Yook Woo-dang was a 19-year-old gay youth who was a member of Donginryun(Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea) and committed suicide in our office on April 26, 2003.
In his suicide notes, he expressed anger and criticism towards homophobia and discrimination against LGBT people, particularly of the Christian right.
“How cruel and anti-biblical it is to discriminate against sexual minorities. After death, I can proudly say that I am gay, with no need to suffer, no need to hide myself anymore.”
He was a very active member of the LGBT movement. He regularly sent us a donation by saving his pocket money. He wrote many opinion articles to newspapers, denouncing discrimination against LGBTs and demanding repeal of the anti-gay clause in the Juvenile Protection Act. He vigorously joined rallies against war in Iraq under the rainbow flag.
He left us about 30 dollars, which was all he had, and said, “Please use this money for the liberation of sexual minorities... Brothers and sisters, please don’t forget that only your efforts can give impact for our next generation.”
He was a devout Catholic. In spite of his frustration, his last words in his will was that he loves Catholicism.
His death raised awareness about LGBT youth in Korean society. Many LGBTs came out on the street to challenge the bigoted view that “homosexuality is harmful to the youth.” For the first time, the LGBT movement could find Christian allies who stand up for LGBT rights against Christian right. The anti-gay clause in the Juvenile Protection Act was repealed in 2004.
Since 2000s, LGBT community and movement in Korea has grown up and gained some support from sectors of society. However, many LGBT youth in Korea are still facing pervasive prejudice, discrimination and bullying and driven not only out of school and home but also even to suicide.
Christian right groups became more organised and aggressive, and are opposing introduction of the Anti-Discrimination Law and Student Human Rights Ordinances that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Yook Woo-dang is the epitome of the oppressed but proud Korean LGBT youth. We commemorate his death and stand up for LGBT rights and liberation that he dreamed of.
Donginryun