Transparent event series builds chosen family for trans community

Jungle, host of Transparent / Courtesy of Nikolai

On a warm afternoon in Itaewon, amid the hum of conversation and music spilling from the terrace of Kockiri bar, a unique gathering takes shape. It’s not just another weekend party, it’s Transparent, a celebration of trans lives, community and visibility in Korea. Founded in March 2022, Transparent has grown from a small idea into a space of connection for trans people and allies in Seoul.

The mind behind Transparent is Jungle, a Seoul-based trans woman who started the project during a personal turning point. “I began HRT (hormone replacement therapy) in May 2021,” she recalled. “At the time, I only had a few other trans friends, mostly through drag. Naturally, I got curious about how other trans people in Seoul were living and wanted to meet them in person, to talk, to share our stories and to not feel so alone.”

From this longing, Transparent was born — not just as a party, but as a grassroots initiative to build a family. “Being a trans person can feel incredibly isolating,” she explained. “We often have to parent ourselves or parent each other. That’s where the name comes from: 'TransParent’ — a symbol of care and openness. As well as it being a statement, as I want to live transparently.”

Creating space

For many trans people in Korea, simply existing authentically can be a struggle. Although some progress has been made, societal understanding remains limited, and misconceptions abound. The founder's own journey illustrates this: Jungle first attempted to transition at age 20, only to be stopped by family members. “It led to over a decade of denial,” she said. “When I finally restarted my transition four years ago, I could feel the world had started to change, but not enough.”

Despite growing awareness, particularly among younger generations, and less physical violence against trans people than in some countries, systemic challenges persist in Korea. Discrimination in education and employment remains widespread. Media portrayals of trans people are often sensationalized, reinforcing stereotypes rather than dismantling them.

Jungle in drag in 2017 / Courtesy of Kucia

“There’s this sense that trans people are either invisible or turned into caricatures,” she said. “But we’re just as diverse and complex as anyone else in the cisgender community. What we need is for society to see us as people — students, workers, friends, family. There are many obstacles to feeling safe and comfortable as a trans person in Korea, and I believe we must work on this together. Equal opportunities in education and employment are crucial, and Korean society needs to experience trans people in a different context, because what’s been shown to the public is often distorted or just treated as entertainment. Each of us is different, just like everyone in the cisgender community. I also want to add that finding the right community really helps. They will support your journey. It’s so important not to isolate yourself.”

Chosen family

One of Transparent’s central messages is the power of chosen family. “Not everyone is lucky enough to have relatives who accept them,” Jungle said. Her own family journey has been painful. “I only reconnected with my mother and sister last year. It’s still hard. But I’ve come to understand that many people have simply never thought about what it means to be trans, or to have a trans family member. They need time to learn, too.”

In place of that missing support, Transparent offers something equally vital: a community where trans people are celebrated, not just tolerated. “I lost some friends after I transitioned,” she admitted. “But I’ve also found people who love and support me deeply, people I now consider family. I don’t say it enough, but I’m truly grateful for them.”

Redefining transition

Transparent also aims to shift public understanding of what it means to be trans. “People often focus on gender reassignment surgery or medical treatment,” Jungle said. “But being trans isn’t about reaching a specific goalpost. It’s a journey and not every trans person wants or needs the same things. It includes social transition, like letting people know you are trans, and making decisions for yourself as a trans person.”

Medical transition is deeply personal and, for some, inaccessible. Social transition, being recognized and accepted in one’s identity, is just as important. For those who do seek medical support, resources are growing in Korea.

Transparent’s upcoming party on Sunday will feature a special session on gender-affirming care in collaboration with Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital LGBTQ+ Center, a progressive institution in Korea’s evolving health care landscape.

Building bridges

A poster for the next Transparent event this Sunday / Courtesy of Jungle

Transparent events have taken place at several key venues in Seoul’s creative and queer scenes: Seoul Community Radio (SCR), Mother Offline and now Kockiri. Each location brings something different to the table, from online accessibility to expanded space and closer ties with the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Kockiri holds special meaning. “It’s not just about the venue, it’s about visibility and support. I wish the gay community in Korea would show more consistent solidarity with trans people. There’s still a lot of misunderstanding, even within LGBTQ+ spaces,” she said. “But Kockiri has welcomed us with open arms, and the terrace is perfect for our daytime events.”

Transparent isn’t just for trans people. The founder is quick to emphasize that the party is open to everyone: “If you have a loving, open heart and a curious mind, you’re welcome. You don’t need to be trans to join us, you just need to care.”

Looking ahead

Now preparing for its eighth edition, Transparent shows no signs of slowing down. The team is planning more events and collaborations to create educational and celebratory spaces for trans and non-trans people alike. Through workshops, music and dialogue, Transparent continues to grow as a cultural touchpoint.

Transparent is more than a party. It’s a living testament to resilience, identity and the power of chosen community. “I truly believe the world will accept us when we accept ourselves,” Jungle said. “We’ve always been here, and we’ll always be here. I hope we can be friends.”

Visit @transparent on Instagram for further information.

Nilesh Kumar is a film curator from England who operates at the crossroads of curation, events and film. His career has been defined by a commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration, working with a diverse array of cultural and creative entities including Cinema Galeries, Louis Quatorze, Obra Architects, Soho House Mumbai and Kimchi and Chips.