Tens of thousands braved downpours in Taiwan on Saturday to celebrate the island hosting its first LGBTQ pride rally since its border fully reopened.

Taiwan is at the forefront of the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement in Asia, becoming the first place in the region to legalize marriage equality in 2019.

Its capital, Taipei, annually hosts one of Asia’s largest Pride marches – except for last year, when a surge in Covid cases forced the event online.

Celebrations were back in full swing on Saturday as protesters donned flashy costumes and wrapped themselves in rainbow flags at Taiwan’s 20th Pride march. Organizers estimated attendance at 120,000.

“I am delighted to be part of the first physical parade in two years,” said 40-year-old service industry worker Wolf Yang, who is wearing a gold bodysuit with a matching sequined headdress and nose ring.

Max, a 35-year-old Frenchman, attended the demonstration for the first time since moving to Taiwan last year, along with several friends who had flown in from Japan and South Korea.

“I think Taiwan should be proud of that. It’s a great thing to recognize gay marriage. Asia and the world must be proud of it.”

A record crowd of 200,000 people took part in the 2019 Pride parade to celebrate after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriages earlier this year.

Since then, at least 7,000 same-sex couples have married, although the law still includes restrictions that heterosexual couples are not subject to.

Under current rules, Taiwanese nationals can only marry people from about 30 countries and territories where same-sex marriages are also legal.

College student Virginia Li, 22, said she attended the parade to support gay rights with about 20 friends from the eastern city of Hualien.

“Taiwan is much friendlier to the gay community than many other countries… I’m proud of the progress that’s been made.”