In response to the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on May 17, the Secretariat of the New Taipei City Government has partnered with the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan) to promote gender diversity values. Together, they have produced a visual work representing New Taipei City in the Rainbow Cities Network (RCN) Photo Exhibition, showcasing New Taipei City's support for gender diversity and deepening connections and exchanges with cities worldwide.

The theme for the 2024 RCN Photo Exhibition for IDAHOTB is "Queer+ Elders and Pioneers." AmCham Taiwan, a longstanding advocate for diverse gender communities in Taiwan, collaborated this year with the New Taipei City Government to produce the photo work "Ascending Against the Light." The photo features Amy Chang, Senior Advisor for Sustainability at AmCham Taiwan, and Jay Lin, Founder and CEO of Portico Media's GagaOOLala. The photo captures them in an amusement park, a symbol of simplicity and joy. Together with like-minded partners, they ascend against the light, courageously moving forward.

Amy Chang notes that Taiwan is highly progressive in its recognition and protection of LGBTQ+ rights. She hopes that through the sustainability platform established by AmCham Taiwan, more people will see Taiwan's efforts and be inspired to follow suit. She expresses her admiration for New Taipei City, which has demonstrated its support for the principles of non-discrimination through action. Over the past 20 to 30 years, Taiwan has made significant progress in promoting gender diversity, and the concept of non-discrimination has become part of everyday life.

Jay Lin indicates that as a gay man, he has a partner and twin children. Besides founding the GagaOOLala streaming platform for the LGBTQ+ community, he organized Taiwan's first international queer film festival. He aims to enhance understanding of the LGBTQ+ community through media resources, contributing to a better society in Taiwan and influencing other parts of the world. He encourages all LGBTQ+ individuals not to fear, "the sunshine is always by your side."




Yao Ching-yu, Director-general of the Secretariat, stated that New Taipei City is actively implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to creating a diverse, friendly, sustainable, and inclusive city where all citizens feel respected and supported. It is truly an honor to collaborate with AmCham Taiwan at the RCN Photo Exhibition this year. This collaboration is not only a support for gender diversity values but also a significant symbol of the strong link between New Taipei City and its sustainable partners. Through this event, New Taipei City aims to convey its steadfast commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion to the world and work together with cities globally to promote the acceptance and recognition of gender diversity values.