Taipei Guide: An Illustrated Exploration

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Welcome to Taipei, Taiwan / Every year, I pick a month or two between November and February to spend in Taipei. These long trips are made possible by working remotely as a freelance illustrator. But once each day’s work is done, I’m free to grab my sketchbook and explore. This annual trip is my chance to conveniently miss a chunk of Chicago winter and to enjoy daily life in Asia, surrounded by mochi and savory buns. It’s an eating paradise. With vendors hawking sweet and savory treats…

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End of an Era: Farewell to the Formosa Foundation

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As observers and partners of the many active organizations in support of Taiwan and the Taiwanese American community, the staff of TaiwaneseAmerican.org has had the privilege of working with leaders, organizers, and activists throughout our extensive network. One of those esteemed organizations is the Formosa Foundation, based in Los Angeles. Their mission, like many other "1st generation" organizations, has been a noble one--promoting and supporting the Taiwanese people's right to self-determination…

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A Rose By Any Other

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My Chinese name is 陳克聞. Seven strokes for the first character of my given name, fourteen for the second, because the fortuneteller told my grandmother that this mathematics of words was auspicious. I write my name with one stroke fewer than the prescribed number, so perhaps all my misfortunes are a result of bad penmanship. No one uses 陳克聞. At home, I am 哥哥, “older brother,” except when my mother, in exasperation, calls out all three syllables of my name for dramatic effect.…

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The Slants go to Taiwan for new music video!

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The Slants—the world's first and only all Asian American dance rock band—filmed their new music video "Heartbeat is Heaven" during a long-awaited tour to Taiwan, where they also performed at Taiwan's legendary outdoor music festival Spring Scream! The Slants have been featured on Conan O'Brien, NPR, BBC, CBS, TIME, and 1500+ radio stations, tv shows, magazines and websites in over 80+ countries. Check out thoughts on their Taiwan adventures below! How did everyone get involved with The…

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Rally for UN Membership for Taiwan

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By Jenny Wang, co-organizer of Keep Taiwan Free “Growing up, my parents always told me that I’m Taiwanese, and to never let anyone tell me otherwise. As I grew older, I started to learn more about the complications of Taiwan and our Taiwanese identities. As a Taiwanese American, I’m always striving to protect my Taiwanese American identity - an identity that I cherish - and by doing so, I became more active in protecting Taiwan and helping to promote Taiwan in the international community.”…

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2016 Taiwan Gay Pride Parade in NY

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HELP Taiwan be represented at the 2016 New York Gay Pride Parade! Did you know that Taiwan is the home of Asia’s largest Gay Pride parade? But the last time there was a float representing Taiwan in the New York Pride Parade was in 2010! There hasn’t been a Taiwan float these past couple of years because registration fees and the cost of a putting together a float are quite high. Now more than ever, in the wake of the June 12th shooting at the Orlando nightclub Pulse, we need to show our support…

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Perspective to Empower: Isa Ho’s “Girls Falling” at Taiwan Academy L.A.

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Taiwanese artist Isa Ho opened her first photo exhibition “Girls Falling” at Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles from May 18th to June 30th. This photo exhibit goes beyond the usual perspectives and into a fantastical introspection of the self, with the discussion uniquely immersed in contemporary Taiwanese sensibility. The “Girls” series is referred to by many as the “Falling Down” series. The girls in the photographs along with the girls whom have been transformed into animals are all…

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For the Love of the Band: Taiwanese Fans bring British Thrash Metal Onslaught to Taipei!

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By Darice Chang Introduction When legendary British thrash metal band Onslaught announced their Asia tour, Taiwan was missing from the list. Undeterred, one diehard fan recruited another and together three Taiwanese decided to bring the band to Taipei themselves. With no previous experience in event organization and driven purely by passion, the three fans - under the pseudonyms Somebody, Nobody, and Everybody - pooled their money and resources to make their dream a reality. Aside…

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Love Boat: Taiwan

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If you're Taiwanese American or have friends who are, you've certainly heard of "Love Boat"--the summer program that brings hundreds of young high school and collegiate-aged Taiwanese Americans back to Taiwan for an experience they'll never forget. For the parents who sent their child to this six-week summer camp in the homeland, it's an opportunity to expose their kids to Taiwan for a substantially subsidized fee. For the young Asian American participants, it's a liberating experience discovering…

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Who Is Arthur Chu? This Documentary Tells his Story

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Who Is Arthur Chu? is a documentary feature executive produced by 3-time Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris, about the controversial Jeopardy! champion and Taiwanese American internet celebrity. The film follows Arthur from his hometown of Cleveland to Los Angeles (where he competes in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions) and then finally to Taiwan. The film examines Asian American stereotypes, the relevance and impact of TV game shows on society, the changing nature of the American dream…

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