A Return to Pride: Gwangju’s Queer Festival Marches After Three Years

By Luis Andrés

On November 29, 2025 – on one of those Gwangju days when the cold season has technically begun but the sun keeps spirits warm – the Gwangju Queer Festival returned to the streets between Geumnam-ro 4-ga and 5-ga. And what a comeback it was. After three years without an official (in-person) Pride Parade, the city once again lived up to its reputation as Korea’s capital of democracy, hosting a festival that was as joyful as it was reflective.

From early in the morning, booths of every kind were already buzzing. Some offered Pride merchandise; others provided information about the ongoing struggle against homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination toward sexual minorities. Community spaces invited visitors to make friendship bracelets, pull a tarot card, or simply meet new people. Most activities were free, and those that weren’t were raising funds for ongoing projects supporting the LGBTQ+ community – proof that solidarity can be both fun and sustainable.

There had been some anticipation surrounding the event. Reports of potential protests by religious and conservative groups raised concerns among organizers, attendees, and even city officials, who worried about confrontations like those that have occurred in other regions of Korea. In the end, only a handful of counter- protesters and one overly theatrical detractor appeared, quickly overshadowed by the sheer positivity of the festival. Even so, the organizing committee had prepared a trained ally-staff team, and the Gwangju Metropolitan Police ensured a peaceful atmosphere throughout.

The parade itself began at 4 p.m., departing from the festival grounds toward the Asia Culture Center before looping around the downtown area and re-entering the venue from the other side. To the rhythm of “Into the New World” by Girls’ Generation – an anthem of hope for many here – and under streams of rainbow flags and flags representing Gwangju’s democratic legacy, participants marched to call attention to issues such as marriage equality, protections for LGBTQ+ youth, and the recognition of diverse families.

“Continued awareness, advocacy, and solidarity in every sphere of society remain essential.”

After returning to the venue, festivalgoers continued singing, dancing, and simply being together – a reminder that community itself is a form of resistance.

Above all, events like this one make visible what is so often pushed into the invisible: sexual minorities exist, live here, work here, and are ready to march for their rights. And although the festival was peaceful and the opposition small, the daily struggles faced by LGBTQ+ people extend far beyond a single weekend. Gwangju, with its progressive spirit and strong civic history, offers a space where many can gather proudly in the streets – but many others across the country cannot. This is precisely why continued awareness, advocacy, and solidarity in every sphere of society remain essential.

Gwangju showed once again that democracy is lived not only in memory, but in action – with rainbow flags fluttering right alongside those symbols of May 18.

Cover Photo: Political allies in the city and organizers reassure their committment to sexual minorities. (Luis Andrés)