South Korea has held its first ever drag queen parade, with dozens of local queens marching through the streets of Seoul over the weekend.
drag queen and event organiser Yang Heezy, the parade was a chance to celebrate South Korea's progress, while pushing for further rights for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
“Today’s drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more,” he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress.
Drag queen Lola Bank told that appearing in drag was an empowering experience.
“The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea,” she said.
She added: “I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a ‘f*** you’ to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male.”
The event was enjoyed by more than just the local LGBTIQ+ community, with spectators lapping up the atmosphere and looking toward a more progressive South Korea.
“It’s really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous,” one elderly street vendor told SCMP.
She continued: “I’m happy. It’s fabulous."
South Korea is yet to recognise marriage equality or allow members of the trans community to legally change their gender.
