all images are copyright © 2010 by ladladko. Please contact us for permission to reproduce. The rain did not stop LGBTs and their supporters from marching in downtown Seoul at 12pm on June 12, 2010 to mark the 11th annual Korean Queer Culture Festival. This year Amnesty International G48 marched along with expats and locals to show their support for Korea's LGBTQ movement and demand human rights for all. The Korean Queer Culture Festival began in 2000 and had its humble beginnings as a small two-day gathering around Sinchon and Daehangno. It moved to Itaewon and Gwanghwamun in 2002 in order to attract more attention from the mainstream public before settling in its current location, Jongno, in the very heart of Seoul. Over time, participation from a number of organizations and politicians has grown and the event has developed into a 10-day festival with a diverse program. This year's program offered parties, lectures, exhibitions, a film festival, parade and other special events. Many in the LGBT community in South Korea are still afraid, ashamed or simply unable to come out publicly lest they be castigated by family members, lose their friends or get fired from their jobs. The crowd was out and proud and sent a colorful message that there is a strong queer community and queer allies who support them.