On July 1st, Seoul’s Pride parade took place, defying the city’s decision to deny a permit for the use of a prominent plaza. Despite the sultry monsoon heat, tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate the event, waving rainbow banners and marching through the streets. This year, the presence of conservative protesters was relatively muted compared to previous years, with parade-goers responding to their homophobic slogans by chanting their own slogans back at them. The festive atmosphere was filled with drag queens, DJs, and floats, as attendees embraced the theme of this year’s event: “Bloom, Queer Nation!”
Holic Sunwoo Yang, the chair of the Seoul Queer Culture Festival’s organizing committee, expressed that they were expecting discussions about the permit but didn’t anticipate the rejection. However, their determination to host the parade anywhere they could remained unwavering. As a result, the event was moved to the Euljiro neighborhood of downtown Seoul, where attendees enjoyed various Pride-themed festivities.
South Korea remains a socially conservative country where homosexuality is still considered taboo, and same-sex unions are not legally recognized. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that a majority of South Koreans opposed same-sex marriage, making it one of the countries with the highest opposition rates among the Group of 20 nations surveyed. Despite these challenges, the vibrant celebrations held in Seoul serve as a powerful statement of existence and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea.
The Seoul Pride festivities were part of global Pride Month celebrations held throughout June, reflecting on a year that saw significant legislative developments affecting LGBTQ+ rights in various countries. While some countries expanded rights for the community, such as Taiwan granting same-sex couples adoption rights, the United States experienced a surge in bills targeting transgender rights.
In South Korea, the push for LGBTQ+ rights continues to face obstacles. Same-sex marriage remains unattainable, and a bill seeking anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals has struggled to gain traction. Conservative forces, including religious groups, have been known to vehemently oppose LGBTQ+ rights. However, scholars argue that the pushback against LGBTQ+ visibility and rights can serve as a catalyst for progress. Increased media attention and resistance give activists an opportunity to refine their messaging and galvanize support for further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights.
The voices of Pride in Seoul represent different facets of the LGBTQ+ community. JiGook, a singer-songwriter, bravely incorporates drag into his artistic expression, embracing his identity as a queer artist. Kwon Bada, the owner of Kockiri, a gay bar in Seoul, created a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. While not an activist in the traditional sense, Kwon contributes to the community by fostering a sense of belonging and providing support.
As an organizer of the Seoul Pride festival, Sunwoo Yang has witnessed the presence of conservative protesters for years. Despite the religious rhetoric against sexual minorities, Yang, a lesbian herself, emphasizes the importance of the festival’s central location in Seoul. It serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals coexist and thrive alongside society, challenging the exclusionary narratives propagated by conservative groups.
Jungle, a transgender woman, shares her personal journey of self-discovery and retransition. She highlights the need for visibility and recognition for transgender individuals in South Korea, a country that has yet to experience its own version of the Stonewall movement. Cha Hae-young, South Korea’s first openly LGBTQ+ elected official, wants to be acknowledged for their work rather than solely their queer identity, fighting against the pressure to constantly prove themselves.
The Pride celebrations in Seoul provide a space for diverse voices and narratives within the LGBTQ+ community to be heard and celebrated. Despite the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, these moments of visibility and resistance serve as important milestones in the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.
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