Toward a Society Where Coming Out Is Welcomed! Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2017 – New Employee Hasuda Edition
Hello! I’m Hasuda, a new graduate employee.
Did you notice that various locations in Shibuya and Meiji-Jingumae were painted in rainbow colors between April 29 and May 7?
This was actually part of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2017, one of Japan’s largest LGBT-related events!
Since SUNNY SIDE UP was providing PR support for Tokyo Rainbow Pride,
I participated in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2017 as a new employee!
I would like to share the atmosphere of the venue and my impressions from participating in Tokyo Rainbow Pride!
The period from April 29 to May 7 was designated as “RAINBOW WEEK,” during which various events such as workshops and symposiums were held throughout the country.
The main events, “Festa” and “Parade,” were held during the final two days.
We participated in the parade on the final day!
In the parade, participants marched through the streets of Shibuya and Harajuku with music and chants, led by colorfully decorated floats.
This year, 23 groups of floats and marching units participated, with the number of participants reaching a record high of 5,000!
We also marched joyfully to the music, waving flags and balloons while saying “Happy Pride!” Many people along the route waved to us, and we exchanged lots of high-fives!
Additionally, numerous booths were set up at the event plaza in Yoyogi Park.
There were over 170 booths from major corporations and embassies from various countries!
Each booth contributed to the lively atmosphere with tattoo sticker distribution, rainbow goods sales, message boards, and food stalls!
There was even a bridal photo booth, and it was particularly memorable to see couples of various orientations taking photos with such happy expressions.
More than 50 couples had their photos taken at the booth! While the number of wedding venues where LGBT individuals can hold ceremonies is increasing, I hope this continues to grow so we can see even more smiles in the future.
At the event’s closing, volunteers, Mr. Sugiyama, and Mr. Yamagata appeared on stage. It concluded with gratitude to all participants and the words “Happy Pride!” During the two days of main events at Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2017, 100,000 people participated! The term LGBT has become more commonly heard, and awareness is certainly expanding.
On the other hand, I also felt that understanding of LGBT still has a long way to go.
While the message board was filled with words like “be yourself” and “freedom,”
there was also a comment saying “I pretend to be straight at work.”
I strongly felt the need to further spread understanding of LGBT and transform society from one where people “cannot speak” to one where they “can speak.”
At a study session held beforehand, Mr. Sugiyama said that the turning points in his life were:
“When I realized there were others with similar concerns”
“When I first opened up to someone else about myself”
These two turning points can only occur in a society where sexual minorities “can speak” about their sexuality.
Normally, I’m the type to consult with people around me about my concerns, but if I couldn’t do that, I think I would keep everything to myself and become withdrawn. In fact, I learned at the study session that some people, unable to bear their struggles, take their own lives.
Even though awareness of LGBT is spreading, I feel that a society that accepts it has not yet been fully established.
There is a phrase that stayed with me from this study session and event.
That phrase is “Welcoming Out.”
This is a coined term combining “welcome” and “coming out.”
It conveys the meaning of “I accept those who are different from me, so please share your concerns with me!” I believe that as this concept of welcoming out spreads throughout society, we will move closer to a society where diverse people can live comfortably.
As a member of SUNNY SIDE UP, a company that creates “joyful commotions” and generates movements in society,
I want to first adopt a welcoming out attitude myself in order to further spread awareness and understanding of LGBT!
★Fukui Edition Here★
