‘Stop pretending we don’t exist’: Seoul fills its streets with Pride colour
Stop pretending we don t exist – On a scorching summer day, central Seoul transformed into a vibrant tapestry of queer joy as tens of thousands of participants flooded the city for its annual Pride festival. The streets, adorned with rainbow flags and the rhythmic beats of drumming troupes, buzzed with energy, marking one of the largest Pride celebrations in Asia. Despite the ongoing absence of legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, the event underscored the resilience of the community in a society where visibility remains a battle.
A Home for Pride, A Battle for Rights
For nearly a decade, the Seoul Plaza had been the heart of the Pride festival, a symbol of the city’s growing acceptance of queer culture. However, under the leadership of Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has openly expressed skepticism toward homosexuality, the square has been off-limits for the past four years. Oh’s re-election earlier this month reinforced his stance, shifting the festival’s location to alternative venues. Despite this change, the spirit of celebration remained undimmed, with booths from civil society groups, university clubs, and international embassates—including the British mission—dotting the new site.
The event became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a rare chance to express their identities freely. “This is the one time of year people feel they can truly show who they are,” said Jay Park, a film-maker and frequent attendee. “Until a few years ago, many came covering themselves up, afraid of being seen.” His words captured the emotional weight of the day, as attendees embraced the opportunity to be unapologetically themselves. A group of parents of LGBTQ+ children joined the festivities, offering free hugs and sharing their pride in their children’s openness. Some participants, overwhelmed by the moment, were seen wiping away tears.
Legal Challenges and a Step Forward
Days before the festival, a Seoul court delivered a notable ruling that highlighted the growing legal acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ relationships. The court recognized a same-sex couple who had shared their lives and finances as constituting a protected legal union, even as same-sex marriage remains unrecognized under South Korean law. This decision, while symbolic, signaled a cautious but meaningful shift in the legal landscape, offering hope to those who face discrimination in their daily lives.
Lee Seo-hee, a bisexual university student, reflected on the challenges of living openly. “I only tell friends who I think can accept it,” she shared. “It doesn’t feel like a completely safe society.” Her experience echoed that of many LGBTQ+ South Koreans, who navigate a cultural environment where homosexuality, though not illegal, is often met with stigma. The absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws—a political third rail for nearly two decades—has left the community vulnerable to prejudice. Yet, the festival served as a testament to their determination to assert their place in society.
Contradictions in Culture and Politics
South Korea’s pop culture has long been a global exporter of queerness, featuring LGBTQ+ characters in dramas, music videos, and films that resonate with international audiences. Yet, this cultural openness contrasts sharply with the domestic suppression of queer identities. “Even Korean companies that sponsor Pride abroad keep their mouths shut about LGBTQ+ rights in Korea,” remarked Heezy Yang, a queer artist and activist based in Seoul. Her observation underscored the tension between the country’s global image and its internal struggles.
Protesters, meanwhile, gathered nearby to voice their opposition. Holding banners that declared homosexuality a sin and rallying with hymns blared from trucks, they challenged the festival’s message. “Korean politicians have always treated minority issues as an afterthought,” Park said during the counter-rally. “Stop pretending we don’t exist. Pass the anti-discrimination law.” His call to action resonated with those who see the festival as a necessary step toward legal and social recognition.
Voices of the Community
The Pride festival was not just a celebration but a platform for amplifying voices often drowned out by societal norms. Activists emphasized the importance of such events in fostering solidarity and challenging entrenched biases. “The festival is a reminder that queer lives matter,” Yang added, highlighting the disparity between the visibility of LGBTQ+ identities in entertainment and their struggle for basic rights in education, employment, and healthcare.
While the anti-discrimination law remains blocked, the government has shown tentative support, committing to laying the groundwork for its passage as part of President Lee Jae Myung’s policy agenda. This quiet shift reflects a growing awareness of the need for legal reforms, though progress has been slow. “The law is a lifeline for us,” said a local organizer, who requested anonymity. “It would protect not just LGBTQ+ people, but also women, people with disabilities, and racial minorities from systemic exclusion.”
Looking Beyond the Streets
The Seoul Pride festival stands as a microcosm of the broader LGBTQ+ movement in South Korea. Despite the conservative majority in parliament, the event proved that grassroots efforts can drive change, even in the face of political resistance. For many attendees, the festival was more than a parade—it was a declaration of existence in a society that often marginalizes them. “We are here to say that we are not just a part of the story, but the main characters,” Park said, encapsulating the message of the day.
As the sun set over the city, the festival’s vibrant energy lingered, a reminder of the power of collective expression. For LGBTQ+ individuals in Seoul and beyond, the event was a beacon of hope, a celebration of identity, and a rallying cry for equality. The clash between the festival’s inclusive spirit and the conservative forces opposing it highlighted the ongoing struggle for rights, but also the unyielding determination of a community that refuses to be silent.
A Future of Progress and Persistence
While the road to full legal recognition is long, the Seoul Pride festival demonstrated that progress is possible. The court’s recent ruling, the international support from embassies, and the participation of families and allies all signaled a turning point. Yet, the challenges remain significant. With conservative Protestants—comprising only 20% of the population—wielding considerable influence, the fight for anti-discrimination laws continues. Still, as the crowd cheered and danced, one message was clear: the fight for visibility and acceptance is far from over, but the community is ready to keep pushing forward.
Amid the rainbow hues and spirited chants, the festival reminded everyone that LGBTQ+ lives are not just present but powerful. “We are here, and we will not be erased,” one participant declared, their voice rising above the music. As the event drew to a close, the streets of Seoul were left not just painted in color, but in the promise of a more inclusive future. The Pride parade was a celebration of resilience, a bridge between the challenges of the past and the aspirations of the present.
