An estimated 3,800 people took to the streets of Taipei last night to show
their support for the transgender community.

The event was organized by the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ ) Hotline Association.

The march began at 228 Peace Park, proceeded west through part of the
Ximending shopping district and then returned to the park.

The association says it aims to break down society's binary expectations
around gender and to bridge the gap between transgender people and the wider
community.

Among the marcher's demands was a request to the Taiwanese government to
abolish the requirement for mandatory surgery to change gender markers on
identification documents.

The Hotline says the Taiwan Trans March is one of the few marches in Asia
dedicated to transgender issues.

Allies of the LGBTQ community have another opportunity to show their support
at the annual Pride Parade, which starts at Taipei City Hall Square at 2pm
today.

CNA_JvW