When Jennifer, a Taiwanese HSBC employee, decided to marry her girlfriend, her homophobic parents refused to attend the wedding and cut off contact with her. Though she feared disapproval at work, her boss responded kindly - by walking her down the aisle instead of her father.
Jennifer and her partner, Sam, have been together for 11 years. The couple has faced countless obstacles living in a conservative society, and since same-sex marriage is still not recognised in Taiwan, they're not even able to legally register their union. Thankfully, Jennifer's colleagues rallied around her with support, including CEO John Li, whose arm she held in place of her absent father as the brides approached the alter.
"We cried because we never thought we would make it this far," Jennifer shares in a video produced by HSBC. Indeed, the faces of both brides can be seen streaked with tears, but also marked by the immense pride of a love triumphant against the odds.
Jennifer, an HSBC employee in Taiwan, recently married her partner Sam
Jennifer's homophobic parents rejected their relationship, and refused to attend the wedding
John Li, CEO of HSBC Taiwan, agreed to walk Jennifer down the aisle instead of her absent father
Though she feared disapproval at work, Jennifer's colleagues supported and accepted her completely
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in Taiwan, but the wedding was symbolic for Jennifer and Sam
"We cried because we never thought we would make it this far," said Jennifer on the day's significance
