Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Squire]

In a sense there must be a positive to being a gay foreigner in Korea. By the sounds of things Koreans simply can't recognise a gay person, no matter how obvious they are. Whereas, at home (wherever that is) most guys will spot out a gay pretty quickly, and, I suspect, treat them slightly differently- intentionally or not. For example, I have no interest in what other men get up to if it doesn't affect me, but I probably wouldn't bring up sports or politics (or obviously, women) with a person I know or suspect is gay. I just haven't met any gays with an interest in those things

Surely in Korea a gay person would be treat more equally in that respect than they would in the west?

[Carbon]

Ok, I won't. My wife will be relieved at my decision.

[IslandmanPT]

I don't know where y'all are looking but I've met and know many gay Koreans in Korea. I even lived in a small town my first year here and have some good gay Korean friends...they date, they hang out in coffee shops, they go to movies together...

Yes, it's true most would never tell there family (although I know a couple of guys who have and are accepted by their families), and that many Koreans don't accept it or even think it exists, but there are many who also do acknowledge it's presence and aren't exactly shy about the subject.

I've been very open about being gay to most Koreans I've met (men, women, straight, gay) and while some don't really get it or just walk away, many are curious about what it means to be gay and have never said anything homophobic to me.

I do, however, know that there are more difficulties here in Korea for gay Koreans than I've probably had growing up in the US. On dates, I've had Korean guys be afraid to be seen in public in case someone thought it was a date, especially me being a foreigner as it draws attention. Also, many still think they are going to get married to a woman eventually, due to the family expectations (especially when they are the first son).

I do find it pretty easy to go unnoticed for being gay in Korea, whereas in America most would probably notice I'm gay pretty easily. For one, men are very affectionate with their male friends in Korea, they usually dress well, there isn't really the American football tough guy culture, so it's easier to blend in. Also, my sticking out as a white foreigner pretty much blocks out any more detailed observances one may make about my character or mannerisms.

[Adventurer]

I have the impression that when compared to say 10 years ago, Korea is a little more open on the issue, and there are more homosexual stars that are well-known. Think about how it was like in the US say 15 years ago. It wasn't much better. Many of the young folks on the street were young homosexuals dumped by their parents. In many parts of the U.S., homosexuality is not accepted. Obviously, you're better off, by far, in the U.S. if you're gay rather than in Korea.
There is still the idea that the nail that sticks out gets hammered. It's a Japanese saying that applies to Korea, more-or-less.