Felicia Lin — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:02:38 +0000

Dr. Hsing-Huan Wang (王興煥) is chairman of the Taiwan Statebuilding party. Last July we sat down to speak with him at TAC-WC, the Taiwanese American Conference West Coast hosted in San Francisco/Silicon Valley. We talked about how he went from studying Buddhist philosophy and aspirations to pursue academic research as a professor, to accidentally becoming a politician. The Taiwan Statebuilding has a clear vision for an independent Taiwan and a Taiwanese Republic. The party also takes a hard line on China as an enemy state.

This interview was recorded just weeks before the historic July 26th vote in 2025 to recall 24 Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang lawmakers. At the time it was the largest recall effort attempted by the citizens of a democracy. As a result of what was called the Great Recall Movement, a total of 31 KMT legislators were put up for a recall vote. Another 7 KMT legislators in addition to the first 24 would be up for a recall vote on August 23. Last July Talking Taiwan traveled back to witness the first recall vote on July 26th. To learn more about the Great Recall movement we encourage you to listen to our past episodes 316 with recall campaigners Carol, Acho and Eric, and 317 with Courtney Donovan Smith.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Pacific Times (太平洋時報).

Cony Hsieh Kaohsiung Pride President Focuses on LGBTQ+ Issues and Reforming Taiwan’s Military | Ep 350

Felicia Lin — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:48:09 +0000

Happy Pride month! Cony Hsieh is President of the Kaohsiung Pride Parade Association. We recently spoke with Cony about her experience as a lesbian woman serving in Taiwan’s military, and how she hopes her research on gender issues in the military can help push for reform in Taiwan’s military.

She’s also a podcaster and her podcast 微叛逆ê副駕 (which has been translated as “The Slightly Rebellious Co-pilot”) is about LGBTQ+ life experiences and gender issues in the military. She once created 28 days of podcast episodes covering a range of LGBTQ+ experiences for Pride Month!

Cony has a master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of Gender Education at National Kaohsiung Normal University.

Related Links:

Get Exclusive Access to the REPLAY VIDEO of the 2026 Talking Taiwan Gala by making a contribution of $50 or more: https://events.humanitix.com/talking-taiwan-2026-fundraising-gala

Cony Hsieh’s podcast 微叛逆ê副駕 (which has been translated as “The Slightly Rebellious Co-pilot): https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/%E5%BE%AE%E5%8F%9B%E9%80%86%C3%AA%E5%89%AF%E9%A7%95/id1547207923?l=en-GB

Kaohsiung Pride: https://www.instagram.com/khpride/

What Led to Taiwan’s Same Sex Marriage? Ep 83

What Led to Taiwan’s Same Sex Marriage? Ep 83: https://talkingtaiwan.com/what-led-to-taiwans-same-sex-marriage-ep-83/

Taiwan Hosts WorldPride 2025: Our Conversation with Darien Chen and Amazin LeThi Ep 162

Taiwan Hosts WorldPride 2025: Our Conversation with Darien Chen and Amazin LeThi (Episode 162): https://talkingtaiwan.com/taiwan-hosts-worldpride-2025-our-conversation-with-darien-chen-and-amazin-lethi-ep-162/

What Caused the Cancellation of WorldPride Taiwan 2025? Our Discussion with David Yu Ep 220

What Caused the Cancellation of WorldPride Taiwan 2025? Our Discussion with David Yu Ep 220: https://talkingtaiwan.com/what-caused-the-cancellation-of-worldpride-taiwan-2025-our-discussion-with-david-yu-ep-220/

General Yu (于北辰): Former 4-Star General of Taiwan Army Shifts from KMT to Independent Ep 256

General Yu (于北辰): Former 4-Star General of Taiwan Army Shifts from KMT to Independent (Episode 256): https://talkingtaiwan.com/general-yu-%e4%ba%8e%e5%8c%97%e8%be%b0-former-4-star-general-of-taiwan-army-shifts-from-kmt-to-independent-ep-256/

The post Cony Hsieh Kaohsiung Pride President Focuses on LGBTQ+ Issues and Reforming Taiwan’s Military | Ep 350 appeared first on Talking Taiwan Podcast.

Nymphia Wind Brings Taiwan’s Betel Nut Beauty Culture to the New York Pride March | Ep 349

Felicia Lin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:57:10 +0000

This year’s Taiwan Pride Float at the New York City Pride March was inspired by Taiwan’s Betel Nut Beauty culture. The concept and design was conceived by Nymphia Wind, who was already an established drag queen in Taiwan when she won RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 in 2024.

Nymphia dedicated her win to Taiwan and that same year Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Nymphia and invited her to perform at the presidential office. In 2024 Nymphia also appeared on the Taiwan Pride Float at the New York City Pride March. In 2025 Nymphia performed at the Paris Cultural Olympiad.

Right before the New York City Pride March on Sunday, June 28th, we were invited to an event where Nymphia shared her creative vision behind this year’s Taiwan Pride float. We also had a chance to meet the other betel nut beauties Yolanda Mesula and Tina Banana, who would be joining Nymphia on the float. After Nymphia’s initial comments, I did have a chance to ask her a question and to get some other soundbites.

Vickie Wang (王宇平) On Who Gets to Be Taiwanese and Stand-Up Comedy Part 2 | Ep 344

Felicia Lin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:51:28 +0000

In part two of our interview with Vickie Wang (王宇平), she talked about how the COVID lockdown of 2022 in Shanghai affected her mental health, her thoughts on the Great Recall movement in Taiwan last year, how she questions her Taiwanese-ness i.e. if she’s Taiwanese enough, generative propaganda, and how she got into stand-up comedy.

Vickie Wang a writer, interpreter, and stand-up comedian born and raised in Taiwan. Now based in New City York she co-produces a monthly stand-up show called Wang’s World Comedy.

Vickie will be emceeing this year’s Talking Taiwan Fundraising Gala on Friday, May 1.

As our emcee Vickie will bring her signature wit and energy to the evening. Purchase tickets to the Talking Taiwan

Fundraising Gala or to make a contribution visit: https://events.humanitix.com/talking-taiwan-2026-fundraising-gala/tickets

Day After Recall Analysis with Dr. Linda Gail Arrigo Ep 322

Felicia Lin — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:06:14 +0000

On July 27^th the day after Taiwan’s island wide historic recall vote of 24 Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) legislators, I sat down with Linda Gail Arrigo, Ai Linda (艾琳達) to reflect on the results of the recall vote, and the impact of the civic mobilization behind the recall effort.

The Day of Taiwan’s Historic Recall Vote Ep 321

Felicia Lin — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 02:41:51 +0000

On July 26^th the day of the Taiwan’s historic recall vote to recall 24 Kuomintang (KMT) legislators we were with the Shān chú wēi hài (山除薇害) recall group in Taipei at Rongxing Garden (榮星花園) Rongxing garden, which is more like a park, for a sort of watch party with about a hundred volunteer recall campaigners. The recall vote results were being televised live on a series of oversized screens that had been set up in the park.

When we finally learned the results of the recall vote It was a shock. 0 of 24 legislators had been recalled. What a sad, disappointing day. I could see it in the faces of the recall volunteers and at the same time it was touching to see how they consoled each other as some could help but burst into tears. The leaders of the recall group asked everyone to join hands and to form a circle in a sign of solidarity and encouragement Carol and Eric shared their initial thoughts with us.

Sherry Chou Remembers Dr. Chen Wen-chen and Circumstances Surrounding his Mysterious Death Ep 305

Felicia Lin — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:31:38 +0000

In July of 2024, we brought Talking Taiwan to the Taiwanese American Conference at West Chester University and I sat down to interview Sherry Chou, the Director of Dr. Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation.

Dr. Chen Wen-chen was an assistant professor of statistics at Carnegie Mellon University when he and his family returned to his native Taiwan for a vacation in the summer of 1981. Dr. Chen’s permit to leave the country to return to the U.S. was rejected and so the Taiwan Garrison Command called in Dr. Chen for questioning regarding his political beliefs and activities in the United States. They questioned him on June 30th and July 2nd, but then on July 3, 1981, Chen’s body was found on the campus of National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taipei. At the time the autopsy reported that his death was due to a fall. Chen’s mysterious death shed light on how the work of Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang spies on U.S. campuses led to Chen’s interrogation by the Garrison Command.

Sherry and I talked about how and why it took 10 years to establish the Dr. Chen Wen-chen Incident Memorial Square at National Taiwan University (NTU), and the Rainbow Taiwan Independence Flag. Sherry also shared some memories of the Sunflower Movement, which you’ll hear Sherry refer to as sān yī ba, which is three one eight in mandarin Chinese, and a reference to March 18, 2014, the date that activists and students occupied Taiwan’s legislative yuan which became known as the Sunflower Movement.

Dr. Chen Wen-chen’s memory was honored at Taiwanese American Conference’s 2024 memorial concert.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Who Dr. Chen Wen-chen was
The events leading up to the mysterious death of Dr. Chen
Dr. Chen’s body was found on July 3, 1981, on the ground at National Taiwan University
Initial autopsy reported his death as a fall, but circumstances were suspicious
His death shed light on the activities of Kuomintang (KMT) spies on U.S. campuses
Why it took 10 years to establish the Dr. Chen Wen-chen Incident Memorial Square at National Taiwan University
Sherry also talked about the Rainbow Taiwan independence flag project
Sherry discussed her memories of the Sunflower Movement
Dr. Chen Wen-chen was honored at the Taiwanese American Conference’s 2024 Memorial Concert
Dr. Chen fundraised for Formosa Magazine, which drew the attention of KMT agents
Formosa Magazine is linked to the Formosa Incident, also known as the Kaohsiung Incident
Recent findings by the Transitional Justice Commission revealed that Dr. Chen had been under surveillance since 1979
Forensic evidence confirmed that Dr. Chen died before falling from a building
The Lin family murders occurred on February 28, 1980; Lin Yi-hsiung’s mother and his twin daughters were stabbed and killed and his oldest daughter survived
The death of Chen Wen-chen angered both local and overseas Taiwanese people
Sherry talked about a photo of protestors in the 1980s wearing paper bags over their heads to disguise their identities
The idea for the memorial started in 2011 with professors and students co-signing a petition
The initial proposal was just to place a sign on campus, not a square, but the university didn’t want even a sign
The social atmosphere in 2011 was different, with Taiwan moving closer to China under President Ma Ying-jeou
There were many ridiculous objections to the sign
The turning point came in 2014 when Dr. Yang Pan-chyr, a more progressive president, agreed to set up the memorial square
There was uncertainty about whether the university would change its stance after Dr. Yang left and Kuan Chung-ming became president
Kuan Chung-ming was unpopular, especially among the DPP and progressive community, due to his conservative views and ties to China
Dr. Yang tried to push for the sign before he left
After Kuan Chung-ming became president, he withdrew support for funding, and the Dr. Chen Wen-chen Foundation covered the costs
The public contributed to fundraising efforts through social media
Around 2016, there was a surge in advocacy for gender equality in Taiwan and its connection to Taiwanese sovereignty and identity
In 2016, Taiwan’s marriage equality movement gained attention with people protesting on the streets
On May 24, 2017, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to marry
Someone used photoshop to combine the rainbow flag and Taiwanese independence flags
Funds were raised through social media and distributed 1300 flags at events
The flags allowed people to express support for both marriage equality and national issues
2016 marked the beginning of more people expressing concern for both gender equality and national issues
LGBTQ individuals were more actively engaged in the Bluebird Movement, possibly due to increased mobilization since 2016
Sherry was previously the marketing director for Watchout, a media company
Watchout started at the end of 2013, around the time of the Sunflower Movement, capturing many photos from then
The company shifted focus to issues related to Taiwan’s independence and civil defense
Watchout published two books: Civil Defense Guide (covering disasters and war) and Active Civil Defense Guide (focused on war)
How Sherry got interest in feminism
She admires figures like Professor Fan Yun and Liu Wen for their feminist contributions
Sherry emphasized the importance of efforts from both Taiwanese communities in Taiwan and those outside of Taiwan in order to make significant change happen

Psychological Defense and Practices to Manage Stress for the People of Taiwan: A Talk with Dr. Hsiao-Wen Lo Ep 296

Felicia Lin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:37:55 +0000

In July I sat down with Dr. Hsiao-Wen Lo (駱筱雯) who spoke at the Taiwanese American Conference- East Coast about Psychological Defense for the People of Taiwan.

Since 2020 Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has been reporting the number of incursions China makes by sea and air into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone. These incursions now happen on a daily basis and already the tally for this year alone has surpassed the total number of occurrences that took place last year in 2023.

Recently, on October 14th, just days after President Lai Ching-te’s Double Ten Day speech, China’s military initiated the “Joint Sword-2024B” drills, a simulated blockade which took place in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan. According to Taiwan’s MND, a record number of 153 Chinese military aircraft were detected around Taiwan within a 25-hour period.

We’ve previously discussed China’s gray zone military tactics and civil defense preparedness, on this podcast, but just as important is something called psychological defense.

In July we brought Talking Taiwan to the 53rd annual Taiwanese American Conference, East Coast that was held at West Chester University. That is where I sat down with Dr. Hsiao-Wen Lo (駱筱雯) who spoke at the conference about Psychological Defense for the People of Taiwan.

We also got into a discussion about the related topics of trauma and practices to manage stress and maintain good mental health.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

How Dr. Lo got interested in psychological defense
What is psychological defense
The importance of the mind-body connection
Types of trauma: psychological trauma, generational trauma, collective trauma
What is psychological warfare
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s psychological warfare tactics
The impact of long-term stress
Post traumatic growth
Fight or Flight states
Strategies to deal with stress
The erasure of Taiwan by China

Councilor Chen of New Taipei City: Talks About her Political Career and the Controversial Bills Passed by Taiwan’s Legislature Ep 295

Felicia Lin — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:42:18 +0000

In July we took the show on the road bringing Talking Taiwan to the 53^rd annual Taiwanese American Conference, East Coast that was held at West Chester University. I sat down and spoke with New Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-Yu (陳乃瑜市議員). We spoke about how she went from being a journalist to a politician, working on Lai Ching-te’s presidential campaign, and the controversial bills that got passed in Taiwan’s legislature in May and that led to massive protests and the Bluebird Movement.

Special thanks to Bill Wu who sat in on the interview to provide translation assistance to City Councilor Chen, and to Anmy Lee for additional research and translation assistance.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

How Naiyu went from working as a journalist for 14 years to becoming a politician
Issues she’s focused on as a City Councilor
Anti-Han Kuo-yu rally in Kaohsiung
Naiyu’s work as a journalist
How her experience as a journalist prepared her to be a politician
The challenges she faced in working on Lai Ching-te’s presidential campaign
Cases of state-owned land on which people built personal mansions
The different communication styles and approaches to social media use of Lai Ching-te and Ko Wen-je
What Naiyu has to say about President Lai Ching-te’s personality and character
What could happen with the controversial bills that led to the Bluebird movement protests in Taiwan in May
Cases of ill-gotten assets and how the handling of ill-gotten assets could be reversed
Naiyu’s observations of the Bluebird movement
The most rewarding thing about being a City Councilor