SDG10
The 12th Tainan Pink Dot 2026 at NCKU Promotes Social Respect for Diversity and Anti-Homophobia
May 17 marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. The 12th Tainan Pink Dot took center stage in front of the Student Activity Center at National Cheng Kung University’s (NCKU) Kuang-Fu Campus, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of students dressed in pink. Under this year’s theme, “Discovering the Forest │ Komorebi (木漏れ日),” the event invited participants into a metaphorical forest to freely explore issues surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation through diverse activities, experiencing a profound sense of warmth and inclusivity.
Jia-rui Jiang, the chief organizer and an NCKU sophomore majoring in Political Science, explained that this year’s theme envisions Pink Dot as a forest that warmly embraces biodiversity. Through the unique nourishment provided by different “species,” it aims to cultivate a stronger, more resilient future generation. “Komorebi” is a Japanese term referring to sunlight filtering through leaves, symbolizing how shifting perspectives reveal varied colors. Just as light travels through a forest, it warmly and equally illuminates every form of life.
Jiang added that in recent years, the university’s Gender Equality Committee has established more channels for students to engage in self-exploration and understanding. NCKU has also expanded its gender-friendly initiatives, including the installation of gender-neutral restrooms and the implementation of gender-inclusive housing in the Dongning dormitories, demonstrating concrete respect for diverse gender groups. She expressed hope for the creation of more unofficial reporting and peer-sharing channels in the future, providing supportive spaces for students facing discrimination or distress on campus.
“The sun is strong today, but everyone is out here sweating with vibrant, youthful energy,” said NCKU Associate Dean of Student Affairs Zhao-xiang Lu, speaking on behalf of the university. He noted that the 12th Tainan Pink Dot closely aligns with the core principles of Taiwan’s Gender Equity Education Act by preventing sexual bullying and promoting substantive gender equality. Furthermore, the event responds directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). He emphasized that the university has consistently made tangible changes to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance for diverse communities.
Professor Wan-ru Yeh, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Gender Equality Committee and Chair of the Department of Law, noted that the concept of “Komorebi” captures the beauty of dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy. In a forest, changing one’s physical perspective allows one to experience different angles of light. Likewise, when individuals are willing to shift how they view gender and identity, new dimensions of understanding emerge. She expressed her hope that the Gender Equality Committee could serve as a supportive forest for everyone—providing nourishment and helping each individual discover their own light.
Professor Chia-jung Chuang, representing the NCKU gender-friendly student organization TO.LAKU and the Institute of Public Health at the College of Medicine, highlighted critical findings from a national health insurance database study that tracked 3,900 transgender individuals in Taiwan over a ten-year period. The study revealed a relatively higher mortality rate among transgender people, driven not only by biological or familial factors but also significantly by systemic social discrimination. She underscored the vital importance of mutual support and shared experiences, reassuring the crowd: “You are not the first, nor the last—and you are never alone.”
“The path to equality is never an easy one,” said Yi-jing Wu from the Gender Equality Education Committee at NCKU’s Student Affairs Office. She paid a moving tribute to a pioneering partner in the history of Tainan Pink Dot, affectionately remembered as “Senior F,” thanking her for her immense courage and life journey that helped pave the way for a safer space for gender-diverse communities. Although she is no longer present on stage, her spirit remains like fertile forest soil, continuing to nourish growth toward the light.
The Pink Shirt Day movement originated in Canada in 2007 when a group of high school students purchased 50 pink shirts to stand in solidarity with a bullied classmate. Since then, similar anti-bullying initiatives, such as Pink Shirt Day and Pink Dot events, have gained global momentum. Tainan Pink Dot was first launched in 2015, aiming to heighten awareness of sexual minorities and build a supportive environment where individuals can live authentically without concealing their true selves.
Now in its 12th year, Tainan Pink Dot continues to champion gender equality across southern Taiwan, championing respect for diverse identities and the cultivation of inclusive environments. Through education and cultural initiatives, the movement seeks to eliminate stigma and discrimination while building a more cohesive society. As communities open their arms to diverse expressions of gender, new creative and vibrant possibilities emerge. Although social progress may be gradual, the accumulated experiences across generations build resilience like fertile forest soil, empowering people to continue growing toward the light.
Featuring an eco-friendly marketplace, dynamic stage performances, and insightful short talks on gender issues, the event successfully embedded gender equality awareness into campus culture in an engaging and accessible manner. Despite the hot weather, numerous participants proudly wore pink clothing and accessories, showing their robust support for the initiative and challenging deep-seated gender stereotypes.
The event was funded by the Ministry of Education’s Gender Equity Education Day program. It was jointly organized by NCKU’s gender-friendly student group TO.LAKU, the Tainan Pink Dot organizing team, and multiple university units—including the Gender Equality Committee, various divisions of the Student Affairs Office, the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing, the Center for General Education, and the Southern Regional Gender Equity Education Resource Center commissioned by the Ministry of Education.
Jia-rui Jiang, the chief organizer and an NCKU sophomore majoring in Political Science, explained that this year’s theme envisions Pink Dot as a forest that warmly embraces biodiversity. Through the unique nourishment provided by different “species,” it aims to cultivate a stronger, more resilient future generation. “Komorebi” is a Japanese term referring to sunlight filtering through leaves, symbolizing how shifting perspectives reveal varied colors. Just as light travels through a forest, it warmly and equally illuminates every form of life.
Jiang added that in recent years, the university’s Gender Equality Committee has established more channels for students to engage in self-exploration and understanding. NCKU has also expanded its gender-friendly initiatives, including the installation of gender-neutral restrooms and the implementation of gender-inclusive housing in the Dongning dormitories, demonstrating concrete respect for diverse gender groups. She expressed hope for the creation of more unofficial reporting and peer-sharing channels in the future, providing supportive spaces for students facing discrimination or distress on campus.
“The sun is strong today, but everyone is out here sweating with vibrant, youthful energy,” said NCKU Associate Dean of Student Affairs Zhao-xiang Lu, speaking on behalf of the university. He noted that the 12th Tainan Pink Dot closely aligns with the core principles of Taiwan’s Gender Equity Education Act by preventing sexual bullying and promoting substantive gender equality. Furthermore, the event responds directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). He emphasized that the university has consistently made tangible changes to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance for diverse communities.
Professor Wan-ru Yeh, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Gender Equality Committee and Chair of the Department of Law, noted that the concept of “Komorebi” captures the beauty of dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy. In a forest, changing one’s physical perspective allows one to experience different angles of light. Likewise, when individuals are willing to shift how they view gender and identity, new dimensions of understanding emerge. She expressed her hope that the Gender Equality Committee could serve as a supportive forest for everyone—providing nourishment and helping each individual discover their own light.
Professor Chia-jung Chuang, representing the NCKU gender-friendly student organization TO.LAKU and the Institute of Public Health at the College of Medicine, highlighted critical findings from a national health insurance database study that tracked 3,900 transgender individuals in Taiwan over a ten-year period. The study revealed a relatively higher mortality rate among transgender people, driven not only by biological or familial factors but also significantly by systemic social discrimination. She underscored the vital importance of mutual support and shared experiences, reassuring the crowd: “You are not the first, nor the last—and you are never alone.”
“The path to equality is never an easy one,” said Yi-jing Wu from the Gender Equality Education Committee at NCKU’s Student Affairs Office. She paid a moving tribute to a pioneering partner in the history of Tainan Pink Dot, affectionately remembered as “Senior F,” thanking her for her immense courage and life journey that helped pave the way for a safer space for gender-diverse communities. Although she is no longer present on stage, her spirit remains like fertile forest soil, continuing to nourish growth toward the light.
The Pink Shirt Day movement originated in Canada in 2007 when a group of high school students purchased 50 pink shirts to stand in solidarity with a bullied classmate. Since then, similar anti-bullying initiatives, such as Pink Shirt Day and Pink Dot events, have gained global momentum. Tainan Pink Dot was first launched in 2015, aiming to heighten awareness of sexual minorities and build a supportive environment where individuals can live authentically without concealing their true selves.
Now in its 12th year, Tainan Pink Dot continues to champion gender equality across southern Taiwan, championing respect for diverse identities and the cultivation of inclusive environments. Through education and cultural initiatives, the movement seeks to eliminate stigma and discrimination while building a more cohesive society. As communities open their arms to diverse expressions of gender, new creative and vibrant possibilities emerge. Although social progress may be gradual, the accumulated experiences across generations build resilience like fertile forest soil, empowering people to continue growing toward the light.
Featuring an eco-friendly marketplace, dynamic stage performances, and insightful short talks on gender issues, the event successfully embedded gender equality awareness into campus culture in an engaging and accessible manner. Despite the hot weather, numerous participants proudly wore pink clothing and accessories, showing their robust support for the initiative and challenging deep-seated gender stereotypes.
The event was funded by the Ministry of Education’s Gender Equity Education Day program. It was jointly organized by NCKU’s gender-friendly student group TO.LAKU, the Tainan Pink Dot organizing team, and multiple university units—including the Gender Equality Committee, various divisions of the Student Affairs Office, the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing, the Center for General Education, and the Southern Regional Gender Equity Education Resource Center commissioned by the Ministry of Education.
Today (17th) marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The 12th Tainan Pink Dot 2026 event took place in front of the Activity Center at the Kuang-Fu Campus of NCKU, attracting many students dressed in pink to participate in the event.
Representing the Office of Student Affairs, Vice Dean of Student Affairs Chao-Hsiang Lu remarked that the university has made significant efforts and implemented many substantial changes, with the hope of helping more people understand different cultures and, in turn, embrace both diversity and themselves.
Wan-Ju Yeh, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Gender Equity Education Committee and Chair of the Department of Law, expressed her hope that the committee could become a forest for everyone — a place that provides nourishment — and that everyone may find their own light within it.
During her remarks, Professor Chia-Jung Chuang, faculty advisor of the NCKU gender-friendly student club TO．La Cool and professor at the Graduate Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, stated that the most important meaning of Pink Dot is: “You are not the first, nor the last, and you will never be alone.”
Since its establishment, the Tainan Pink Dot event has entered its 12th year, dedicating itself to promoting gender equality in southern Taiwan and advocating the values of “respecting gender diversity and creating inclusive spaces.”
Through a friendly marketplace, wonderful stage performances, and short talks on gender issues, the Tainan Pink Dot event aims to promote the values of gender equality on campus in a relaxed and engaging way.
The 12th Tainan Pink Dot 2026 event concluded successfully. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
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