Ambivalent, discontent, and sceptical: Marginalised queer lives in the post-same-sex marriage era in Taiwan

Abstract

This study explores the significance of the legalisation of same-sex marriage for LGBTQ individuals in Taiwan, both as sexual minorities and as Taiwanese. Through in-depth interviews with 33 LGBTQ individuals, three distinct subject positions were identified: ambivalent homonationalists, who acknowledged their marginalised status but endorsed the state’s homonationalist project; discontent nationalist queers, who expressed dissatisfaction with the same-sex marriage law and showed indifference toward the homonationalist project; and sceptical queer nationalists, who recognised their lack of full citizenship rights and were pessimistic about the role of the same-sex marriage law in elevating Taiwan’s international recognition. By considering the limitations of the same-sex marriage law and geopolitical tension, this study reveals the complex outlooks of LGBTQ individuals in the post-same-sex marriage Taiwan.