For more than 20 years, queer feminist collective PINKS 연분홍치마 has merged activism with filmmaking to highlight the political struggles of marginalised groups in South Korea. This LGBTQ+ History Month, we present five of PINKS’ documentaries that illuminate a rich plurality of queer stories.

PINKS’ queer production journey began in 2008 with 3xFTM‘s frank, empathetic glimpse into the lives of three trans men, followed closely by the jubilant election campaign of a lesbian candidate in The Time of Our Lives (2009) and the vibrant collage of the gay community in Miracle on Jongno Street (2011). Moving forward to the 2020s with the unwavering allyship of activist parents in Coming to You (2021) and the self-reflexive, intertwining narratives of two trans women in Edhi Alice: Reverse (2024), these later films chart the evolving terrain of LGBTQ+ struggles in South Korea, as well as a maturing of the group’s approach to documentary making and ethics.

Collaboratively made and defiantly intersectional, the films seek not only to elucidate the structural oppression faced by the queer community, but also to capture the intimate moments of joy and humour that make sustained resistance and solidarity possible.