Unprecedented Confrontation at Daegu Queer Culture Festival
On June 17, 2023, an unprecedented situation unfolded in Daegu as the police and public officials confronted each other over the holding of the Queer Culture Festival in the Daegu Jung-gu public transportation district. The festival, which has been held annually since 2000, aims to support sexual minorities and their human rights.
Despite being known as a conservative city, Daegu has been hosting the festival for the past 15 years. The festival was first held in Dongseong-ro in 2009 and has since been held in the transit zone. However, this year’s festival faced even fiercer opposition from far-right Protestant groups and anti-LGBT groups. They accused the head of the organizing committee, Bae Jin-gyo, and even applied for a court injunction to ban the festival.
Fortunately, the court dismissed the provisional injunction, recognizing the importance of freedom of expression and the need to support politically underprivileged or minority groups. This ruling affirmed the significance of the festival and its role in providing a platform for marginalized voices.
However, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed his support for the injunction and claimed that the festival would interfere with public order. On the day before the festival, he personally visited the site and instructed officials to stop occupying the road. As a result, Daegu City and Daegu Jung-gu Office mobilized around 450 public officials to enforce an administrative execution.
Despite the groundless interference from public officials, the festival was able to proceed thanks to the police who upheld the principle of freedom of assembly. The organizing committee, along with political parties, labor unions, civil rights activists, and local residents, demonstrated solidarity and ensured a safe and enjoyable festival.
The 15th Daegu Queer Culture Festival, titled ‘We Are Already’, commenced peacefully with approximately 4,000 participants and 40 booths occupying the transit mall. The highlight of the festival was the Queer Parade, where participants rode
What were some of the challenges and opposition faced by the Daegu Queer Culture Festival in 2023?
On June 17, 2023, Daegu experienced an extraordinary confrontation during the Queer Culture Festival held in the Jung-gu public transportation district. The festival, which has been a yearly event since 2000, strives to support sexual minorities and advocate for their human rights.
Despite its reputation as a conservative city, Daegu has been hosting the festival for the past 15 years. Initially held in Dongseong-ro in 2009, it has since been relocated to the transit zone. However, this year faced unprecedented opposition from far-right Protestant groups and anti-LGBT organizations. They accused the head of the organizing committee, Bae Jin-gyo, and even sought legal action to ban the festival.
Fortunately, the court dismissed the injunction, acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression and the necessity to support politically marginalized groups. This ruling reaffirmed the festival’s significance and its role in amplifying the voices of those on the fringes of society.
However, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo supported the injunction, claiming that the festival would disrupt public order. The day before the event, he personally visited the site and instructed officials to prevent road occupation. Consequently, around 450 public officials from Daegu City and Daegu Jung-gu Office were mobilized to enforce administrative measures.
Despite the unfounded interference from public officials, the festival proceeded thanks to the police, who upheld the fundamental principle of freedom of assembly. The organizing committee, along with political parties, labor unions, civil rights activists, and local residents, exhibited solidarity and ensured a secure and enjoyable festival.
The 15th Daegu Queer Culture Festival, titled ‘We Are Already’, commenced peacefully with approximately 4,000 participants and 40 booths occupying the transit mall. The highlight of the event was the Queer Parade, where participants rode through the streets, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. This demonstration of resilience and unity showcased the unwavering dedication to creating a society that embraces and respects all sexual minorities.
“This article sheds light on the inspiring unity showcased at the 15th Daegu Queer Culture Festival. The confrontation with public officials only strengthened the power of solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the fight for equality.”