Japan Has Launched Its First Nationwide Plan To Educate The Public About LGBTQ People
Under the plan, schools will be encouraged to provide more support for LGBTQ students and expand access to counselors and social workers.
Japan has launched its first nationwide plan to educate the public about LGBTQ people.
Japan is the only G7 country where same-sex marriage is still illegal.
In June 2023, under pressure ahead of a G7 summit it was hosting, Japan passed a law to promote public understanding of LGBTQ people.
The law calls for the government to introduce a plan to encourage awareness in schools, workplaces and the government but does not directly ban discrimination against LGBTQ people.
On June 16, the cabinet finally approved the plan, despite hardline conservative prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s personal opposition to same-sex marriage.
Under the plan, schools will be encouraged to provide more support for LGBTQ students and expand access to counselors and social workers.
Universities will also need to strengthen their curricula around sexual orientation and gender identity for training teachers and healthcare workers.
The government will also produce training videos and leaflets and promote academic research and develop consultation systems for people who need support.
The local LGBTQ community in Japan has said the program is an important first step but there needs to be more concrete legal steps towards ensuring LGBTQ rights.
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Kassy Cho
Ashley Lee
Kassy Cho
