Being LGBTQ in Japan

It took me a while to feel like I had something informed and helpful to say about this, but here are some of my observations and feelings about being queer, especially in Japan! Overall, while it can feel lonely sometimes and very different from how I lead my life in America, I’ve still learned a lot and have become more comfortable expressing myself in the past few months. There are a lot of resources you can find as well, both on campus and in the Tokyo area!

Does it feel isolating?

In general, I’d say yes, it can, even unrelated to queerness itself. A lot of parts of Japan are built for you to do things alone: travel alone, eat alone, etc., and especially when things are visibly very heteronormative, it can feel like you’re the only one who's queer in your vicinity.

But, in my time here, I've seen a lot of women holding hands while walking together whenever I go out. (I’ve seen pairs of men do the same, but I'd say it's more common to see women holding hands.) Either way, no one around them will bat an eye and will go about their own business.

It can be really comforting to see that no one seems to mind. This is not to say that it’s easy to be LGBTQ in Japan, but rather to say that comfort levels with certain displays are different from what I’ve seen, which can be nice (take joy in the little things, you know?)

How visible and accepted is it to be LGBTQ in Japan?

The answer can vary depending on where you are and who you’re with, but overall, the answer is that people will not think of you very differently, especially as a temporary resident here. In several polls, many people who live in Japan actually support the legalization of gay marriage and believe LGBTQ people shouldn’t be discriminated against. Although some people may not be informed on everything, people will generally want to support you and cheer you on, especially when I asked the students from here about it.

A general part of the culture here is to not really stick out from the others, so many times, it’s hard to tell if someone is LGBTQ or to even signal to other people you are queer. Still, I’ve had several Japanese students come out and tell me they are queer, so especially amongst younger people, it seems to be quite open.

From dramas to manga, there’s also an abundance of queer media and representation from Japan specifically, so in that way it’s pretty accepted and continues to become more visible.

Are there any resources?

As an abroad student at Kanda University, I’ve found quite a few resources in my semester here. There are chat times you can go to targeted to LGBTQ people, club circles relating to identity, inclusive displays relating to identity across campus, and a lot of books available in the Kanda University library that talk about queerness.

If you're looking for resources in the broader Tokyo area, there is a Pride House that I got to visit with my Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination class. The center has staff there who are trained to give you support you need, information, a safe place to stay for a bit, a cafe, books and resources, and more. When I went, it was a very warm and supportive place to be for anyone who goes.

Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll probably have to adjust to life here in more ways than one. It might not always be easy, but I’ve found comfort in a lot of different small things I’ve noticed while here. And, whether you’re out or not, or just want some support, just know there are always resources out there!