In the last few years we've seen some progress when it comes to LGBTQ issues in Asia. Last December, a legislative committee signed a marriage equality bill which could soon result in the country being the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage.

Despite all of that, there is still a divide in opinions across Taiwan and being gay is still viewed as taboo in some of the country's conservative cultures. Jennifer and Sam's story serves is a perfect example of this situation.

HSBC Bank Taiwan posted a heartwarming video which tells the story of one of it's employees, Jennifer Chang as she prepares to marry her girlfriend of eleven years, Sam Chiu.

The lesbian couple reveal that Jennifer's parents have not given them their blessing and as a result her dad has refused to walk her down the aisle. "My parents are strongly against it," says Jennifer. "Whenever my father sees Sam, he will push her out and tell her to get lost."

Jennifer was also concerned about her job and how clients would react if they found out about her sexuality. "I was concerned that it would stop clients banking with [us]. So I considered it very carefully," she says.

Little did she know that her colleagues would turn out to be very supportive of her sexual orientation and that the bank's CEO, John Li, would offer to walk her down the aisle! The couple said that they never dreamt they would "make it this far."

The happy couple understand that the wedding is solely ceremonial since the marriage equality bill hasn't been officially passed but Jennifer says they had to do it for "the [LGBTQ] community. We hope our action will encourage people and create respect among different communities."

Here's the video of Jennifer and Sam sharing their struggle as they get ready to tie the knot.

Kudos to HSBC for encouraging equality and inclusiveness! Hopefully more companies will take a page out of their book.

[Source: Taiwan News]