Thousands of individuals have gathered in South Korea’s capital for its annual queer culture festival. However, the festival is expected to face obstacles from local authorities in the major cities and conservative groups. “Our message to South Korean society at large this year is to affirm LGBTQ people,” said Yang Sun-woo, the festival’s chief organizer.
City officials had previously denied permit applications by the event organizers for four venues, and a counter-protest against the festival was held at an adjacent venue. “We’re going to do it anywhere where we can do pride because the main thing is to convey the message that we’re everywhere,” Yang said.
A rally opposing the Queer Culture Festival was held at a downtown Seoul venue also on Saturday. Thousands of people were bearing blue flags and placards with slogans such as “No to Homosexuality Queer Festival.” One of the countless booths and activities at the queer festival was event blessing for couples.
“We joined the festival to show visibility, that we exist,” one such couple: 25-year-old Park Hyun Chung, who identifies as bisexual, and 22-year-old Kim Jarim, an identified pansexual, told Reuters. “We’re going to have a wedding ceremony next year. Usually, at weddings, there are many events where you receive blessings or celebrate religiously. But in our case, we don’t even know if our parents will participate. There are times when I’m sad, but I’m touched to receive this blessing from this queer parade.” Conservative religious groups in South Korea mount fierce resistance to efforts to pass laws against discrimination.
No two people from the LGBT community can get legalized for their union. Hence, most of the LGBT community members hide their identity when outside in public life since they continue their fight for equal recognition and acceptance.
According to the organisers, last year’s parade saw 50,000 people attend, while the festival saw 155,000 people attend. The organizers deemed this to be more as they hoped for a more significant number of people to turn up this year.