Taiwan Becomes the First in Asia to Legalise Same-Sex Marriage

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Photo of Taiwan Becomes the First in Asia to Legalise Same-Sex Marriage by Varun Suchday

On a historical rainy morning on Friday the 17th, 2019, Taiwan passed a law legalising same-sex marriages as thousands spilled out on the streets of Taipei with colourful flags and banners, clamouring for their right to marry.

The procession erupted into celebrations as the landmark ruling was announced, an emotional moment for gay people in Taiwan as well as other countries.

The legislature came into place after Taiwan’s constitutional court dismissed the Civil Code’s definition of marriage as exclusively between man and woman in 2017. The court gave the government a deadline of two years to rectify the law or else same-sex couples would be allowed to marry and register their marriage with local authorities.

In the face of rising outrage from conservatives, the government opted to hold a referendum in which numbers were overwhelmingly opposed to same-sex marriages. With a 24th May deadline looming in front of the government, the majority Democratic Party lawmakers passed the law with 66-27 votes.

Taiwan has now become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriages and hopes that others will follow suit.

Asia’s stance to same-sex marriages has been largely conservative with some trying gradually to introduce more gay rights while other nations like Brunei extended a moratorium to an initial death penalty on anyone found guilty of gay sex and adultery. In 2018, India ruled that gay sex was no longer a criminal offence.

There are other places around the world which celebrate love in all forms. Here are seven LGBT-friendly destinations ranging from God's Own City of Rio and cosmopolitan Korea to the blue heaven of Canary Islands and the neon nightlife of Tel Aviv.

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Photo of Thailand by Varun Suchday

The land of sun, sand and full moon parties has set an example for others by promoting LGBT travel and LGBT-friendly businesses. Popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and the Phi Phi Islands are welcoming LGBT travellers with open arms. There is a wide array of LGBT-friendly beaches, hotels, nightclubs and resorts to choose from.

Top things to see and do in Thailand: Enjoy the pulsating nightlife of what many consider 'the gay capital of Asia' - Bangkok, visit two of Thailand’s most popular gay beaches, Dongtan Beach and Jomtien Beach; head to Pattaya's BoyzTown district for gay bars, massage parlors and quirky restaurants, indulge in the pleasures of the tropical paradise in Phuket, feel the thrill of watersports in Krabi and go crazy at the world famous Full Moon Parties of Koh Phangan.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Kolkata to Bangkok cost around ₹7,887.

Daily budget: ₹4,500 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Thailand: The best time to travel to Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when the temperature ranges between 20 to 32 Celsius with little to no rainfall.

Where to stay in Thailand: Little Village, Chiang Mai (₹2,629 for double), Cocktail Hostel, Bangkok (₹209 dorm bed). For more options, check here.

For Thailand travel guide and itineraries, please check Tripoto Thailand Guide.

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Photo of Tel Aviv, Israel by Varun Suchday

Israel's most progressive city, Tel Aviv celebrates the LGBT community like no other. People from around the globe flock to Tel Aviv's pride festivals such as the unique LGBT film festival and gay culture fair. With historic architecture, white sand beaches and a bustling LGBT scene in Tel Aviv's downtown and art district, there is a lot to explore for you and your partner.

Top things to see and do in Tel Aviv: Dance to energetic beats at the LGBT bar Shpagat, relax on the powdery sands of Hilton Beach, Tel Aviv’s unofficial gay beach; witness the amazing architecture of Neve Tzedek neighborhood, stroll down narrow cobblestone alleyways of Old Jaffa, dine on Israeli delicacies in the quirky restaurants of HaTachana and marvel at Israel's art scene in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv cost around ₹29,000.

Daily budget: ₹8,000 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Tel Aviv: The best times to visit Tel Aviv are March through April and September through November, with temperature ranging between 12 to 29 Celsius.

Where to stay in Tel Aviv: Overstay Hostel (₹1,412 dorm bed), The Postel (₹4,645 for double).

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Photo of Canary Islands, Spain by Varun Suchday

The Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco have been a favorite for sun-starved Europeans and North Americans. Now, they are gaining popularity among the LGBT community as well. These heavenly islands are home to stunning national parks, colonial towns and quaint fishermen villages along with LGBT-owned hotels, friendly hip bars and an LGBT nude beach. They offer a unique sub-Saharan experience with Spanish flavours.

Top things to see and do in Canary Islands: Explore the colonial charms of San Cristobal de la Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage City; witness the stunning sub-Saharan landscape of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; walk through quaint fishermen towns of Fuerteventura Island and leave all your inhibitions behind at the LGBT nude beach of Maspalomas.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Delhi to the Canary Islands cost around ₹46,000.

Daily budget: ₹8,000 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit the Canary Islands: The best time to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November, with temperature ranging between 15 to 27 Celsius.

Where to stay in the Canary Islands: Hotel Pujol, Las Palmas (₹3,877 for double), Ecohostel Bettmar, Las Palmas (₹1,777 dorm bed). For more options, click here.

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Photo of Australia by Varun Suchday

Australians voted 'Yes' to legalize same-sex marriage in December, 2017. Sydney is the heart of the Australian LGBT community but the cities of Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast aren't too far behind. The Great Barrier Reef, the Outbacks, the Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles and the indigenous wildlife like the kangaroos are too hard to resist.

Top things to see and do in Australia: Admire the unbelievable beauty of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, dive in the Great Barrier Reef to discover the beauties of the underwater world, drive down the Great Ocean Road to admire naturally sculpted rock formations like the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge, spot kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and penguins on Kangaroo Island and live the cosmopolitan life in modern Melbourne.

Sydney Travel Guide - Happening bars, chic cafes, Bohemian 'hoods and drag shows.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Kochi to Perth cost around ₹23,000.

Daily budget: ₹8,500 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Australia: The best time to visit Australia are September through November and from March to May, when the temperature ranges between 12 to 25 Celsius.

Where to stay in Australia: Courtyard West, Melbourne (₹5,441 for double), Chiliblue Hostel, Sydney (₹1,200 dorm bed). For more, check here.

For Australia travel guide and itineraries, please check Tripoto Australia Guide.

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Photo of Vietnam by Varun Suchday

One of the more recent additions to the list, more and more LGBT folks are heading to the multicultural country of Vietnam. Vietnamese government recently abolished the same-sex union ban, legalizing homosexuality. The cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi harbour a colourful LGBT scene while the countryside is home to verdant valleys and green mountainscapes. With a coastline stretching to 3,260 kilometers, there is always a hidden beach waiting for you and your loved one.

Top things to see and do in Vietnam: Shop, dine and embrace the nightlife of hip and happening Ho Chi Minh City, admire the melange of Asian and French colonial architecture of Hanoi, witness Karst hills rising out of aqua-green waters in Ha Long Bay, look at the fascinating rice terraces of Sapa and for a complete beach getaway, head to Nha Trang.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Bhubaneswar to Ho Chi Minh City cost around ₹13,340.

Daily budget: ₹2,700 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Vietnam: The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) when temperatures range between 18 to 30 Celsius with little to no rainfall.

Where to stay in Vietnam: Silverland Sakyo, Ho Chi Minh City (₹7,156 for double), Hanoi Holiday Diamond, Hanoi (₹1,932 for double), Hachi Hostel (₹355 bed in dorm). For more options, check here.

For Vietnam travel guide and itineraries, please check Tripoto Vietnam Guide.

"God made the world in five days, he rested on the sixth day and created Rio on the seventh." That is what Cariocas, Rio's residents, believe. And you will believe the same when you witness the seduction of Rio de Janeiro. The statue of Christ the Redeemer, golden sands of Ipanema, cachaca at Copacabana, tropical rainforests, famous favelas and samba from sundown till sunrise will keep you engaged throughout. Rio will breathe the carioca energy in you and make you dance to its tune.

Top things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro: You absolutely can't miss the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the modern wonders of the world; stroll the swanky beaches of Ipanema, sip a cachaca with your feet on the silky soft sands of Copacabana beach, visit the famous favelas of San Pedro and move your feet to the catchy tunes of Samba.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Mumbai to Rio de Janeiro cost around ₹67,000.

Daily budget: ₹4,500 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro: The best time to visit Rio is between December and March when temperature ranges between 23 to 30 Celsius.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro: Hotel Atlantico Tower (₹2,689 for double), Orla Copacabana (₹5,480 per night). For more options, check here.

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Photo of Cape Town, South Africa by Varun Suchday

Cape Town is the prime LGBT destination in Africa. Its De Waterkant neighborhood is home to multiple LGBT hotels, bars and clubs. Clifton Third beach, one of the best LGBT beaches in the world, is also a must-visit. All this and the aqua blue waters of Atlantic Ocean, iconic mountains and the Big Five are within the vicinity of Cape Town.

Top things to do and see in Cape Town: Head to the top of the iconic table mountain for phenomenal views of The Cape, pay respect to Nelson Mandela by visiting Robben Island where he was imprisoned for 18 years, walk among 2,000 African penguins, residents of Boulders Beach; explore the Bohemian 'hood of De Waterkant and swim in the turquoise waters of the trendy, LGBT-friendly Clifton Beach.

Flight cost: Round-trip flights from Mumbai to Cape Town cost around ₹34,500.

Daily budget: ₹8,000 including accommodation, three meals, local transportation and tourist attraction fees.

Best time to visit Cape Town: The best time to visit Cape Town are from March to May and from September to November when temperatures range between 14 to 25 Celsius.

Where to stay in Cape Town: Kleinbosch Lodge (₹4,400 for double), Perle Du Cap (₹3,500 for double). For more options, check here.

For Cape Town travel guide and itineraries, please check Tripoto Cape Town Guide.

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