South Korea’s LGBTQ festival bumped from venue

The Seoul Queer Culture Festival (SQCF), South Korea’s largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, has been denied use of its usual venue in central Seoul in favour of a Christian youth concert. The decision was made by a civic committee, which prioritised events related to children or teenagers or those that have other value in the “public interest.”

The CTS Cultural Foundation, which is linked with the Christian broadcaster CTS, will host the concert instead. SQCF organisers have accused the committee of discrimination, pointing to similar difficulties securing the space in previous years.

Homophobia is prevalent in South Korea, where there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ people. The festival will still take place this year, but the new location is unclear.