50k in Gay Pride in Taiwan

People march on the streets during the annual gay parade in Taipei. Thousands of people from Taiwan's gay and lesbian community marched in the streets of Taipei to demand recognition of same-sex marriage and equal rights. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images)

TAIPEI, Taiwan — One could be forgiven for thinking everyone in Taipei was at this weekend's gay pride parade.

Fifty-thousand rainbow-colored revelers snaked their way through the center of the city on Saturday, waving flags and wearing costumes, together marking Asia’s largest gay and transgender parade.

But there were some glaring absences — namely, the island’s politicians, who didn't show despite the free TV time on offer during an election season.

Parade organizers claim that politicians have dragged their heels on same-sex marriage, adoption rights and allowed a small group of politically connected conservative Christian groups to stage public relations raids on their hard-won freedoms.

“Our politicians know it’s the right thing to do, but they are slow to react and way too scared about losing votes,” said Addy, who sported a flashy silk wedding gown during a symbolic marriage to his friend Andy at the parade.“In Taiwan, it’s the people who are progressive. Politicians are a dead weight to the idea of progress,” he said.