MOVING MOVEMENTS: EXPLORING THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POTENTIALITIES OF EMPATHY THROUGH THE TAIWANESE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT

Abstract

While there has been increased interest in the study of emotions within social movement literature, empathy remains an emotion that has received little to no attention in the field. This paper considers the transformational potentiality of incorporating empathy in social movements through an exploration of the Taiwanese LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) movement. This is done through a study of the tactics that they use, the conducting of semi-structured interviews with Taiwanese activists as well as attending and observing events/activities during the course of conducting a month-long fieldwork in Taiwan.

This thesis serves as an introduction to the transformational potentialities of empathy for social movement activists and researchers. Through the discussion, I wish to shed light on the use of empathy as learnt from Taiwan as part of a larger conversation on how we can better move movements, be it in Singapore or beyond.