Drag queen Hurricane Kimchi has been involved in South Korea’s vibrant LGBTQ community for the past decade, fighting for rights in a conservative country. Even though equal marriage is banned and social pressure keeps many from coming out, the annual Pride celebration has been gaining momentum.
Hurricane Kimchi recalls how, ten years ago, the first Seoul Pride attracted only a few hundred people. This year, however, organizers are expecting a turnout of 150,000 people despite the obstacles imposed by the authorities. The march, one of the largest in Asia, did not get permission to use the capital’s central square because it was already reserved for a Christian group.
Although Seoul authorities officially attributed this to a scheduling problem, conservative Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated in June that he does not support homosexuality. A similar event in the city of Daegu in June resulted in clashes with police after authorities attempted to block Pride celebrations.
Nearly a quarter of the South Korean population is Christian, and about 40% of MPs are Protestant. Many evangelicals oppose LGBTQ rights, and few politicians dare challenge the power of the religious “lobby.”
Hurricane Kimchi, also known as Heezy Yang, says South Korea needs to get used to the idea that the LGBTQ community is part of society and that they should be visible everywhere.Although the K-pop scene has featured male stars with an androgynous appearance and portrayed gay characters on television, this is not necessarily reflected in everyday life. The ban on equal marriage and discrimination based on sexual orientation are still realities.
Drag culture is selectively consumed in South Korea, where it is primarily valued as an art form and entertainment without fully acknowledging its history and significance. Digital presence, through social media, has been important in connecting with the young LGBTQ community and showing them that there are people like them in the country. Queer parties often face harassment from religious groups that throw insults and water bottles or try to block demonstrations. Despite these challenges, activists like Heezy Yang see positive progress and stress the importance of visibility and the fight for LGBTQ rights in South Korea.