Almost a quarter-century ago, when I was a cub reporter in Seoul, one of the first assignments that I was given was to cover the Seoul queer pride parade, which just came into existence. I followed a flamboyant collection of dancing geishas, strippers and wedding brides along the streets of Jongno, downtown Seoul. I then went to clubs and bars in Itaewon talking to LGBTQ community members. I recall that the overall mood of the day was quite festive. Onlookers mostly cheered and clapped at the parade. In retrospect, I think the conservative Korean crowds mainly enjoyed what they regarded as a “unique show,” while not necessarily approving of the festival and overall LGBTQ rights in Korea. Still, it was peaceful, fun and everybody seemed to have a good time. Ordinary people and the media were also starting to have nascent discussions on same-sex marriage and issues of discrimination against queer people.

The 2024 Seoul Queer Culture Festival........

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