Kim Jo Kwang Su, one of Korea’s few openly gay film directors, will be holding Korea’s first gay marriage with his husband-to-be Kim Seung Hwan on September 7th. The director claims that he chose to announce his marriage to the public in hopes that homosexuals will soon be granted legal marriage rights. The two will be wedded with a ceremony, but the marriage will not be recognized legally in Korea.
The director’s fiance, Kim Seung Hwan commented, “I was able to stand here after receiving permission and support from my family, relatives and friends. My family was against my appearing before the public in person, and that′s why our wedding announcement was so delayed. They were worried about the slander that could come from some conservative groups; they weren′t against the marriage itself.” He then added that he wasn’t at all embarrassed of the relationship and the marriage to come.
Kim Jo Kwang Su claims that he is going to be inviting Moon Jae in (presidential candidate), Ban Ki Moon (UN Secretary General), and President Park Geun Hye. Kim states that by inviting people who hold leading positions in Korea, he hopes that they all can help in the advancement for the rights of the homosexual minority.
Kim Jo Kwang Su and Kim Seung Hwan are both very proud of their bold step towards equality. The director commented “Homosexuals should be given the same rights as heterosexuals. We’re going to work hard to legalize gay marriage in Korea.”
Just in time for Women’s History Month, Asian American Pamela Chen makes history by being appointed to the Federal Branch. She has recently been confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York by the U.S. Senate. Why does she make history? Pamela Chen is the first openly gay Asian American to be appointed to the Federal Branch and the fifth openly gay federal judge. Chen has been with the Department of Justice for over thirteen years and has worked on matters concerning civil rights, hate crimes, and human trafficking . We applaud Ms. Chen and all the other women who take steps advancing the Asian-American community. You go girl!
Regardless of your sexual orientation or even if you don’t believe in marriage – a beautiful wedding is still a beautiful wedding.
John and Paolo get married in Northern Luzon. To this day, same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized in the Philippines.
