Queer Revolution~! The Seoul 2015 Pride Festival

In Seoul, it was a tumultuous road to Pride this year. After Christians spent months trying to purchase all the permits available, the police finally refused to give the LGBTQ+ community a space for the pride parade. Initially, the LGBTQ+ community did not lose hope and the Pride Festival continued in front of City Hall as planned. Many European embassies showed their support by creating their own booths at the festival. As the planned date for the Pride Parade grew nearer, there was good news. The Mayor of Seoul declared that there was no legitimate reason to refuse the parade request and to do so would be discrimination. The parade was back on, and I made plans to go with a few friends here in Korea.

For me, this was my first Pride. Although I had no stateside basis of comparison, I had a sneaking suspicion Pride in Korea would be a little different than if I went in the US. As I grew closer to the festival point, I began to hear drumming. Thinking I was hearing the festival, I continued closer only to be greeted by this scene. 

There were police lines on both sides of the street. It was hard to see the actual Pride festival because there were 3 different Christian rallies surrounding it. On one side, there were sign waving and praying believers showing their disapproval as a preacher yelled on encouragement. Across the road, on the other side, there was a huge stage with a jumbotron showing footage of what appeared to be a live show complete with dancing and random shouts of Yesu (Jesus). Finally, closest to me, there were Christians decked out in Hanbok, the Korean traditional dress. They were furiously drumming on Korean traditional drums and instruments, trying to drown out the sounds of the festivities. This, not the Pride Festival, was what I heard. 

As I carefully walked through the protesters and past the policemen standing guard, I made my way to the actual festival. After walking through such hate outside, I was uncertain what I'd find inside. Walking through the gate, however, was like entering a new world. While outside was filled with furious screaming and hate, nobody was letting it bring them down in the festival. Everyone was smiling, looking their best, and ready for a good time. 

 



Around the outskirts of the festival, there were several booths set up. These booths were selling stickers, drinks, art, or just promoting awareness. There were a lot of cool photo spots set up, like the US Embassy brought cardboard cutouts of the Obamas to show their support.

After wandering through the booths and leaving for a long lunch, we came back in the middle of the day. The parade itself wouldn't start until 5, but the festival had performances all day. There was a huge stage in the middle and many people sat down in the green to watch on.

Pansy, looking adorable in rainbow

Born this way~~

 After the performances, it was time for the actual parade. Because of the protesters outside, the festival organizers decided to keep the parade route a secret all day. Finally, right before the festival, they made their announcements. This was the part that most festival goers were most nervous about. Last year, the protesters had laid in the street and refused to move for hours, which kept the parade blocked. This year, some protesters had promised violence. Nevertheless, people of every shape, size, identity, sexuality, and age embarked on this 2 km march around center Seoul.

Parenting at its finest :)

 And, luckily, the Pride parade continued without any major incidents. The police were incredibly on top of everything. The one time I saw a protester enter the parade route, they quickly grabbed him off before injury was caused to either him or the parade goers.

Attending Pride, here in Korea, was extremely special to me. It was heartwarming to see so many people proud or and openly expressing their differences and what makes them special. In a nation that values uniformity, modesty, and heteronormativity, it was really nice to see everyone be so free with themselves and their support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

You make a difference

Obligatory Selfies 

 

The parade marched passed surprised people on buses, waving children in coffee houses, smiling supporters from the subway, and even monks and nuns who were speaking out against homophobia.

  

The parade made it back to Seoul Plaza one hour after it started, keeping to the schedule almost exactly. At the end, all the attendees and performers gathered outside the Plaza to wait for the tail end and continue celebrations. 

 

 

A parade float advocating for marriage equality

 All in all, it was a truly excellent day :)

Burrrrgers

All week I had been craving burgers. I wanted American style burgers with a lot of toppings and deliciousness. So, why not try to make your own delicious burgers! Om nom nom...