2024/06/30 New Bloom Newsletter
Hi there! El and Yo-Ling here sending an end of June update. COVID has been spreading around in Taipei. Be safe, friends! Mask up! And get boosted if you can.
New Bloom News
Bluebird Movement protests continued in Taipei in late June, even as the legislature voted down the Executive Yuan’s request to reconsider the bill. In the same timeframe, the KMT continues to try and roll back policy of the Tsai administration, with attempts to create legal loopholes for the China Youth Corps by the KMT, allowing fo the recovery of party assets that were lost during the Tsai administration. Likewise, pro-Palestine activism also continued, with a march calling for an end to arms links between Taiwan and Israel on June 23rd.
In the meantime, Chinese military threats directed at Taiwan still take place, with military drills that were likely a reaction to a US arms sale to Taiwan. China also announced that supporters of Taiwanese independence could potentially face the death penalty under new legal guidelines. While a clear attempt to intimidate, academics, journalists, and others who are framed as “distorting” the historical relationship between Taiwan and China could also fall under the purview of the guidelines. This proves similar to national security legislation as passed in Hong Kong, even if it is to be seen how China seeks to implement the new measures.
DAYBREAK Events
(Please see our Facebook page for all upcoming and past events)
2024/06/20 The Silence of Taiwanese American Fathers and Sons’ Struggles: A Talk
In the next installment of the series on Taiwanese American mental health, Evon spoke about the struggles of Taiwanese American fathers and sons. Evon spoke about and dove into…
The historical context of male chauvinism, polygamous families, first-born son privilege and stress, as well as the progression of feminism in modern Taiwanese society.
The upbringing of Taiwanese American fathers and its potential impact on intimate and father-and-son relationships.
The experiences of growing up in the US as a son in an immigrant family.
The struggles that Taiwanese American men may face in therapy. Check out the recording of the full talk on Youtube.
2024/06/21 Olive It!: A Drag Cabaret in Support of Gazans
Olive it! was a fundraiser drag cabaret focused on celebrating queer liberation and resistance. Entry to this event was a give-what-you-can donation to the family of Hazem Almassry, a Gazan scholar living in Taipei, or to support a cause from Operation Olive Branch (@operationolivebranch). The event in the end raised 20,000 for Hazem’s family! See details here.
2024/06/28 2024 India Election Results: An Opportunity or Obstacle to Improve Human Rights?
With Narendra Modi commencing his third term as India’s Prime Minister following the world’s largest elections, human rights organisations and critics of Modi’s government eagerly call for substantial improvement in human rights and freedoms for all. Despite Modi having promised to lead the country by consensus, based on Modi’s government’s previous human rights records, can we be optimistic about the future? Will Modi’s third term guarantee fundamental rights and freedom in India? Panelists came together to discuss their own experiences and reactions to the recent election results.
2024/06/29 世界驕傲月:酷兒戰士
A party co-organized by various queer organizations came together Saturday night for talks, chats, DJ-ing and drinks. Collaborators include @redisukurabu, @homopleasue, @nectar_rrreeuq, @triftransbar.
Coming up
July 12th — How One Letter Could Change a Life: Sharing from Hong Kong’s Leading Trans Activist🏳️⚧️ (Register here)