Despite rapid democratization and a growing #MeToo movement, Korea’s sexual minorities remain subjects of significant stigma. Strict gender roles, filial piety, and an expectation to fit in govern the Korean consciousness, and many believe queerness to be a western import. And in lieu of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws or rights for non-heterosexual couples, queerphobia, erasure, and discrimination has far-reaching roots in South Korea.
 Such context makes it hard for queer Koreans to exist openly, let alone fight for their rights. But some persist. The project focuses on documenting these individuals-who are out and open, who protest, who create, asserting their right to belong in Korean culture.

The Magenta Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of TD Bank Group for their ongoing commitment to Flash Forward and to emerging artists.

© 2019 The Magenta Foundation

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