In the early hours of the morning on June 8, a violent street fight broke out in Xinyi district, a nightlife hotspot in Taipei. Two Thai transgender women, dressed in low-cut tops, shorts, and high heels, were strolling through the street when a drunken man surnamed Chen suddenly used English to ask about their gender. One of the women became upset and confronted Chen; words were exchanged until she simply took off her high heel and began chasing after Chen, striking him with the shoe. Chen, unwilling to back down, fought back with his fists, knocking the woman to the ground.
According to Liberty Times, police investigations revealed that just before 4am, as crowds were dispersing from nightclubs in the Xinyi district, an intoxicated Chen was sitting on nearby steps at Lane 16, Songshou Road. Upon seeing two Thai transgender women walking by, he approached to make conversation and inquired about their gender.
At that moment, one of the Thai transgender women, upon hearing the question, became emotionally charged and began arguing with Chen. Although Chen apologized in English at one point, the woman refused to accept it, handed her purse to the other Thai transgender woman, then took off one of her high heels and struck Chen on the forehead with it.
After being struck, Chen immediately responded with his fists, knocking the woman to the ground. The intense scene of chasing, shoving, and mutual shouting drew a crowd of onlookers from the departing nightclub crowd.
Police took both parties to the police station to make official statements. Since both expressed intent to press charges, the case has been sent to the prosecutor on charges of assault.