Even in the exuberant world of Taiwanese politics, Huang Jie stands out - and not just because of the pink highlights in her hair and love for cosplay.

Known for her fiery speeches and progressive views, the 31-year-old made history in January when she won a seat in parliament - and became the island’s first openly gay legislator.

“I think it's a new milestone for Taiwan,” Ms Huang told the BBC recently. “I feel quite grateful that the Taiwanese are willing to have come this far.”

“Of course, as the first such legislator, I also bear a certain responsibility, which is to work harder and show everyone my efforts in pushing for LGBTQ rights,” she added.

Taiwan is one of the most progressive place in Asia for gay rights. Back in 2019 it was the first place in the region to legalise same-sex marriage. Now it also recognises transnational LGBTQ couples and allows gay couples to adopt.

Besides Ms Huang, activists estimate there are now more than a dozen Taiwanese politicians who identify as LGBTQ .

They include lesbian Taipei city councillor Miao Poya - she and Ms Huang were the two most prominent gay politicians in January’s elections. The island - and the world - also had its first transgender cabinet minister back in 2016, when then President Tsai Ing-wen appointed Audrey Tang as digital affairs minister.

Yet some worry of a resurgence in conservative politics - while others dream of a time when sexuality will not even be a point of discussion.

Ms Huang’s win - she represents the governing Democratic Progressive Party in its stronghold Kaohsiung - caps a rocky few years in her political career. After brief stints in environmental health research and journalism, she joined a small progressive political party and in 2018 won a seat in Kaohsiung’s local council.

The following year, she shot to fame when she went toe-to-toe with controversial conservative politician Han Kuo-yu. During a sparring session at a council meeting, she was caught on camera rolling her eyes before delivering a snappy riposte.

That moment of unbridled exasperation earned her the delighted attention of the Taiwanese internet, the moniker “eyeroll goddess”, and a new following. But it also attracted........

© BBC