Who?

This March I am running Tokyo marathon for the charity Pride House Tokyo. Born out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Pride House Tokyo is the first permanent LGBTQ centre in Japan.

Why?

LGBT individuals living in Japan have fewer legal protections than most other developed countries, with Japan being the only G7 country that does not legally recognise same-sex unions.

Before October 2023, transgender individuals wishing to legally change their gender were required to undergo sterilisation. This was outlawed by the European Court of Human Rights in 2017.

A 2020 Japanese survey of 10,000 LGBT people, found 38% had faced harassment or assault. It is sadly therefore not surprising that LGBT individuals have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Many LGBT individuals in Japan are afraid to disclose their identity for fears of personal or even professional repercussion.

What?

Considering the backdrop in Japan described above, charities like Pride House are a crucial lifeline to many. Pride House Tokyo lobbies the government for positive legal change, whilst broadcasting information on the LGBT community nationally. The centre also offers legal advice, counselling and hosts events to foster community.