Same-sex Christians in Korea Speak Out: 'What Would Jesus Do?'

Hundreds of same-sex couples registered their marriages on Thursday, January 23, 2025), as Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The law, which took effect on January 23 allows same-sex spouses to enjoy equal rights in areas such as marriage, child adoption, healthcare consent, and inheritance.

This legislative change positions Thailand alongside Nepal and Taiwan as the only Asian countries recognizing same-sex unions, marking a significant milestone in the region's LGBTQ rights movement. The enactment of this law is the culmination of a decades-long effort by activists and supporters advocating for marriage equality in Thailand.

Contrast with East Asia

Activists have not been as successful in East Asia. Nevertheless, a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling in South Korea granted health insurance benefits to same-sex partners, marking the country's first legal recognition of LGBTQ rights. This generated a huge protest among the country's Christian groups.

Christianity, practiced by roughly 30% of the population, wields considerable social and political influence. On October 27, 2024, an estimated 230,000 Christians (predominantly Protestants) gathered at Seoul Plaza in the nation's biggest-ever protest against LGBT rights. They rallied against the Supreme Court ruling and the "Everyone's M a rriage" campaign, which advocates for lifting the ban on same-sex marriage.

The protest's impact was bolstered by political backing. Seoul Mayor Oh Sehun sent a video message in support of the event. While public acceptance of LGBTQ rights is growing — 61% of Koreans under 35 expressed support for same-sex marriage in a 2023 Pew Research report — the alliance between religious conservatives and political leaders remains a significant obstacle.

In the context of heated controversies, some people seek to bridge the divide and to understand the other. To foster such dialogue, on November 16, 2024 KST, Heterodox East Asia Community (HEAC) sponsored an online public discussion on gay Christians, and more broadly on LGBT-Christian relations, in South Korea.

HEAC Forum on Gay Christians

This was the third such annual forum sponsored by Hanyang University Political Science Professor Joseph Yi and HEAC. HEAC is affiliated with Heterodox Academy (established in 2015).

Three gay Christians living in South Korea (Speakers 1, 2, 3) shared the experiences and challenges of being a part of this religious/sexual minority. All members of the public were welcome to the discussion. The speakers' real names and institutional affiliations were not published, to protect from reputational damage and loss of employment (and, for two speakers, visa status).

Professor Yi moderated, and invited Christian students from his home state of California to dialogue with the speakers. Yi had also invited Christian professors in South Korea, but they declined to share their views.

Although the gay Christian teachers were of varying ages and cultural backgrounds (Korean, European, Latin American), two themes recurred. 1) Settling in South Korea meant living "in the closet" and 2) Tolerant churches were important as safe spaces to discuss one's sexuality.

*Participants in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade, 2023. (©JAPAN Forward)*

'I Am Invisible': The Inner Thoughts of Gay Christians

The LGBTQIA+ community is regarded as a minority in many countries, especially outside Europe and North America. Even in the United States, the LGBTQIA+ community is not accepted by all Americans, especially religious ones.

At this forum, the three speakers shared how living in South Korea as a gay Christian was difficult and, even to this day, they struggle to share their true selves. Speaker 1 (David) shared how he felt invisible: "We can live our whole lives without raising a single eyebrow. You'll really never hear from us, which means you'll never hear about us. That's the problem. It means that most people won't ever really stop to think that people like me might exist in the world. It affects young children around the world like me."

Speaker 2 (Johan) shared how Korean society was highly conservative. The gay Christians were not only disregarded from society but even the church community. This constant social restriction made it hard for them to speak. "I had to seek medical help and psychological help. I remember sitting with a psychologist and he said to me, "Well just say it," and it took me about half an hour just to say three words: "I am gay." It was very traumatic to do that."

Johan needed to redefine his identity and sense of worth: "The new orientation is a redefinition, there were a lot of things that I had to rethink about–theologically, socially about myself.

Speaker 3 (Pablo) shared how he still keeps his identity anonymous as it may cost his private high school teaching job.

Each speaker experienced life filled with questions about their dual identities as gay and Christian.

A New Step of Faith: What Now?

What is it that Christians can really do for their brothers and sisters that happen to be gay?

Asian American Christian students across Orange County, California, shared what they can do. Isaac is a 15 year old sophomore currently attending Valencia High School (Placentia) and a member of Seed Church.

Coming from a Christian background, Isaac originally did not regard the LGBTQ community to be something that can fall into the Christian category. However, after hearing the voices of these gay Christians, he viewed them through a new lens and ultimately respected them for continuing to seek after Christ despite the hurt they received from others.

Rebecca, a current junior at Troy High School (Fullerton), explained how being gay in the bible is a sin. Yet, we are all sinners. She quotes the common phrase, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." Coming from a Christian background, Rebecca initially felt some doubt on how you can pursue both a sinful identity and one that pleases God. After hearing the stories of the speakers, Rebecca started to rethink and came to the conclusion that Christians are called to love everyone and God is welcoming of anyone into his Kingdom as long as they choose to seek and believe in Him.

Gaining a New Perspective

Wrote Gabrielle Park, an 8th Grader at Oxford Academy and another Seed Church member: "This forum opened my eyes to many new thoughts and feelings on the topic of gay Christians in South Korea. After watching this meeting, I learned that there is much more to being gay than simply deciding that you're attracted to a certain gender. The questions David asked himself during his journey were very insightful. His story helped me understand that everyone defines themselves in a different way."

Added Caleb, a senior at Valencia High School and a member of So-Cal Sarang Church (affiliated with one of the largest churches in South Korea): "As a Christian Korean, I also grew up in a church with a similar community. Although I am not personally queer, the topic was always sensitive in the church. Not many people care to understand the different spectrums which means that the church pushes for X gays. However, it is necessary to understand the differences between X, Y, B, and A, which must be introduced to the church to make any sort of progress in understanding."

*Former US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel participates in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade, April 2023. (From Rahm Emanuel's X via Sankei)*

Tackling 'Understanding'

Brian, a senior at Buena Park High School and the son of a pastor, shared what not only Christians, but human beings in general can do: " I feel as though as not just Christians but fellow human beings, we shouldn't let issues such as these go away but tackle them together so that everyone feels welcome, especially in a place that values agape love and helping your fellow brothers and sisters out.

"The forum also reminded me of how far Christianity had come in accepting those of homosexual orientation which can be seen in actions such as Pope Francis affirming that homosexuality isn't a crime. But it also shows us how far we need to go if we want to build God's kingdom for all of his children."

A common theme among Christian students was the idea of respect. They respected the gay Christian speakers for continuing to have a passion for life and ultimately giving over their identity to Christ and letting God work in them.

Additionally, the speakers' stories of identifying as part of the LGBTQ community and seeking God at the same time opened the students' minds to a new lens on God's love for us as well as Christian's open love for others.

The Author's Thoughts

Co-author Aaron Han is a high school sophomore and Seed Church member. He reflected, "The forum really opened my view and made me reflect upon the question: What would Jesus do? I think it is important that we as Christians are open to all kinds of people, just as God welcomes us with loving arms."

"Speaker 1 (David)'s message was super powerful and how his encounter with this identity did not separate him from the love of God. Although I disagree with the fact that speakers 2 (Johan) and 3 (Saul) are pursuing a relationship with the same gender, I know that God will always bring his sheep back. Whatever one's views on political issues, everyone should be welcomed and loved in God's church."

Authors: Dr Joseph Yi and Aaron Han

Aaron Han is a sophomore at La Mirada High School. Joseph Yi is an associate professor of political science at Hanyang University (Seoul). Please contact Joseph Yi (joyichicago@yahoo.com) for future HEAC events on freedom in East Asia.