Beyond the pews. Exploring queer korean protestants’ experiences and ways of co-existing

Abstract

Since 2007, the strong anti-queer stance of Korean Protestant churches has hindered the enactment of anti-discrimination laws and erased the presence of queer Protestants both within churches and queer communities. This study looks into the lived experiences of seven queer Protestants in South Korea through individual interviews and a group session, using a browser-based, game-inspired dialogue tool developed by the researcher. Despite differing identities and experiences, all participants recognised the harmful effects of church-based queer antagonism and the need for more inclusive faith communities. Based on these insights, the study proposes the necessity of a community grounded in difference and diversity rather than uniformity, and speculates on new forms of solidarity, primarily through digital spaces.