The Gwangju Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee and 32 other civil groups from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province said on Thursday that “any kind of discrimination and hate towards sexual minorities should not be allowed,” adding that “a peaceful round of festivities are what we hope for.” (image: Gwangju Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee)
SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Controversy is deepening as civil groups plan to hold the first Queer Culture Festival in Gwangju on October 21.
The Gwangju Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee and 32 other civil groups from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province said on Thursday that “any kind of discrimination and hate towards sexual minorities should not be allowed,” adding that “a peaceful round of festivities are what we hope for.”
Lawyers for a Democratic Society also stated that “all forms of existence should not be determined as right or wrong,” adding that “denying diversity undermines the advancement of a democratic society.”
On the other hand, the Gwangju Association of Christian Communities and others held a press conference protesting against the queer festival, arguing that “the festival is well known for its controversial practice of selling perverse items.”
“Accepting sexual minorities and going against the festival are two different problems,” they added.
Survivors of the May 18th Democratic Movement also argued that “such festivities are inappropriate in the democratic shrine that is Gwangju,” asking Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop to revoke permission to use the public square for the festival.
The police plan to set up a wall in the May 18 Democracy Square to divide both sides and prevent any possible conflict during the festival.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
