Marriage, Family, Community

Introducing Kim Kyu-jin, a 'Married Lesbian with Korean Nationality', on her journey to find her family.

• English Translation: 피웊

• Translation review: -

• Writer of the original text: 권태

• Review and amendments to the original text: Miguel

"Congratulations to Kim Kyu-jin for living her life as she wished. Perhaps those who are 'shocked' by her decision are actually afraid of her courage."

When Judith Butler was interviewed via email by Korea's 'Kyunghyang Newspaper' about Han Dong-hoon, the Minister of Justice's critical view on the proposed Life Partnership Bill in Korea, Butler left these words for Kim Kyu-jin. What decision did Kim Kyu-jin make that her name was mentioned in an interview about the Life Partnership Bill, and why did Judith Butler congratulate her on that decision?

Kim Kyu-jin, visibly pregnant, is sitting smilingly in clothes that reveal her belly, which she is holding. To the left of Kim Kyu-jin is her wife, Kim Sae-yeon, sitting and applauding while looking at Kim Kyu-jin, dressed in a half-sleeve shirt and shorts. Behind them is a presentation screen with the words "2023.07.22, South Korea's Low Birth Rate Countermeasures Meeting cum Kyu-jin & Sae-yeon Couple's Baby Shower." (Source: Hankyoreh Article. Provided by the subject. https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/women/1101384.html)

Kim Kyu-jin introduces herself as a 'married lesbian with Korean nationality'. In South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not legalized, she calls herself 'married', sharing her marriage story in a book titled "Sister, Will You Marry Me?". Despite knowing it would not be accepted, she attempted to register her marriage with her partner Kim Sae-yeon and even tried to receive a family mileage integration service offered only to 'families' by an airline using their marriage certificate from the U.S. (which has no legal effect in Korea). They also highlighted the gaps in the national administration that considers their daughter 'Rani' (a prenatal nickname) as having only one parent, despite having two caregivers. Additionally, upon giving birth to 'Rani', Kim Kyu-jin expressed her ambition to create a community for parents who are sexual minorities.

In South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not yet legalized, the discourse on 'marriage equality' holds a significant place in LGBTQ+ rights movements. This is because the movement for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Korea is progressing not just to emphasize the right to free choice but also to encompass the rights of those excluded by welfare systems designed around the 'standard family'. Activist couple Soju (So Sung-wook) and Osori (Kim Yong-min) filed an administrative lawsuit to recognize same-sex spouses as dependents for health insurance, winning a case that declared, "Discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place anymore". The 'Family Formation Rights 3 Laws', proposed by Justice Party representative Jang Hye-young, encompass the Equal Marriage Bill, Life Partnership Bill, and Unmarried Childbirth Support Bill, understanding the legalization of same-sex marriage within the context of ensuring the rights of those who choose various forms of 'union'.

Kim Kyu-jin created 'queer' ruptures throughout the process from her marriage to the 'baby shower' and even after the birth of 'Rani'. Particularly, the 'baby shower', held under the name of 'South Korea's Low Birth Rate Countermeasures Meeting', was funded with the settlement money received from people who posted hate comments on her marriage article. At the event, transgender drag artist 'Serena' revealed the 'sex' of the baby as female during the 'gender reveal', mocking the binary gender society. A song with the message 'Let's not have children' echoed at the event, mocking a society where having children is taken for granted. Thus, a seemingly 'normal' event contained numerous 'queer' ruptures.

Currently, Kim Kyu-jin is also participating in communities for mothers with young children, making her presence known. In Korea, online communities for mothers with young infants, known as 'Mom Cafes', are active, and much parenting information is exchanged there. While some people in these communities posted articles about Kim Kyu-jin's childbirth to criticize her, she directly responded to these posts, making her presence felt and actively bringing about change.

Kim Kyu-jin, a 'married lesbian with Korean nationality', is pioneering her path amidst hatred, with the people she loves. Please support another family that this true 'fighting spirit' of our times, who even gave birth herself to avoid burdening her wife, is creating.

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• English Translation: 피웊

• Translation review: -

• Writer of the original text: 권태

• Review and amendments to the original text: Miguel