{
  "id": 9152621,
  "title": "'There are gay people in schools, too': Teachers form 1st LGBTQ+ committee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/there-are-gay-people-in-schools-too-teachers-form-1st-lgbtq-committee",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T15:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260923/there-are-gay-people-in-schools-too-teachers-form-1st-lgbtq-committee"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has established its first committee dedicated to LGBTQ+ individuals, marking a significant milestone for the organization. The Sexual Minorities Committee aims to create a more inclusive environment for students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. To launch the committee, KTU published a booklet on March 1, emphasizing the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in schools and the importance of having supportive teachers for these students.\n\nMo, the inaugural chairperson of the committee, shared her experience as an elementary school teacher with over a decade of service. In a recent interview with The Hankook Ilbo, Mo discussed the various ways KTU aims to support LGBTQ+ students. One such initiative is the proposed elimination of a gender-based numbering system in schools. Currently, students are divided into boys and girls, with boys assigned numbers starting from 1 and girls from 16, based on alphabetical order. This system can make students feel uncomfortable or marginalized based on their gender identity.\n\nMo's proposal to eliminate this system would foster a more inclusive environment, allowing students to feel safer and more accepted. The committee hopes that by having at least one supportive teacher during their school years, LGBTQ+ students will experience a more positive and inclusive educational experience. With the establishment of the Sexual Minorities Committee, KTU is taking a significant step towards promoting equality and acceptance within the education system.",
  "summary": "“Schools have gay people, too!” That was the message of support from a teacher in a booklet published ahead of the launch of the Sexual Minorities Committee of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU). On March 1, the committee became the union’s first-ever body dedicated to sexual minorities. It brings together LGBTQ+ teachers and teachers who support them. Their shared hope is that…",
  "key_points": [
    "KTU forms first LGBTQ+ committee in Korea",
    "Committee aims to support students' inclusion",
    "Proposal to eliminate gender-based school numbering"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "'There are gay people in schools, too': Teachers form 1st LGBTQ+ committee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/there-are-gay-people-in-schools-too-teachers-form-1st-lgbtq-committee-9157486",
        "published": "2026-09-22T16:07:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}