Kuang Ting and Cheng Huei on one of their rare times off together, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 2019 ‘Gay men in Taiwan think that manly gay men are more popular because when we were young we were told that we should be manly, don’t act like a girl! So when we grow up we want to find someone very masculine to compensate the lack of masculinity we should have. When I see straight guys playing basketball for example, even now I still wish I could be more like them. These big muscly American guys, competitive, real men. But what is a real man? I still need to learn how to break this stereotype, but this is a life long challenge.’ Kuang Ting Kuang Ting (right) and Cheng Huei have been together for nine years. Cheng Huei was exhausted on their day off as he works long hours. He is in the army and doesn’t feel safe to come out with his coworkers. Kuang Ting works as a part time English teacher. Cheng Huei only came out to his parents officially because he wanted to get married. He literally came out to his family the day before his wedding. He only told them he had a boyfriend, and they were not very surprised as they already knew he was gay. They got closer since he came out. He mentally prepared this for four years. Photo by Su Cassiano/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM