Korea Queer Culture Festival 2015
June 9 – 21
Words by Michelle Park
The Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF) has, since 2000, been an annual public event taking place in Seoul for about two weeks from the end of May to the beginning of June. The festival aims to encourage pride among Korean sexual minorities and increase an awareness and understanding of LGBT issues to the public.
The Korea queer parade began in Daehangno as part of the KQCF with only around 50 participants. By the 15th KQCF in June 2014, the festival reached a record of around 15,000 participants. This year, the festival hopes to see an even greater number of supporters. Everyone is welcome to participate in the pride parade and show their support for equal rights and the rights of sexual minorities.
The festival hosts a series of three main events: the festival opening, parade and after party, and the Korea Queer Film Festival. The festival opening will be held at the Seoul City Hall square on June 9. The parade and after party will take place on June 13. Those who wish to participate in the parade may pre-register at the sign-up booth on the day of the event.
The Korea Queer Film Festival will be held for four days from June 18 to June 21 at the Lotte Cinema Broadway in Shinsa. With the effort to promote human rights of sexual minorities, the Queer Film Festival shows films that raise awareness and represents the lives of lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals, and transgenders.
The KQCF organizing committee is a non-profit organization. It accepts new members every November to plan for upcoming festivals. Participation is voluntary and the KQCF does not discriminate against sexual orientation of its members. You can also donate to the KQCF to help the committee plan for more diverse and unique events. For further information about the KQCF along with schedules and details about the events, check their official homepage at kqcf.org.