Becoming “Me” in a Hostile World: Queer, Disability, and Self‐Identification in South Korea

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the life experiences of people who simultaneously possess disability and queer identity in Korea and to provide related policy recommendations. To confirm this, we sampled individuals who self‐identify as queer and have been diagnosed with disabilities. A total of nine research participants were interviewed in the summer of 2024, and based on the in‐depth interview content, thematic analysis was conducted utilizing a generic qualitative research method. The analysis results showed that regardless of which identity, the identification process was a confusing process, and the hateful social atmosphere operated as a powerful pressure, which made them constantly doubt themselves. To respond to this, research participants either resisted by revealing their existence or created safe spaces through solidarity with others. The results of this study argue for the necessity of a comprehensive anti‐discrimination law that can embrace everyone as a fundamental countermeasure for the protection of minorities and the eradication of the reproduction of hate, and present the need for extensive improvement of Korean social policies based on this.