LGBTQ+ Organizations Launch COVID-19 Emergency Response Headquarters (Update)

Seoul City Promises Cooperation and Exchange

On the morning of the 12th, participants at the press conference for the launch of the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Emergency Response Headquarters held at Chingusai, a Korean LGBTQ+ rights organization in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are urging for "COVID-19, safety assurance without discrimination" and other demands.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] LGBTQ+ human rights organizations have launched an emergency response headquarters and declared their intention to communicate directly with health authorities. They plan to assist LGBTQ+ individuals in receiving COVID-19 testing without discrimination or stigma.

On the 12th, the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Emergency Response Headquarters held a press conference at the office of the Korean Gay Rights Movement Organization "Chingusai" in Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "We will communicate and cooperate with health authorities so that those getting tested can do so without anxiety, and encourage voluntary testing among visitors to Itaewon clubs and specific areas in Gangnam."

The response headquarters is composed of seven organizations, including the Public Interest Human Rights Lawyers Group Hope, Sustainable Movement for Diversity Daum, University and Youth LGBTQ+ Solidarity QUC, Chingusai, Al, and Solidarity for LGBTQ+ Human Rights Activists.

The headquarters explained, "Local governments promise that there will be no disadvantages simply for visiting, but they have stated that they will strictly punish any issues arising from unreported visits. LGBTQ+ human rights organizations felt the urgent need for joint action to proactively overcome this important and difficult situation, leading to the launch of the COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Emergency Response Headquarters."

They added, "Following the COVID-19 cluster infections at Itaewon clubs and establishments, malicious media reports have exposed the personal information of confirmed individuals, and fake news and gossip stigmatizing the visited locations have been spread. This has been enough to instill fear in those who need to get tested voluntarily."

They urged health authorities, "If LGBTQ+ individuals test positive or their movement paths are disclosed and personal information exposed, they are vulnerable to workplace discrimination and domestic violence. Health authorities must declare their full opposition to the discrimination and hatred that affected individuals may face."

The response headquarters plans to improve testing procedures through communication with quarantine authorities and local governments.

Meanwhile, the headquarters revealed that on the previous day (the 11th), they held discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government regarding measures to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can receive testing with peace of mind, and that they will continue to conduct practical discussions.