On Saturday hundreds of LGBT rights activists and supporters in the southern city of Tainan unfurled a 60 metre by 30 metre rainbow flag to mark the Republic of China National Day.

The event was organised by Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights. The flag was a gift to the alliance from Taiwan pop diva (and strong supporter of LGBT equal rights) A Mei.

At the event, Hsu Hsiu-wen, head of the alliance, encouraged the LGBT community to use their vote in the legislative elections next year.

"I am a lesbian. I love my same-sex partner and we have promised to accompany and take care of each other. However, we cannot legally marry in this country — the island that I deeply love," Hsu told Want China Times.

Members of the alliance are touring the country to strir up support support for a same-sex marriage bill in Taiwan.