18 Jan 2017

Youtube Removes Taiwan Military’s LGBT Drama

Official version of Taiwan’s military of defence’s solider drama featuring a gay story line removed after complaints it violated community guidelines.

Anti-gay groups have come under fire in Taiwan after YouTube pulled an episode of the Defense Ministry's TV show that features a gay soldier.

Titled "Rainbow," the half-hour segment of the Ministry of National Defense's "Ju-guang Corner" showed service members supporting a man who had been broken up with by his boyfriend.

The official online version of the video was removed by YouTube after users flagged it for violating community standards, though other versions remain online.

Anti-LGBT activist group the Alliance of Crying for Hope called the government "shameful. ”Imagine what kind of island Taiwan would become if the military became the breeding ground for AIDS. Taiwan's own self-destruction means that China wouldn't even need to invade," their post said, according to China Post.

Netizens and local media have been widely supportive of the segment, however, and denounced anti-gay activists.

In a statement released on Facebook on Friday, the MND said it was "thankful and respectful of diverse societal opinions."

A veteran lieutenant involved in making the episode told local media that “for the first time I feel so proud of myself for being part of the army.”

The move comes as same-sex marriage legislation works its way through Taiwan’s legislative Yuan.

Watch the episode below: