Nymphia Wind to showcase Taiwan's diversity at Amsterdam Pride

Taipei, July 31 (CNA) Nymphia Wind, the only Taiwanese drag artist to win the acclaimed reality show RuPaul's Drag Race, is set to appear at Pride Amsterdam to share her insights on drag culture and join international participants in the event's iconic boat parade.

Nymphia was invited to the event by the Ministry of Culture's (MOC) Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris and Asian Pride Amsterdam, the MOC said in a press release Thursday.

According to the MOC, Nymphia will first appear at the closing of Asian Pride Cinema on July 31, joining a post-screening Q&A after the showing of two Taiwanese films -- Boys for Beauty (美麗少年) by director Mickey Chen (陳俊志) and Drag in Me (瑞秋) by director Chen Kun-ho (陳昆禾). She will share her thoughts on drag culture and self-expression.

On August 2, Nymphia will take part in the Canal Parade aboard the Asian Pride Boat, under the theme "WE DO," to celebrate the spirit of Taiwan and Asia with her signature creativity.

While Nymphia has not revealed her costume, the MOC said her performance will highlight messages of freedom, creativity, and staying true to oneself.

Nymphia won Season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race, a milestone widely seen as boosting Taiwan's international profile. Following her success, the MOC invited her to perform at the 2024 Paris Cultural Olympiad.

In a statement, Hu Ching-fang (胡晴舫), director of the Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris, said she was delighted to welcome Nymphia back to Europe to represent Taiwan at a major international cultural event.

Hu said Nymphia's presence, along with the screenings of the Taiwanese films, offers a visual spectacle and a powerful statement of identity and empowerment. The event highlights shared values between Taiwan and Europe in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and underscores Taiwan's progressive and inclusive spirit.

Founded in 1996, Pride Amsterdam celebrates freedom and diversity and is renowned worldwide for its vibrant canal parade.