Rainbow flags adorned the festival grounds as attendees browsed through booths selling commemorative items such as handkerchiefs and flags. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – The 7th Incheon Queer Culture Festival was held on November 2 near Bupyeong Station in Incheon’s Bupyeong District, drawing approximately 300 participants from LGBTQ+ and progressive civic groups, according to police estimates.
Rainbow flags adorned the festival grounds as attendees browsed through booths selling commemorative items such as handkerchiefs and flags.
A participant in their 30s shared, “I came to support the recognition of sexual minorities, including bisexuals, in society. I’m happy there’s a festival where we can celebrate without discrimination.”
Im Sin-gyu, co-chairperson of the festival organizing committee, emphasized in his welcome speech that “efforts to create an equal city in Incheon cannot stop” and called for unity “to build a world where everyone is welcomed and respected.”
Simultaneously, approximately 1,800 members of Christian organizations held a counter-protest in Bupyeong Station Square. Protesters carried signs opposing the queer festival and the comprehensive anti-discrimination law.
While some protesters approached the festival area with anti-LGBTQ+ signs, police intervention prevented any physical confrontations.
Simultaneously, approximately 1,800 members of Christian organizations held a counter-protest in Bupyeong Station Square. (Yonhap)
The main event was followed by a one-hour street parade around Bupyeong Station. Police deployed about 1,700 officers from 19 riot police units to maintain order and prevent potential conflicts.
The Queer Culture Festival, which promotes LGBTQ+ rights and sexual diversity, has been held annually across South Korea since its first iteration in Seoul in 2000.
However, Incheon’s inaugural festival in 2018 was effectively halted due to physical clashes between organizers and opposing Christian and conservative groups. Last year’s event saw an incident where a man in his 50s attempted to disrupt the parade before being apprehended by police.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
