Image: YouTube/The Japan Times
On May 7, 2017, thousands of individuals belonging to the Japanese LGBT community paraded on the streets of Shibuya for the finale of the annual Tokyo Rainbow Pride event.
According to The Japan Times, the theme of the year’s celebration was “Change.”
The event’s flyers stated, “I believe that nothing would change. But, little by little, things are starting to change. Let’s achieve a future where everybody is respected as an individual, despite differences in their sexuality.”
Based on the organizer’s estimates, a total of around 5,000 people attended the parade. The event was supported by 190 companies and organizations. Among these are corporate giants Sony Corp., Google Inc., Spotify, BuzzFeed and the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., to name a few.
Even government leaders left congratulatory messages on the event’s website, notably Shibuya Ward’s mayor Ken Hasebe.
A man who attended the festival at Yoyogi Park had this to say about his company’s approach to the LGBT community, “My company is very tolerant of LGBT people. A consultation program is available for anyone whose sexuality makes them feel uncomfortable among their coworkers.” He added that over the past few years, the company has adapted to changing times and learned to grasp issues regarding the staff members’ sexuality.
The year 2015 in Shibuya Ward was a historical turning point for the Japanese LGBT community, as this was when same-sex partnerships were recognized. Certificates were also issued to these couples that somehow make their unions as good as being married.
By next month, Sapporo will also start recognizing same-sex partnerships.
These changes are expected to lead to a greater understanding, tolerance and acceptance of individuals from the LGBT community. Alfred Bayle/JB/rga
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