SPORTS
ASIA Rainbow Ride TEXT: ROMA MEHTA AND OLIVIA WU IMAGES: ASIA RAINBOW RIDE
Participants
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livia Wu, co-founder of the Asia Rainbow Ride, shared the genesis of this event in an interview. She has been an advocate for the LGBTQ community for over a decade and has created a professional practice around wellness and healing for the past 15 years. When a friend told her about the Asia Rainbow Ride, she thought it would be a great way to bring the community together while overcoming difficult challenges. The ride is a three-day, 206-kilometer cycling event that takes place in Taiwan. The event is open to people of all
Lisa and Olivia are co-founders of the Asia Rainbow Ride
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FALL 2023 www.communitycenter.org.tw
ages and identities. The organizers also wanted to collaborate with the Red House, and last year, the Taipei City government joined the opening ceremony. The first ride was during the pandemic year, 2020. It was safer to be together in an outdoor space, while following protocols of safe distancing. The event started as a passion project for Wu and her team. They wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ community. In its four years, the Asia Rainbow Ride has grown from 33 riders in its first year to 108 riders in 2022. Riders and volunteers come from all over the world, representing a wide range of ages, identities, and backgrounds participated. The Asia Rainbow Ride is now an official NGO. This means that the event is more sustainable and that it can provide more support to the LGBTQ community. Individual and corporate signups create a diverse group of riders, ages 18-65 years. The ride has a 50-50 gender balance, and they are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all people, regardless
2020
33 riders
2021
77 riders
2022
108 riders
of their gender identity. Supporting other NGOs is also a part of their mission.
“Goals for the future are centered around health and wellness. Our focus is on being involved and active. This is an endurance event, and safe for riders. We have collaborated with a tour guide company. It is a diverse community where you can meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages and orientation as allies.” Wu said that the most important thing she has learned through this journey is that it is important to be aligned to who you are and what you do. She also said that the Asia Rainbow Ride has helped her to grow as a person and to develop her character.
“The Asia Rainbow Ride is a positive force for good in the world. It brings people together and it helps to promote acceptance and understanding.” We cycle for love and to create a positive impact on humanity.