Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ms7878]

Can you get fired in Korea if someone suspects of or perceives you being gay? Have you heard of this happening? My girlfriend and I are moving to Korea with jobs in schools that are staffed by folks that are extremely religious and conservative. I know what the general feeling is about homosexuality in Korea (not acceptable), and have no plans to flaunt, advertise, or address my personal life, nor do I want to rock anyones boat, including mine!
However, if someone sees my girfriend and I and puts two and two together, could that cause problems at the job? I know that there are no hard and fast rules for these things, but would appreciate some perspective or experience on this issue.
thanks!

[mike in brasil]

Lesbians go under the radar quite easily here.

It seems homosexuality is something that Koreans only apply to men.

[amnsg2]

You may well get a boss who wouldn't think twice about firing you for that reason. It really depends on what your co workers are like, but I don't think it should be too much of a problem if you go in with that attitude. I've never heard an opinion on being gay from a Korean other than 'teacher, he like gay!' from kids or mild surprise and random stereotypes from adults. I've heard that Koreans have really conservative opinions and I'm sure there are some really hardcore anti gay people around, but I've never seen them myself.

Things spread so fast around my school, and when I tell someone something one day it gets told back to me by someone different the next. I think there's a pamphlet about my comings and goings being passed around, tbh so I doubt you'll keep it quiet for long if you're in a small area, but try and politely brush off questions until you've tested the water.

[sulperman]

No one will ever notice unless you tell them. Don't mention it to the kids, and don't actually have sex in front of your boss, and you will be fine. It will never, ever come up, unless you teach middle school or high school kids, and one might occasionally ask if you know any gay people. Say yes, there's nothing wrong with it, and move on.

I know one guy who was openly gay and told people at work- I thought is was extremely unwise, but nothing happened and nobody cared, so what do I know.

[laynamarya]

Korean platonic female friends hold hands, link arms, etc, VERY frequently, so I doubt anyone will pick up on anything unless you are kissing in public. Don't worry about it too much.

[luckylady]

[Emark]

[soomin]

I guess it depends on the boss. When I first came over, I came with one of my female friends and we wanted to work at the same school. When we arrived they put us in the same house and were surprised when we reminded them that we wanted single apartments (especially since the branches of our school were a 20 minute bus ride apart). Later on, when I asked one of my coworkers about it, she told me "Oh, they just assumed you were a gay couple, and that you didn't really want single apartments because you were in a fight, but that you would eventually want to live together again" @.@; They were all pretty nonchalant about it, but I do wonder what they whispered about behind my back...

[Benjamino]

[northway]

[luckylady]

[Benjamino]

I have no idea what 'Doma' as I'm British and believe it or not American laws do not apply outside your country's borders.


However you then move onto champion a persons personal choice. Does this stretch to respecting another's democratic right to vote or support a political party of choice? or are all Conservatives intrinsically evil as you've insinuated and as yet failed to clear up?

[YTMND]

[PaperTiger]

People don't seem to be clued into gays here...don't mistake their lack of acknowledgement or ignorance for tolerance. I've worked with several gay co-workers in the past and as far I know, if anyone knew about it, it never became an issue. Should you ever tell someone you're not sure you can trust or discuss such issues at work ever? Nah. They're in for a rude awakening when they discover how fervently they've supported the gay community by pumping so much money into musicals (yes, that old chestnut, but nonetheless true).

A co-worker of mine had her face plastered all over a magazine covering a gay-pride march that was held in Korea and no one said boo about it.

Suffice to say, you're more likely to get outed and fired for being an atheist.

[Skippy]

General advice for gay Expats is "keep you mouth shut" and your "private life private".

Can you get fired for being gay? Legally probably no, realistically, yes. If the religious school finds out then expect hassles. They will find a valid reason to terminate contract. Or just proceed to make your life hell. Unless you have a lawyer on stand-bye and/or lots of money fighting it out is not worth it.

I have know gay people who work here, and they pretty much do as above. The rest of their life goes fine. No real problems with the day to day. Still if you get to up-front things can go nasty. Knew one guy on a Friday night at a local watering hole with a mix of expats and Koreans commented on his sexuality. One of the Korean men proceed to attack him!

The simple fact is your rights here in Korea can be summed up as thus. Anything you do that pisses off a Korean will be used against you. You piss of the wrong person or group, they can make life difficult for you.