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-   -   GLBT rights in Japan? (https://www.japanforum.com/forum/general-discussion/25273-glbt-rights-japan.html)

Haven 05-20-2009 03:28 AM
GLBT rights in Japan?
 
Hey just wondering just what rights to GLBT people have in Japan, along with how they are in common society.

ozkai 05-20-2009 03:34 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haven (Post 719507)
Hey just wondering just what rights to GLBT people have in Japan, along with how they are in common society.
First off, what does "GLBT" represent?

komitsuki 05-20-2009 03:42 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ozkai (Post 719510)
First off, what does "GLBT" represent?
Let me google that for you

kisftw 05-20-2009 04:21 AM
Gay Lesbian Bi Transvestite.

ozkai 05-20-2009 06:19 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kisftw (Post 719518)
Gay Lesbian Bi Transvestite.
Thanks for that.

Now unfortunately I cannot offer an accurate response to the original poster, except to say, I've heard they have large communities of all with plenty of bars and no doubt groups/clubs.

I have a good gay Japanese friend in Cairns who has been here a long time, is now an Aussie citizen and his partner is also an Aussie.

Never heard any bad things about any in Japan, but Katsu tells me that Australian guys are very difficult sometimes.

I actually do not look forward to going over to their house for dinner parties as they fight like two old women!

Ningyou 05-20-2009 02:39 PM
The "T" is not for "Transvestite" it's for "Transgendered."

But they have a annual gay pride festival just like most places do.

BUT! He's what I've read:

1: "Homosexuality is legal without constrictions of age of consent.
2: "Japan has adopted many beliefs and practices of Western Culture, leading them to more social acceptance of homosexuals.
3: "There are currently no laws prohibiting or approving of homosexuality, protection of LGBT people in the workforce, or marriage."
4: "There is no legal recognition of same sex relationships."
5: "In terms of transgender issues, the Japan's Health and Welfare Ministry modified its policy in 1998 to allow doctors in Japan to perform gender-reassignment surgeries even to minors if the parents consent."

That's all from Wikipedia though, so it may or may not be accurate. I'm part of the LGBT community, so I've looked this up before though.

Sort of always comes back to "Don't ask, don't tell."

But there is a pride festival and gay bars and surgery for transgendered people in Japan. And there isn't really much about gay bashing. So I'd say yay! :]

bELyVIS 05-20-2009 04:15 PM
They aren't as open about it there. I know several people who are gay but married for appearances mainly in work situations. There is only one club in Osaka that I know about, but I'm sure there are more.
Japanese have very private lives. They don't mind what you do in private.

MMM 05-20-2009 05:17 PM
There is a whole area in North Osaka that is a gay district. "New Half" or transgender bar hostesses are popular, and it is common for non-gays to frequent "new half" bars. Many popular celebrities on TV are either transgender or new half stars.

Ningyou 05-20-2009 06:01 PM
Woo! :D Somewhere to go when I visit!

Haven 05-20-2009 11:45 PM
interesting. thanks for the info!

Sangetsu 05-21-2009 12:43 AM
There are no special rights for GLBT people, everyone in Japan is protected by the same by the same laws. People here tend to be discreet about their sexuality, whatever it is. You'll rarely see straight couples holding hands or being intimate in public, and this is even more true for homosexual couples. People here do not "accept" homosexual behavior, they feel it's not their business to accept or deny, so it's not an issue to them.

maninhat 05-21-2009 01:02 AM
this was really informing. i wasn't really planning on living there, but i think i may want to study abroad while im working on my undergraduate degree. to be honest i've been a little apprehensive about how people would react, i dont think i should worry now. ^_^

MMM 05-21-2009 01:31 AM
In my limited experience the Japanese people I have talked to about it don't have strong feelings either way about gay people. However, if you ask "Would you care if your son or daughter was gay?" then opinions get stronger against the idea.

There are appropriate times to be open and there are inappropriate times to be open. If you can learn the difference you will do just fine.

Haven 05-21-2009 03:02 AM
I see. Well, again I appreciate it.

ozkai 05-21-2009 03:21 AM
Gay Marriage
 
Some more interesting info. on the topic.

In a new example of Prop 8's potential global reach, today Japan's government announced that its nationals may marry same-sex foreign partners in places where gay marriage is legal, according to AFP.
Japan does not allow same-sex marriages at home, but the Justice Ministry has told local authorities to begin issuing certificates stating a person is single and of legal age, for those who want to enter same-sex marriages elsewhere.

Gay activists in Japan praised the move. "This is one step forward," said Taiga Ishikawa, who leads a gay support group. "Gay Japanese have suffered a disadvantage... although they should be able to marry in some countries overseas."

Same-sex marriage is allowed in Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, South Africa and some US states. Regardless of how the Prop 8 ruling goes, expect a lot of gay Japanese immigrants coming to the States to marry, and possibly moving to California, which honors same-sex marriages from other states where it is legal.

The tide is definitely changing in the world. Japan is a powerful country that values honor and integrity. Hopefully they will allow same-sex marriages in their own country someday soon. Or maybe this is a move to purge themselves of their gays by giving them an incenvtive to move elsewhere.


MMM 05-21-2009 03:45 AM
I am not sure how saying "You are allowed to follow the laws of another country when you are in that country" is so groundbreaking.

I would be very surprised if this were an attempt by the government to purge the country of gays for reasons stated repeatedly above.

Haven 05-21-2009 04:30 AM
That's some good news. Like MMM stated, I don't see how different it is that Japanese citizens can follow laws of a different country if they are in that country. The purging idea seems ridiculous.

ozkai 05-21-2009 05:43 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haven (Post 720269)
That's some good news. Like MMM stated, I don't see how different it is that Japanese citizens can follow laws of a different country if they are in that country. The purging idea seems ridiculous.
Reading the Hague convention agreements you will be suprised at which and what laws Japan actually agrees with. A long problem for a long time;)


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