South Korean queer women voters prioritize anti-discrimination laws, inclusive education

Lesbian and queer women voters in South Korea have identified the enactment of anti-discrimination and gender equality ordinances as their top policy priority for the upcoming June 3 local elections. This demand, supported by 91.1% of respondents, reflects a strong desire for institutional safeguards against discrimination.

The survey, conducted by the Korean Lesbian Counseling Center, also highlighted significant interest in educational policies. Nearly half of the top 10 policy demands were education-related, including comprehensive sex education and diversity training, as well as human rights education and safety for queer teachers. These findings underscore the importance voters place on inclusive educational environments.

Beyond discrimination and education, housing and welfare were also prominent concerns. Policies such as relaxed housing and welfare standards, and the establishment of shelters, ranked highly. This reflects the challenges faced by the community in securing stable housing and support systems, particularly given the lack of legal recognition for diverse family structures.

When considering candidates for metropolitan mayor, a key demand was the recognition of cohabiting partners as dependents in public healthcare institutions. Other priorities included revising housing and welfare support criteria to accommodate various relationship types, ensuring access to public spaces for queer cultural events, and implementing anti-discrimination principles in public institutions. The counseling center emphasized that these demands aim to build a practical safety net by revising the narrow definition of 'family' in metropolitan administration.