Presentation Outline
Introduction
1. Personal Lens
a. About me and my interests
b. Interest in Social Issues
c. Importance of the LGBTQ+ community in my life
d. My own experience in drag
Methods
1. Online Research
a. Good for basic information, but limited resources due to language barriers
2. In-person observation
3. Visiting Shibuya and its Diversity Center
a. Many different valuable resources
4. Discussion with locals
a. Helpful, but some problems with the language barrier
Research Findings
1. Shibuya
a. Legal Protections & Partnership Certificates
b. Diversity Center
c. Plentiful resources for people in the LGBTQ+ community
1. Pass around pamphlets
d. Role in Tokyo Rainbow Pride
2. Shinjuku
a. Limited legal protections
b. Ni-Chome District & bustling night scene
c. Large community based on acceptance
d. Recent decline due to internet and greater outside acceptance
Comparisons
1. Both countries have strong LGBTQ+ safe spaces
a. Similar to blue states like Washington and California
2. Similarities with Seattle
a. Shinjuku- strong prideful community based around acceptance
b. Shibuya - legal protections, resources and pride marches
3. Importance of Pride
a. Strength of pride due to Japan’s value of groups
4. Lack of racial intersectionality in Japan’s LGBTQ+ groups
Final Reflections
1. How can we continue to educate people about sexuality and gender?
2. Ryutaro Nagata Quote