- Title: JAPAN: Tokyo gay pride parade draws in thousands of dwellers
- Date: 14th August 2010
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (AUGUST 14, 2010) (REUTERS) PEOPLE GATHERING FOR PRIDE PARADE IN YOYOGI PARK
- Embargoed: 29th August 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Japan
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVA9GKZBSK4OMRE5C4SLBZ7CHBRN
- Story Text: Japan's gay community put on a glamorous show as the Tokyo Pride parade returned on Saturday (August 14) after a three-year absence, aiming to win acceptance from the country's more conservative society.
About 4,000 people in flamboyant costumes showed up at the event, according to local police.
Drag queen shows, debates and theatre plays were held in the lead-up to the parade which was put on ice due to a lack of staff as many gay Japanese are anxious to come out to their families or work colleagues.
"I am not gay myself, but last time I joined this event, I was moved by my gay and lesbian friends' passion for loving each other and getting a proper recognition for that. That's why I'm joining this time again," said Yoshiya, a 29-year-old social worker.
"When I travel with other girls and we sleep next to each other, the girls get nervous because I am gay," said Ko Hidari, 29, who took part in the parade in a wheelchair.
While some Japanese celebrities can afford to be open about their sexuality, coming out is still mainly a social taboo for most ordinary Japanese.
There are also very few openly gay politicians in Japan so there is little lobbying for gay rights.
Gay Parade participants however included politicians and pastors.
"We have many gay members at my church. I'm openly gay, so I think this makes it easier for homosexuals to come to my church," said Aika Taira, 42, a pastor at a protestant church in Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo.
Japanese gay and lesbian citizens do not yet enjoy the right to civil partnerships or marriages that some other countries already have.
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