Whether you're a card-carrying member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or an ally hoping to make more friends, there are plenty of resources and annual events for you to check out in Japan. As for Gifu, we are small, but mighty. That being said, we mostly go to Nagoya and beyond to connect with our comrades.
|
Terminology in Japanese:
These are some common words and slang used within the LGBTQIA+ community. Something to be aware of is that much like in our home countries, the words we use to describe ourselves within the community are frequently changing as we adapt our language to better embody our identities. Additionally, Japanese language and culture is still very gendered and even with the LGBTQIA+ community you will likely find more defined gender distinctions.
Japanese Words for Pride Month | Nihongo Master
If you are learning Japanese and want to have a better understanding of gendered language and how you may be perceived both in and out of the queer community, Tofu's Queer Guide to Gendered Japanese is a good place to begin.
A Queer Guide to Gendered Japanese | tofugu.com
These are some common words and slang used within the LGBTQIA+ community. Something to be aware of is that much like in our home countries, the words we use to describe ourselves within the community are frequently changing as we adapt our language to better embody our identities. Additionally, Japanese language and culture is still very gendered and even with the LGBTQIA+ community you will likely find more defined gender distinctions.
Japanese Words for Pride Month | Nihongo Master
If you are learning Japanese and want to have a better understanding of gendered language and how you may be perceived both in and out of the queer community, Tofu's Queer Guide to Gendered Japanese is a good place to begin.
A Queer Guide to Gendered Japanese | tofugu.com
Lifestyle:
AJET: Our JET Association provides general information regarding common dating apps, terms, and some community information.
Life as a Queer JET | AJET
Stonewall Japan: This community is for both foreigners and Japanese nationals who identify as LGBTQIA+ to connect and find community. Like the JET Programme, it is split by area and then into prefectures. Within the Chubu block, only Aichi Prefecture has any information. This consists primarily of organizations and clubs within Nagoya.
Aichi | Stonewall Japan
They also have a page dedicated solely to receiving gender affirming care and support for those who are transgender.
Transgender Life | Stonewall Japan
AJET: Our JET Association provides general information regarding common dating apps, terms, and some community information.
Life as a Queer JET | AJET
Stonewall Japan: This community is for both foreigners and Japanese nationals who identify as LGBTQIA+ to connect and find community. Like the JET Programme, it is split by area and then into prefectures. Within the Chubu block, only Aichi Prefecture has any information. This consists primarily of organizations and clubs within Nagoya.
Aichi | Stonewall Japan
They also have a page dedicated solely to receiving gender affirming care and support for those who are transgender.
Transgender Life | Stonewall Japan
Activism:
ASTA: If you are interested in activism and volunteering with an NPO, ASTA is a good place to start. Their mission is to inform and educate young people to reduce prejudice and increase acceptance by bringing members of the Japanese LGBTQIA+ community to schools and speaking with students.
*The NPO operates only in Japanese but past JET members in Gifu Prefecture have volunteered with them.
ASTA
ASTA: If you are interested in activism and volunteering with an NPO, ASTA is a good place to start. Their mission is to inform and educate young people to reduce prejudice and increase acceptance by bringing members of the Japanese LGBTQIA+ community to schools and speaking with students.
*The NPO operates only in Japanese but past JET members in Gifu Prefecture have volunteered with them.
ASTA
Spaces:
|
Events:
- NLGR+ (Nagoya Lesbian & Gay Revolution Plus)
An annual event usually held at the end of May. Typically accompanied by many other events by local bars and clubs. - Tokyo Rainbow Pride (Yoyogi Park, Tokyo)
It's quite a trek, but worth it if you'd like to participate in the largest (and growing) LGBTQ+ event in Japan. It's held every Golden Week (late April - beginning of May), and is a great chance to meet many people from all over Japan and the world. - 名古屋女子大ハロウィン (Nagoya Women's College Halloween / JSD Halloween)
An annual event held on Halloween weekend featuring women's and men's only bars along with a drag show around midnight. Just be prepared for spending the night in Nagoya because the train and bus services end before the party does.