The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taipei and Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023, Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in early 2026. I like travelling to East Asia. I’m in the middle of a Republic of China (ROC) trip. Current affairs made me think I shouldn’t wait too much to revisit Formosa.
Taipei gay cruising bar Commander D. will close after Sunday 8 November 2026, bringing an end to its operations following a controversial police raid last month. The venue announced the news in a short statement on Facebook, explaining that its lease had expired.
“Due to the expiration of the lease, our store will be open until 8 November (Sunday). See you again someday!” the statement read. The bar did not provide further details about its future.
因為租約到期
本店 營業至11月8 （日）號
有緣 再相見
Commander D., a bar popular with men interested in BDSM and fetish culture, was raided by police in Taipei’s Ximending district on 3 October. The operation sparked controversy over the treatment of customers and raised concerns about discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.
Police entered the venue with a search warrant following complaints concerning alleged public indecency and the possible presence of minors. Dozens of customers and staff members were questioned during the operation. Reports said that 51 customers were taken in for questioning.
The raid attracted particular criticism after an officer reportedly made an inappropriate remark to a wheelchair user, questioning how disabled people could have sex in the venue. Police subsequently acknowledged the officer’s conduct and took disciplinary action.
The incident prompted protests in Taipei, with LGBTQIA+ activists and supporters accusing the police of excessive measures and discriminatory treatment. Six officers reportedly faced disciplinary action following the controversy.
The raid also became a talking point during Taipei LGBT+ Pride on 31 October, raising broader questions about the limits of LGBTQIA+ acceptance in Taiwan and the distinction between socially acceptable expressions of sexuality and consensual BDSM and fetish practices.
Commander D. has not said whether it intends to reopen elsewhere. Its farewell message ended on a hopeful note, or is it just politeness, suggesting that customers might meet the venue again someday.
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LGBTQIA+ and travel
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- Are you travelling to a hostile destination?.
