South Korea’s largest annual LGBT festival, attended by tens of thousands, proceeded on Saturday despite being denied a prime spot by the Seoul city government, which instead allocated it to an anti-LGBT Christian group.
The Seoul Queer Culture Festival, traditionally held outside city hall since 2015, had to be relocated nearby after the city government granted a permit for a Christian youth concert to take place at the desired location. This year’s march commenced a few hundred meters away from city hall, amidst both onlookers and anti-LGBT protesters.
CTS, the Christian group involved, stated that their aim was not to obstruct homosexuality but rather to provide encouragement and hope to young individuals during challenging times. The city government did not offer any comment regarding the permit issue.
Organizers of the LGBT event estimated that around 35,000 people participated in the march. A Gallup poll conducted in May indicated that four out of ten South Koreans support legalizing same-sex marriage, with supporters gradually closing the gap with those who disapprove. Kim Kyu Jin and Kim Saeyeon, an openly lesbian couple who recently married abroad and announced a pregnancy, were among the participants, offering inspiration to others who aspire to marry.
The Pride event served as a rare opportunity for queer individuals in South Korea to openly celebrate themselves. Nicole Kim, a 23-year-old who identifies as asexual, highlighted the significance of the queer festival as a time when they can all come together and enjoy themselves openly.
In a separate incident, police officers were dispatched to a smaller Pride parade in the city of Daegu, despite Mayor Hong Joon-pyo deeming the event illegal. Despite such challenges, the LGBT community in South Korea continues to advocate for their rights and visibility.
