Banners bearing pro-queer festival messages hang near Bupyeong Station, Incheon, Saturday. Yonhap



By David Tizzard





David Tizzard

For a growing number of people in South Korea, September 8 2018 is a day that lives in memory, marking the occasion of the inaugural Incheon Queer Culture Festival.



Yet what was supposed to be an event of celebration, acceptance and openness was instead sadly marred by violent clashes and police ineffectiveness. South Korea's third-largest city had its festival widely disrupted as protesters blocked routes, verbally attacked attendees and physically harassed participants.



Despite the problems that they faced ― from administrative planning, lack of police support, and vehement disagreement from the local (mainly Christian) opposition ― the organizers promised to come back bigger, better, and stronger next year.



And they did.



One has to admire the bravery and courage of those in attendance willing to stand up to vocal pressure demanding conformity, tradition, and a singular approach to social and cultural standards, for it seemingly requires the creation of a whole new identity.



It also raises an important question as to whether one can be fully supportive of traditional Korean culture, be patriotic, and simultaneously an active member of the queer community here, or whether such values pull one in opposite directions.





Queer Culture Festival participants march near Bupyeong Station, Incheon, Saturday. Police escorted them to stave off possible physical clashes with opponents. Yonhap





Anti-queer activists hold placards criticizing homosexuality. Yonhap





Police officers take an anti-queer activist out of the festival venue. Yonhap