In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia. For more such countries, click 12 Most LGBT-Friendly Countries in Asia.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam is another Asian country that has never had any laws against homosexuality. It does have some laws against anti-gay discrimination, and the military allows everyone regardless of sexual orientation to get enlisted. While same-sex marriages are not legally recognized, gay wedding ceremonies are still allowed. The signature LGBT event of the country is Viet Pride, which consists of a film festival and a bike rally parade. This is held by the ICS Center, which is an organization promoting LGBT rights in Vietnam. There is also the Vietnam Youth Alliance, the Vietnam Women and Queer Open, and the Ha Noi Queer which are all communities working to promote platforms for LGBT people. Saigon and Hanoi have a number of gay-friendly gateways including bars such as Warda, Le pub, and the GC bar.
4. Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the most accepting countries for gay people and has never had any laws against homosexuality. Victor Madrigal-Borloz, a UN expert on violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity, met with over 100 LGBT citizens in Cambodia and found it encouraging that there were no signs of massive physical or system violence against the LGBT community. Cambodia also has a ‘Declaration of Family Relationship’ which is a civil contract for LGBT couples that allows the state to recognize them. May is the most happening month for LGBT activism in Cambodia with the annual Phnom Penh Pride which has been going on since 2003 and the Pride in Siem Reap. The Phnom Penh and Siem Reap region has a vibrant LGBT life with a number of gay bars and clubs including Toolbox, Space, Miss Wong, and Heaven & DreamBoys.
3. Philippines
The Philippines has also never had any national laws against homosexuality. More than 20 municipalities in the country have passed anti-discrimination laws and bills seeking to introduce same-sex civil unions have been passed to the Philippine Congress. Since 2009, gay citizens have also been allowed to serve in the military. The Manila Pride is the main LGBT event in the Philippines, with attendance numbers of around 25,000 people. It also hosts the QC International Pink Film Festival which is one of the largest LGBT film festivals in Asia and hosts a variety of beauty pageants such as Mr. Gay as well. It too has the largest acceptance of homosexuality in its capital, Manila, with a number of options when it comes to gay bars including O Bar, Nectar, and Adonis. Other cities including Quezon City, Cebu, and Davao City also have notable LGBT hangouts.
2. Taiwan
Taiwan is the first Asian country to have legalized LGBT marriages due to a law passed in 2019. Gay people are also allowed in the military, and the constitution bans all anti-gay discrimination. It is home to a large number of gay events, with the main one being the Taipei Pride which has over 10,000 LGBT travelers in attendance. The festival also includes smaller parties including the Formusa Pride Party and the WOOW Pool Party. It also hosts The largest LGBT community in Taiwan resides in the capital, Taipei, with the largest concentration in the Ximen and Zhongshan districts. One of the most iconic locations is the Ximen Red House with a high concentration of gay clubs, gay bars, and LGBT-friendly activities such as drag races.
1. Thailand
Homosexuality has been legal in Thailand since 1956 and it also legally bans some forms of anti-gay discrimination. The military accepts citizens regardless of sexual orientation, and in a recent poll, 88.7% of Thais were shown to be accepting of gays. In 2022, a Partnership Registration Bill for LGBT couples was approved that allows same-sex couples to be recognized as “life partners” and provides them with the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples including the option to adopt children. It hosted the Thailand Pride Parade in 2022 as the first formal Pride in Bangkok’s history and while no formal attendance data was reported, an organizer estimated around 10,000 participants. It also hosts the Songkran Gay Circuit Party the Asia Circuit Festival, and the BankokThai International Film Festival of which the LGBT segment is a significant portion. The largest concentration of gay bars and clubs is in Bangkok with notable places including Stranger, DJ Station, and Balcony. Other cities including Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket also have a prominent number of LGBT-friendly places.
See also Top 13 Countries with Biggest Gay Populations and 20 Most Gay Friendly Countries In The World.
