Banal Security: Queer Korea in the Time of Viruses

Timothy Gitzen's "Banal Security: Queer Korea in the Time of Viruses" explores how the ever-present threat of North Korea in South Korea has shaped national security concerns, impacting the perception of queer individuals.

The book examines how queer Koreans are viewed as a viral threat, disrupting public order and traditional family structures.

Gitzen's research takes readers from police stations and courtrooms to activist spaces and pride festivals, illustrating the pervasive nature of security concerns in daily life.

Through interviews and observations, the book reveals the complexities of queer activism and the challenges faced by queer Koreans in navigating a society deeply influenced by national security anxieties.

The book offers a nuanced understanding of the intersection of national security, queer identity, and social activism in South Korea.