The Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub held the “Queer Korea: Pride and Progress” event on May 22, featuring three distinct speakers: Hurricane Kimchi, June Green, and Candy Yun. Each speaker shared fun facts about themselves: Hurricane Kimchi is a performer, organizer, activist, and co-founder of the Seoul Drag Parade; June Green is a Non-Binary/Trans Singer-Songwriter, Composer, Performer, and Artist; and Candy Yun is an Executive Director at the Korean Sexual-Minority Culture & Rights Center.
Insights during the session – During the session, they discussed various issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community in South Korea, including the lack of gender-neutral bathrooms, societal fear and discrimination, difficulties with gender fluidity, and the pressures of masculinity expectations. Although Korea has low physical violence rates, the speakers highlighted mental safety concerns due to prevalent prejudices and the constant need for queer individuals to come out, which contributes to high rates of depression and anxiety.
Recent updates? The event also spotlighted a recent landmark Supreme Court case that allowed a gay couple to share health insurance and underscored the urgent need for protective legislation for queer individuals.
Personal thoughts & reflection – Three speakers shared similarities and some unique experiences they’ve underwent in Korea regarding these issues. Daily challenges such as experiencing fear when taking public transportation and the feeling of confusion on using the bathroom – to the extent of building and accumulating toxicity as a protective mechanism. One particular story that stood out was when Candy had to pretend to be a ‘friend and conceal her relationship when her former partner had passed away.
Is Korea a safe country? For those who have traveled to Korea, you may notice that Korea is generally a safe country, due to the sufficient security via massive CCTV installments, thus walking late in the evening alone is considered safe and leaving one’s belongings at a cafe is also common. In queer minority communities, people are physically safe, but mentally not safe. Lack of information and misunderstandings of the community are the big barriers, but a life cycle series of having to explain yourself can be mentally taxing. Thus, this leads to feeling isolated and depression.
What does the future hold in Korea? Looking ahead, the speakers offered tips on supporting the queer community, such as engaging with LGBTQ+ events, supporting small businesses, and protecting one another. They acknowledged that progress is slow and times are challenging but emphasized the hope found in community efforts for better rights and equality. Participation in events like pride parades and LGBTQ+ conferences are supportive actions that can make a significant impact.
*Fun fact: Thanks to the Internet, new language(?) has been formed and based off of LGBTQIA+ There is positive development in new languages & terminologies being made. Because Korea has access and can learn English vocabulary and slang online(and this has led to younger generation just using the English counterpart of the word, instead of using the actual Korean word), older generations have a more difficult time keeping up and connecting with the young generation.
Key takeaway: Protect your loved ones! It’s important to know that they can be your best allies. Though you don’t necessarily have to be a ‘fighter’, just do what you can to support the community, don’t be stressed, and small actions do mean a lot!
If you would like to follow Yonsei GSIS Human rights, please follow their Linkedin here Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub .
To follow the speakers, here are their instagrams: Hurricane Kimchi ( @hurricanekimchi ), June Green (junegreen_y ), and Candy Yun ( @candy_d_yun ).
Conclusion:
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Mason He, Yonsei GSIS, News Reporter
MKH Productions