Nymphia Wind speaks out against ’Chinese Taipei’ at Olympics

PARIS (TVBS News) — Nymphia Wind, a Taiwanese drag queen and winner of season 16 of Drag Race, is making waves at the Paris Olympics. Known for her vibrant performances that blend Taiwanese culture with drag artistry, Wind shared her thoughts on Taiwan's participation in the Games, her recent successes, and future plans during a media session on Friday (Aug. 9).

Showcasing Taiwanese Culture

Wind's latest performance at the "Win Together Glory Night" for the Cultural Olympiad in Paris has been a hit. "I feel amazing and proud to be able to perform for Taiwan at the culture stage here and at the Paris Olympics," she said. "It feels very meaningful and valuable to be able to perform alongside beautiful people and to represent Taiwan, especially at a culture and international stage such as the Paris Olympics, where, you know, international people get to see the colors of Taiwan."

Her troupe's performance has garnered strong public support, highlighting Taiwan's unique cultural heritage. Wind emphasized her desire to continue showcasing Taiwan's rich traditions and diverse culture through her shows. "The inspiration for the Paris Olympic performance is Taiwan. Like, how do I find ways to represent Taiwan and show the beauty of Taiwan from its nature to its people and to its culture?" she added.

A Voice Against 'Chinese Taipei'
Wind also expressed her dissatisfaction with Taiwan's designation as Chinese Taipei at the Paris Olympics. "Well, I think Taiwan. Taipei sounds so much better," she stated. "And honestly, I feel like it's only fair to be able to be a country and compete at the Paris Olympics than be 'Chinese Taipei'. So, you know, that's my personal opinion."

Wind's stance reflects a broader sentiment among Taiwanese athletes and citizens who seek recognition for their country's identity on the global stage. The debate over Taiwan's name at international events has long been a contentious issue, drawing attention from both supporters and detractors.

Future Projects and Global Tour
Looking ahead, Wind plans to further blend Taiwanese culture with drag performances, aiming to bring her unique shows to a global audience. "I feel like I'm able to do what I do now as a winner of season 16 of Drag Race is because Taiwan taught me to be free and do whatever you want," she explained. "There's a certain freedom in Taiwan that you feel when you arrive there. There's a certain looseness to its people. It's hard to explain. You can only feel it when you're in Taiwan."

She hinted at future projects and the possibility of touring internationally. "More importantly, Nymphia is passionate about combining Taiwanese culture with drag performances. She plans to curate more shows that incorporate these elements and tour the world in the future," the report concluded.

As Nymphia Wind continues to captivate audiences with her performances, she remains a proud ambassador for Taiwan, using her platform to celebrate and promote her heritage on the world stage.