A typeface was first introduced as a concept in January 2020
at a visual media archive exhibition in Seoul called “Pride Over Prejudice”,
an exhibition that dealt with the status of sexual minorities in South Korea.
That typeface was “Gilbeot”, a Korean version of the Gilbert Typeface
which consists of the six-colour rainbow symbolising sexual minorities.
On display were several words written out in the concept typeface,
including “pride” (자부심) and “sexual minorities” (성소수자).
Even though the typeface was not fully developed,
many people were curious about the project.
However, the journey to get there was no easy task.
This is because in English, approximately 100 characters
are needed for everyday usage,
including upper and lower case characters,
but in Korean, Hangul requires at least 3,000 character
permutations to be complete.
In the case of Korean rainbow Gilbert Typeface,
which can contain up to 11 colours in just one character,
it was necessary to constantly experiment colour combinations
so that the 3,000 characters would have a unified look.
Given the complexities involved in creating
a rainbow typefaces using Korean characters,
no Korean version has ever been completed until now.
The complexities and difficulties involved in creating such a typeface
meant that it would also cost a substantial amount to develop.
At least 15 million won (around $13,500) were required to pay
for purchasing the software needed to develop the typeface
and labour costs for seven developers.
Hearing about the project, Beyond The Rainbow Foundation provided
three million won in as a deposit to the development team,
suggesting to receive the remaining 12 million won through fundraising.
And so in May 2020, Beyond The Rainbow Foundation
came into agreement with eight developers and
launched the Gilbeot Typeface project in full swing.
The developers were: Soop (Bae Sungwoo), Jeram (Kang Yunghun),
Amy, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Min-jung, Lim Hye-eun, Kang Ju-yeon and Shin Ye-rim.
The project was a gamble, with no certainty it would succeed.
But thankfully, many people who shared the values
and understood the significance of Gilbeot Typeface
came forward and gave their generous support.
Those sponsors were named as co-developers,
who were also provided with a preview special edition
of the typeface in advance of the official launch.
The co-developers also received their names written out in the
new rainbow Gilbeot typeface, many of which uploaded these onto
social media expressing their support and promoting the fundraiser.
In addition, the development team helped show
the true value of the Gilbeot Typeface by
promoting the typeface alongside various LGBTQ issues.
From June 29 to September 18, 2020,
a total of 474 co-developers participated
in the creation of Gilbeot Typeface
during the 82-day fundraising period,
raising a total of 26,949,000 won in funds.
On September 20, 2020, Gilbeot Typeface
- the first complete full-colour Hangul typeface
representing the pride of sexual minorities -
was officially released.
With the support of so many people,
the Gilbeot Typeface project finally achieved its goal,
but this is by no means the end.
Thanks to the generosity and support of all those involved,
the Gilbeot Typeface project was able to raise
more than the target amount.
It was thus decided to develop additional typefaces
including transgender and bisexual versions
with the extra funds available.
We will organise and release information on the typeface development
and experience we gained to help others with the hope of creating
a rainbow Gilbeot version of the Haerye, the original promulgation of Hangul,
as well as in other vernacular scripts from around the world.
Gilbeot Typeface is a means to convey respect and
support for the existence of all people, as they are.
We look forward to your continued interest and support
as we expand and further develop the Gilbeot Typeface project.