Taiwan News Quick Take

This year’s Pride, themed “Our Voices, Our Journey,” is to be held on Oct. 31, the parade organizer said yesterday. The parade would begin in the afternoon at the Taipei City Hall Square, and split into northern and southern routes, the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association said, inviting all to take to the streets in solidarity with diverse communities. Although Taiwan legalized marriage equality seven years ago, there has been a global backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion, and an Executive Yuan opinion survey this year showed a decline in public support for LGBTQ+ rights, it said. This year’s Pride would emphasize that by listening to others’ stories, people can overcome prejudices and misunderstandings, and move forward together. Protecting democracy and freedom means safeguarding an environment in which different voices can be heard, which is essential to protecting gender equality, it said. The association called on voters who care about equality to vote for candidates who support diverse communities and gender equality. It also partnered with 20 organizations to make a Pride Month calendar promoting LGBTQ-related events, ensuring that LGBTQ+ advocacy extends beyond just the parade and into everyday life.

Photo courtesy of the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association

WEATHER

Heat to top 36°C

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) yesterday issued a heat warning for Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Yunlin County, Tainan and Pingtung County, where temperatures reached more than 36°C. Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said a high-pressure system kept the weather sunny and stable yesterday. The weather would be mostly sunny to partly cloudy today, with afternoon showers isolated to mountainous regions. Moisture would increase from tomorrow to Sunday, bringing brief localized showers to northern and eastern Taiwan as well as mountainous areas, he said. While daytime conditions in central and southern regions would remain hot, overall temperatures would drop slightly, accompanied by cooler mornings and evenings. On Monday next week, a strengthening northeast monsoon would bring a noticeable temperature drop and distinctly cooler weather to northern Taiwan.

EVENTS

Military prepares for Oct. 10

Military units participating in the Double Ten National Day celebrations are stepping up rehearsals, holding a half-scale aerial rehearsal over downtown Taipei yesterday morning. The rehearsal featured formations carrying the national flag, helicopters, slow-moving aircraft, fighter jets and the Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team. The flag formation, comprising a UH-60M Black Hawk and a CH-47SD Chinook transport helicopter, passed over the area at 7:05am. The helicopter formation followed at 7:20 am, consisting of two AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, two AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, two S-70C helicopters and two UH-60M Black Hawks. At 7:23am, the slow-moving formation of a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and a C-130H transport aircraft was followed by the fast-moving formation of three Mirage 2000-5 fighters, three Indigenous Defense Fighters and three F-16Vs. The Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team, flying three Brave Eagle Advanced Jet Trainers, concluded the rehearsal at 7:40am. The Ministry of National Defense told Taipei residents not to be alarmed by the roar of aircraft engines. Two full-scale aerial rehearsals are scheduled for tomorrow and Monday next week from 6:05am to 7:40am, the National Day Preparation Committee said.