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- Posted June 15, 2012 by
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Gay Pride March June 2, 2012
Like so many things in Korean society, it is just not spoken about. I get the idea, if you don't talk about it, that thing, that idea or that person, these unpopular things just don't exist and then you don't have to deal with these "problems". The concept of homosexuality is still inconceivable to older Koreans. Some regard it as a mental illness. I have heard of incidents, but unconfirmed, that parents send their children to mental institutions and then force them into heterosexual marriage in part because of lack of understanding, and in part to maintain the appearance of a perfect family. The Christian churches have great influence in Korean society and because of the Christian beliefs about homosexuality, these religious beliefs complicate matters more.
The parade aimed at putting focus on the LGBT community in general, making it more exceptable in Korean society. The aim was to create solidarity for LGBT rights. Gay marriage was also the focus of one of exhibitions. In my opinion, the parade made the LGBT community more visible and it also showed the world that the LGBT community can operate freely in Korea. I am of the opinion that the Korean government is trying to create a more plural and tolerant society. Korea is very conservative.
To be a participant in the parade was really a wonderful experience. Everybody was very gay - happy! I just saw smiling faces. The participants really enjoyed what they were doing, and although some people hid behind masks, and some were afraid of being photographed, the general feeling was very festive. The police only regulated the traffic. No church group protested or other groups for that matter. I saw a few sour faces of older people and some people in the general public also tried to distance themselves from the parade. Some on the other hand did not mind and joined the festivities.
The floats, as well as the parade where the public joined in the march, was the highlight. Lady Gaga and other gay idol's songs were performed on a stage at the starting point of the parade. It created a very festive atmosphere. In my opinion, about 3000 people attended the parade. The participation rate was higher than I expected. A LGBT film festival was also part of the pre-festival activities.
In my personal opinion, gay rights are still evolving in Korea. As a typical Asian country adhering to the philosophy of Confucius, greater society expects family to be everything in a persons life. You must get married and have a family. The oldest son takes care of the parents in their old age, and this is a child's greatest responsibility. In this context, homosexual people find it difficult to live as gay partners. For most parents, their children only become adults when they get married. Although more people are doing it, the majority of young Koreans do not move out of home the way children in South Africa and America do. They leave only after marriage. That’s the clear mark of independence. Furthermore, there should be grandchildren as soon as possible. It’s a path expected for everyone.
The parade aimed at putting focus on the LGBT community in general, making it more exceptable in Korean society. The aim was to create solidarity for LGBT rights. Gay marriage was also the focus of one of exhibitions. In my opinion, the parade made the LGBT community more visible and it also showed the world that the LGBT community can operate freely in Korea. I am of the opinion that the Korean government is trying to create a more plural and tolerant society. Korea is very conservative.
To be a participant in the parade was really a wonderful experience. Everybody was very gay - happy! I just saw smiling faces. The participants really enjoyed what they were doing, and although some people hid behind masks, and some were afraid of being photographed, the general feeling was very festive. The police only regulated the traffic. No church group protested or other groups for that matter. I saw a few sour faces of older people and some people in the general public also tried to distance themselves from the parade. Some on the other hand did not mind and joined the festivities.
The floats, as well as the parade where the public joined in the march, was the highlight. Lady Gaga and other gay idol's songs were performed on a stage at the starting point of the parade. It created a very festive atmosphere. In my opinion, about 3000 people attended the parade. The participation rate was higher than I expected. A LGBT film festival was also part of the pre-festival activities.
In my personal opinion, gay rights are still evolving in Korea. As a typical Asian country adhering to the philosophy of Confucius, greater society expects family to be everything in a persons life. You must get married and have a family. The oldest son takes care of the parents in their old age, and this is a child's greatest responsibility. In this context, homosexual people find it difficult to live as gay partners. For most parents, their children only become adults when they get married. Although more people are doing it, the majority of young Koreans do not move out of home the way children in South Africa and America do. They leave only after marriage. That’s the clear mark of independence. Furthermore, there should be grandchildren as soon as possible. It’s a path expected for everyone.
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