This Saturday saw the streets of Seoul hosted its 16th Pride Parade. The parade marks the beginning of the annual Korea Queer Culture Festival, also in its 16th year. It’s estimated that 50,000 members of the community and its allies participated in the parade, making it the biggest in the country, so far.
As always, there were a number of religious groups protesting the event; but some Protestant churches showed their support to the parade. Also present were a number of parents, there to support their own children, as well as those of others.
It is also Pride Month in the US, and many events are being held to celebrate. One such event was the at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. and to at this event that a lone gunman opened fire on the revellers as they celebrated Latin Night at the gay club, killing 50 and injuring 53. This makes it the deadliest mass shooting in recent American history, and it was committed against LGBTQIA youths, including those from Black and Latin communities.
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G-Dragon has joined other public figures reacting to the shooting on social media. Meanwhile, an Indiana man was arrested after he was found in posession of weapons and explosives, near the location of Sunday’s LA Pride Parade.
There is a lot to talk about, but all I can say is that I hope that wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, you are safe.
(Fusion, Instagram, Korea Herald, LA Times, USA Today. Images via: AFP)
