【Article by GCIT】
Jay Lin, founder and CEO of GagaOOLala and Portico Media, was invited by GCIT Director and Distinguished Professor Tsui-Chuan Lin to deliver a lecture titled “From Taiwan to the World: GagaOOLala's Journey in LGBTQ+ & BL Streaming” at the Global Communication and Innovation Technology Master’s Program (GCIT) at National Chengchi University. Lin shared the journey and challenges of creating the world’s first Asian LGBTQ+ streaming platform, GagaOOLala. Recognized as one of the LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of 2024 by the UK’s Attitude magazine, Lin has produced numerous high-quality queer films and series in recent years.

During his lecture, Lin addressed students' questions about the platform’s creation and the societal skepticism it has faced. He explained that beyond promoting LGBTQ+ dramas and films, the platform aims to bring such content to more conservative nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. “Whether in cinemas or traditional media, this type of content cannot be openly distributed,” Lin acknowledged.

Faced with the limitations imposed by traditional media and conservative markets, Lin turned to digital streaming technology to empower users to watch freely on personal devices, bypassing the challenges of physical distribution. “Content that cannot be aired through traditional media can now transcend borders via our platform, allowing Taiwan’s queer cinema to reach audiences worldwide,” Lin shared.

In the Q&A session, students asked about the platform’s strategic planning. Lin admitted that much of the journey was about learning by doing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open mind and seizing opportunities. He also revealed that one key to the platform’s success lies in collaborating with film festivals and producers across Asia, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers to collectively advance queer Asian storytelling.

At the close of his lecture, Lin encouraged students with advice drawn from his personal experiences: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and make the best of the challenges that life puts forth to you.” He emphasized that regardless of the obstacles, passion and perseverance can help anyone carve their own path.

Through his candid reflections on entrepreneurship, Lin not only shared his journey of building a groundbreaking platform but also demonstrated the courage to challenge conventions and offer deep insights into LGBTQ+ issues. His story serves as both an inspiring example of personal success and a testament to how innovative technology and cultural influence can propel Taiwan’s queer cinema and culture to the global stage.