With English Translation Below
彩虹象徵著 LGBTQIA+ 社群，包含女同性戀者 (Lesbian)、男同性戀者 (Gay)、雙性戀者 (Bisexual)、跨性別者 (Transgender)、酷兒/疑性戀 (Queer/Questioning)、雙性人 (Intersex)、無性戀(Asexual)，以及未來更多的可能性 (+)！
-由Avery Y. 於 London Pride, 2022 拍攝
在2019年，台灣成為亞洲第一個合法化同性婚姻的國家，這是一個令人振奮的里程碑。同志婚姻的合法化不僅是法律上的承認，更是對愛與平等的價值觀的肯定。這個重要的里程碑向世界傳遞了一個強而有力的訊息：每個人都有權利追求幸福和愛情，不論其性別身份。
今年，除了允許臺灣公民與外籍同性伴侶（包括港澳地區居民）可以直接在臺灣登記婚姻外，臺灣再次在同志權益上取得重要進展。修正後的法案允許同志家庭收養孩子，這項變革不僅為同志夫妻提供了更完整的家庭選擇，也為孤兒提供了更多機會獲得關愛和支持。
在同志議題上，台灣的成就不僅僅是法律上的突破，更重要的是社會觀念的轉變。台灣社會逐漸接納和尊重多元的性別身份，並且開始對同志婚姻抱有更開放和支持的態度。這種進步是社會共同努力的結果，也展示了台灣作為一個進步的國家的決心和包容力。
近年來，同志議題變得越來越受關注。然而，東西方文化的差異導致對LGBTQIA+社群的接受度存在著很大的差別。在英國，個人主義的影響下，大多數人都勇於表達自己的性取向，並追求個人的幸福。然而，在受到集體主義影響的亞洲地區，由於傳統保守觀念的存在，同志婚姻仍然是一個被某些家庭視為禁忌的話題。在這種文化背景下，持有與他人意見不同或追求個人內心所渴望的觀點有時會被視為自私自利的表現；因此，尋求家庭和他人的認同以及迎合社會期望變得極其重要。無形之中，「個人主義」和「集體主義」對我們對待人事物的看法產生了深遠的影響。
在我們年幼時，每當提到「同志」這個詞時，人們總是支支吾吾，隨意搪塞過去。直到進入高中，手機和網路普及後，我才得以了解課本上沒有教導的事情。然而，網路上充斥著太多揣測和貶低，使得「同志」一詞變得貶義，更是許多家庭教育上所避諱談及的詞。
儘管有了法律的保障，「出櫃」卻成為大部分人的最大心魔。雖然我並非同志社群的一員，但看著周圍的朋友們活在出櫃的恐懼和壓力之下，我真的感到無比唏噓。
愛一個人，卻被社會對性取向的種種限制所束縛，無法捍衛自己的權益。明明「愛」是一份純粹的感情，卻被要求適應社會所列出的種種規則和框架。
在法律上取得了進展，我為身為台灣人而感到驕傲；然而要改變老一輩人的思想卻是一件極其困難的事情。漫漫長路，希望總有一天大家都能勇敢表達愛。我們應該尊重每個人的性取向和感情，並且為創造一個包容和平等的社會而努力。無論性別或性取向如何，每個人都應該被接納和尊重，並且有權追求他們所愛的人。台灣的成就給了我們希望，讓我們繼續努力，以期待更多國家能夠跟隨這個進步的腳步，創造一個更加平等和多元的世界。
本週花卉靈感來自彩虹旗
性感的粉色、
生命的紅色、
治癒人心的橙色、
陽光的黃色、
自然的綠色、
帶有魔法的青綠色、
和諧的藍色跟精神的紫色。
雨過天晴，彩虹充滿力量。
The rainbow represents the LGBTQIA+ community, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual individuals, and even more possibilities in the future (+)!
-Taken by Avery Y. at London Pride, 2022
In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a thrilling milestone. The legalization of same-sex marriage not only represents legal recognition but also affirms the values of love and equality. This significant milestone sends a strong message to the world: everyone has the right to pursue happiness and love, regardless of their gender identity.
This year, in addition to allowing Taiwanese citizens and foreign same-sex partners (including residents from Hong Kong and Macau) to directly register their marriages in Taiwan, Taiwan has made further progress in LGBTQIA+ rights. The amended law now allows same-sex couples to adopt children, providing not only more family choices for same-sex spouses but also more opportunities for orphaned children to receive love and support.
In terms of LGBTQIA+ issues, Taiwan's achievements go beyond legal breakthroughs; they reflect a shift in societal attitudes. Taiwanese society is gradually accepting and respecting diverse gender identities, and there is a growing open and supportive attitude toward same-sex marriage. This progress is the result of collective efforts from society, demonstrating Taiwan's determination and inclusiveness as a progressive country.
In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the issue of homosexuality. However, the cultural differences between the East and the West have resulted in significant variations in the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. In the United Kingdom, influenced by individualism, most people are brave enough to express their sexual orientations and pursue personal happiness. On the other hand, in Asia where collectivism holds sway, due to the presence of traditional conservative values, same-sex marriage remains a taboo topic for certain families. In this cultural context, having different opinions or pursuing one's inner desires is sometimes seen as a selfish act, making it crucial to seek approval from family and others while conforming to societal expectations. Imperceptibly, individualism and collectivism deeply influence our perspectives on people and things.
During our childhood, whenever the term "LGBTQIA+" was mentioned, people would often evade the subject or dismiss it casually. It wasn't until high school, with the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, that I had the opportunity to learn about things that were not taught in textbooks. However, the internet was filled with speculation and derogatory remarks, leading to the negative connotation of the term "LGBTQIA+" and its avoidance in many family conversations.
Despite having legal protection, "coming out" remains a significant challenge for many people. Although I am not a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I deeply empathize with the fear and pressure that my friends face when it comes to coming out.
Loving someone but being bound by societal restrictions on sexual orientation, unable to defend one's rights. Love is a pure emotion, yet we are expected to conform to the various rules and frameworks set by society.
While progress has been made in the legal realm, I feel proud as a Taiwanese to see the advancements; however, changing the mindset of the older generation is an incredibly difficult task. It is a long journey, and I hope that one day everyone can bravely express their love. We should respect each person's sexual orientation and emotions, and strive to create an inclusive and equal society. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, everyone should be accepted, respected, and have the right to pursue the love they desire. Taiwan's achievements give us hope, and we should continue our efforts, hoping that more countries will follow this progressive path and create a more equal and diverse world.
This week's flowers are inspired by the rainbow flag:
Pink represents sexuality, Red for healing,
Yellow for the sun,
Green for serenity with nature,
Turquoise for art,
Indigo for harmony and Violet for the spirit.
"After the rain, the rainbow fills with strength."