Social History of Japan's LGBTQ+ Movement
Although there were queer identities in premodern Japan, the identities of those times were very different from our current perception of identity, and were more tied to religion or culture. It was in the 1970s that queer discourse and politics became noticeable, followed soon by the 90s 'Gay Boom'. It was in this time period that queer spaces and terminology were developing, in the late 90s, Germany introduced lingo, while many of the Japanese terms around the time were derogatory ones, which have been reclaimed by some Japanese trans people, despite their still common derogatory meaning. Another western importing of queer terms would be from the West as well, with transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and so on being adopted. In the past few years, younger Japanese people have been progressing more in exploring their gender and sexuality, as many countries have, with relatively new concepts like X-gender, which would be a Japanese equivalent to non-binary or gender-queer. The 2000s and 2010s have been significant in the movement, with more individuals and organizations shifting the perception of LGBTQ+ people and increased discussion of their issues. Unfortunately as of now, one must be recognized with "Gender Identity Disorder" to medically transition, and one must go through full medical transition to change their gender legally, despite modern understanding of gender and sexuality.
Organization Showcase
Nijiiro Diversity
Nijiiro Diversity is an organization that aims to inform more people about LGBTQ+ individuals and create safe and friendly working environments for them. This is quite important, as many LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan, while not facing hate-fueled violence like in many other conservative countries, are still forced to go through harassment and live uncomfortably, especially for trans individuals. There are many LGBTQ+ people in Japan, as there are all over the world, and this organization would make them more visible and accepted through their vision. Their vision, in my opinion, melds well with Japanese culture, as harmony and the benefit of society is of high importance in Japan, and Nijiiro Diversity, believes that having everyone’s rights and individuality is beneficial for society as whole. With this all being the case, their tackling of discrimination is one of the most important tasks, and they lay out their approach on their website. The three areas are Community Support, informing via research, and Spreading Awareness/Providing Consultancy. Nijiiro Diversity has been featured on news channels around Japan, as LGBTQ+ issues are gaining more traction across the globe. Among organizations, one that takes direct action in the way Nijiiro Diversity does is very effective, especially in their community support, as the country does not have many other spaces to go.
Nijiiro Diversity is an organization that aims to inform more people about LGBTQ+ individuals and create safe and friendly working environments for them. This is quite important, as many LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan, while not facing hate-fueled violence like in many other conservative countries, are still forced to go through harassment and live uncomfortably, especially for trans individuals. There are many LGBTQ+ people in Japan, as there are all over the world, and this organization would make them more visible and accepted through their vision. Their vision, in my opinion, melds well with Japanese culture, as harmony and the benefit of society is of high importance in Japan, and Nijiiro Diversity, believes that having everyone’s rights and individuality is beneficial for society as whole. With this all being the case, their tackling of discrimination is one of the most important tasks, and they lay out their approach on their website. The three areas are Community Support, informing via research, and Spreading Awareness/Providing Consultancy. Nijiiro Diversity has been featured on news channels around Japan, as LGBTQ+ issues are gaining more traction across the globe. Among organizations, one that takes direct action in the way Nijiiro Diversity does is very effective, especially in their community support, as the country does not have many other spaces to go.