Korean Rapper Aquinas Comes Out as Bisexual, Hopes to Give Courage to LGBTQ+ Fans
Kang Minsoo, popularly known as Aquinas, revealed on his social media account that he's bisexual. Following this, he divulged the reason why he decided to come out despite the discrimination against the LGBTQ+ Community in Korea.
Rapper Aquinas on His Instagram: "I'm Bisexual"
The rapper who first rose to stardom from "High School Rapper 3" surprised his followers after his post on July 13. On his Instagram, he uploaded the bisexual flag with the words, "I'm bisexual."
In context, bisexual means a person who is romantically attracted to both homosexuals and the same sexes, and is also a sexual minority along with lesbian and gay people.
Aquinas is the stage name he went for after winning second place in Mnet's "High School Rapper 3." During the competition, Kim, who was born in 2001 was then praised for his incredible rapping skills. Despite not bringing home the winning title, he still gained a supportive fandom base.
In May, he was able to release his first mini-album "IT DOESN'T MATTER."
As a response to his courageous confession, online users raised their voices of support along with rainbow emoticons (used for expressing LGBT pride and identity) leaving comments, "I am so proud of you," "I always support you," and "I hope you are happy."
In an interview, Aquinas explained the reason why he decided to come out. Though there is progress in Korea when it comes to the right treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, discrimination and criticisms are still present to date.
Aquinas then noted that he felt frustrated hiding his sexuality. He's aware of the possible backlash that he and his family will receive, but he mentioned that he wants to give courage to his young fans who are afraid to recognize their true gender identity.
Aside from giving comfort and strength, he also planned to release LGBTQ-themed songs in the future.
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Hong Seok Cheon, Som Hein, and More: Other Korean Celebrities Who are Part of the LGBTQ+
While the acceptance rate in Korea when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, Aquinas is not the first star to become an openly queer.
Broadcaster Hong Seok Cheon confessed to being gay for the first time as a Korean celebrity in 2000. Singer Som Hein from Mnet's "Idol School" also said she was bisexual in 2017, one of the first bisexual women to come out in the Korean entertainment industry.
Aside from them, K-pop singers Kwon Do Woon and Holland also admitted that they are queer. The latter is actually known to be the "first gay K-pop idol."
Holland is known for making songs centering on LGBTQ+, just like what Aquinas aspires to do. Some of his releases such as "Neverland," and "I'm Not Afraid," contained same-sex kiss scenes and frames that depict same-sex relationships.
READ MORE: 10 K-pop idols Who Admitted They Are Part of the LGBT Community
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Written by Eunice Dawson
