LGBTQ+ Rights Groups Demand Policy Pledges from Seoul Mayoral Candidates

The Solidarity for LGBTQ+ Human Rights of Korea held a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall on the 14th, ahead of the June 3 local elections, urging Seoul mayoral candidates to present concrete policy pledges for the guarantee of LGBTQ+ rights.

Kwon Soon-bu, an activist from 'Marriage for All,' stated, "Seoul is a city where LGBTQ+ individuals have settled after leaving their hometowns due to various reasons such as discrimination, harassment, patriarchal culture, and regional insularity. It is no exaggeration to say Seoul is a 'Queer Capital.'" Kim Gyeoul, representative of the Trans Liberation Front, pointed out, "Korean politics has either denied the very existence of LGBTQ+ people or ignored the agenda," urging candidates, "Do not remain silent on this issue."

The organization demanded that Seoul mayoral candidates implement policies such as a registered partnership system, the installation of 'restrooms for all,' expansion of LGBTQ+ human rights education, and the establishment of measures to prevent discrimination and protect the labor rights of individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).