South Korea Pride – Photo- RyuSeungil via iStockphoto
In a historic but under-the-radar move, South Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics has updated its digital registration system for the 2025 Population and Housing Census to recognize “spouse” or “cohabitating partner” as valid responses for same-sex households.
The change fixes a long-standing issue from previous censuses, when same-sex partners who selected “spouse” saw their answers flagged as errors — forcing them to instead list themselves as “other cohabitants,” according to Time magazine.
The system’s failure to accept “spouse” from same-sex couples effectively erased them from the data, rendering LGBTQ households invisible to government agencies and civic organizations that rely on census information to allocate resources and funding.
While same-sex marriage and civil partnerships remain illegal in South Korea, the national census — conducted every five years — gives same-sex couples a rare chance to influence domestic policy by prompting the government to implicitly acknowledge their relationships, even without legal recognition or protections.
“After hearing from experts, we understand that the data is necessary, but inaccurate responses may occur during the collection stage, so we’re looking into ways to process the data afterward,” an official with the Ministry of Data and Statistics told local news outlet Ohmynews. “I hope you’ll see this as the beginning of our efforts.”
The country’s left-wing Justice Party praised the ministry’s decision, expressing hope that greater visibility for same-sex couples in official statistics will pave the way for LGBTQ-inclusive policies, including the legalization of same-sex marriage.
“The path has finally opened for same-sex couples to be reflected in policy,” the party said in a statement, adding that it opposes discrimination against all minorities. “We believe the day will soon come when transgender individuals will be included in population statistics.”
Rainbow Action Korea, a coalition of 49 LGBTQ organizations, welcomed the census update but criticized national and local governments for failing to “adequately publicize” the change, which could affect response rates among same-sex couples.
The group further urged the ministry to add questions on sexual orientation and gender identity to the census and other national surveys to provide greater visibility for single LGBTQ individuals in South Korea.
But such changes may still be far off, as South Korean society remains deeply conservative regarding gender norms and LGBTQ visibility. A 2025 Ipsos poll found that 51% of South Koreans oppose public displays of affection — such as kissing or holding hands — between LGBTQ individuals, while 31% said they are against LGBTQ people being openly public about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A 2025 national survey by Korea Research likewise found that most Koreans still oppose same-sex marriage, with only 30% expressing support. Two years earlier, the country’s Constitutional Court upheld a ban prohibiting military members from engaging in same-sex intimacy.
At the same time, South Korea’s LGBTQ community has become increasingly visible in both media and society. That visibility has been boosted by prominent celebrities, including K-pop idols, who have come out as LGBTQ. Last year, the nation’s top court ruled that LGBTQ spouses are eligible for state health insurance benefits, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae Myung’s nominee for gender equality minister has vowed to pursue an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination law — though the president has indicated that other priorities, such as the economy, come first.
Former Campbell County Public Library director Terri Lesley will receive $700,000 in a lawsuit settlement after being fired amid community backlash over LGBTQ-themed books and the library’s acknowledgment of Pride Month.
Lesley, who had worked for the library system in Gillette, Wyoming, since 1996 and served as director from 2012 to 2023, was dismissed following a 4–1 board of trustees vote that cited performance issues -- a move that came after two years of conservative pressure over LGBTQ content in the library’s teen section.
An irate customer at a Florida Starbucks was arrested after throwing a tantrum over a Pride flag hanging on the wall.
Police say Tucker Alden Kemp, 31, of Clearwater, entered a Starbucks in St. Petersburg around 9:16 a.m. on October 22. Once inside, he took offense at a Pride flag and asked to speak with the manager, insisting it was offensive and should be replaced with an American flag.
When the manager refused, citing store policy, Kemp allegedly "decided to take matters into his own hands," according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun.
A federal judge says she plans to issue a preliminary injunction blocking a Trump administration policy that would cut funding for sex education programs, including so-called "gender ideology." The announcement came during a conference call with state attorneys and federal officials.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order barring schools from engaging in what it calls the "social transition" of transgender youth -- meaning any recognition of gender identity as distinct from biological sex, including using a student’s chosen name or pronouns or making accommodations based on gender identity.
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