"Sexual Minority Human Rights Violations" vs "COVID-19 Prevention" Conflict Over Sexual Identity 'Outing'

COVID-19 Spread from Itaewon Clubs... Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Outing
3,112 of 5,517 Club Visitors Unreachable
Seoul City Urges Voluntary Reporting Through Anonymous Testing System

On the 8th, citizens are passing in front of the 'King Club' in Itaewon, Seoul, where a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) had visited. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak originating from clubs in Itaewon, Seoul, is spreading into a controversy over forced outing of sexual minorities.

A sexual minority warned that disclosing sexual orientation could lead to extreme choices. On the other hand, some citizens argued that it is not a violation of sexual minority rights but rather △failure to follow infection prevention guidelines, △and the call for disclosure of information about club visitors as a measure to prevent COVID-19.

On the morning of the 12th, in an interview with CBS's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," sexual minority individual A said, "We also think it is right to criticize patient number 66 in Yongin for not following the rules during the social distancing period," but added, "At this point, I think the biggest issue is the 'outing' problem. It is a situation where (sexual orientation) is forcibly revealed against one's will."

He continued, "When people who have hidden their sexual identity from those around them or their parents for 10 to 30 years after realizing their gender identity suddenly have it publicly disclosed, I think even I would feel tremendous pressure and psychological burden," he explained.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He added, "On internet communities and portal site news comments, there are expressions of hatred beyond general criticism. Around me, some people even say, 'I would rather make an extreme choice than be outed.' In a situation where I am socially at the crossroads of life and death, the government's approach of 'If you don't get tested, you will be fined or imprisoned' seems a bit excessive," he raised his voice.

As an alternative, he suggested guaranteeing anonymity by excluding certain locations from the testing process and disclosure of movement paths.

On the other hand, some citizens claim that it is not an infringement of sexual minority rights.

A 30-year-old office worker A said, "I don't care about their sexual identity," emphasizing, "Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is the priority." He added, "Another issue is why they went to the club in the first place," expressing frustration, "This is what people are criticizing."

Another office worker B (38) pointed out, "COVID-19 is spreading, and it is already known that if you test positive, your movement paths can be disclosed." He continued, "Nevertheless, they visited a crowded club and tested positive, so they must take responsibility." He emphasized, "Young people, including myself, do not criticize their sexual identity."

On the afternoon of the 8th, when additional infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred at a club in Itaewon, Seoul, visited by patient number 66 from Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the government issued an administrative order recommending the suspension of operations for one month at clubs and other entertainment facilities. A temporary closure notice is displayed on the screen in front of a voluntarily closed club in Itaewon, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Seoul city announced that more than 3,000 people who visited Itaewon clubs have not yet been contacted and that they are prepared to take compulsory measures. Regarding concerns that sexual orientation might be revealed, they emphasized that an anonymous testing system will be introduced and operated.

From April 24 to May 5, a total of 5,517 people visited Itaewon clubs. As of the morning of the 12th, Seoul city has been unable to contact 3,112 people, which is well over half of the list.

Mayor Park said at a COVID-19 emergency briefing on the 11th, "The next 2 to 3 days will be a critical turning point for whether Seoul will be breached or not. If Seoul is breached, South Korea will be breached," explaining the seriousness of the situation.

He added, "Among the total 5,517 people on the list related to Itaewon clubs, 2,405 have been contacted, but 3,112 are unreachable. This means some are deliberately avoiding calls or have provided false information."

He urged, "If you visited Itaewon clubs or were nearby between April 24 and May 6, please get tested immediately. This is a matter related to the safety of yourself, your family, neighbors, and our entire society. I earnestly ask you to come forward quickly and get tested."

Regarding concerns about sexual identity being revealed during the COVID-19 testing process, Mayor Park emphasized, "We understand that some people hesitate because of concerns about identity exposure during the process. However, there is no need to worry about that at all."

He explained, "To ensure personal safety, Seoul city will proactively introduce an anonymous testing system." He added, "If you wish, your name will be left blank, and only a number assigned by each public health center will be given, and only your phone number will be verified."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.