South Korean Queer Activist Heezy Yang with Medical Bills

My friend and Korean queer artist and activist Heezy Yang (also known as drag performer Hurricane Kimchi) has been struggling with various health issues, which have led to financial difficulties. I am organising this fundraiser to support them.

Heezy has been an active member of Korea’s queer community since the early 2010s. As an artist and activist, they have tirelessly fought for LGBTQ+ rights while also working as an event organiser and drag performer, creating safe spaces and events for LGBTQ+ people in Korea. Through fundraising events and art sales, they have donated to organisations supporting queer youth and transgender individuals. More recently, they have used their social media platforms to showcase their art and activism, raising awareness and spreading queer joy not only in South Korea but around the world.

Heezy’s health struggles began in 2022, shortly after contracting COVID-19 and the flu back-to-back. Initially, they experienced severe lingering chest pain, but over time, additional symptoms emerged—breathlessness, dizziness, blurry vision, heart palpitations, brain fog, fatigue, and more. While some symptoms have become more manageable with medical care and rest, new ones have appeared following repeated COVID-19 reinfections.

After months of waiting for doctors’ appointments and undergoing numerous costly medical tests, Heezy was diagnosed with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and several mental health conditions, including chronic bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety—conditions they had already been managing but that worsened due to their recent physical health struggles. Due to their gastrointestinal health issues, they currently weigh only 48 kg (105.8 lbs) at a height of 170 cm (5'7"). Additionally, they continue to experience numerous ongoing symptoms that remain medically unexplained or undiagnosed.

Because of these illnesses, Heezy has been unable to work as much recently and won’t be able to for a while, all while their medical expenses have risen significantly. This situation has severely impacted both their finances and mental health. Having dedicated nearly 15 years to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Heezy now needs our support. It’s time for us to give back and help them through this difficult period.

Fundraising Goal:

I aim to raise £2,000 GBP to assist Heezy with their medical expenses and cost of living.

- Recent medical exams and treatments: £1,000 GBP

- Additional tests and treatments over the next few months: £500 GBP

- Cost of living support: £500 GBP

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me