One question that we receive at the Japan Gay Guide from time to time, both from within the country and from abroad, about how to help with issues facing the LGBTQ+ community here. Well, fortunately for queer people in Japan, there are a number of charities and non-profit organizations that do excellent work, and are open to donations. Additionally, those who live here are more than welcome to volunteer. Here are five charities that JGG recommends.
Marriage for All Japan
As many of our readers will be aware, Japan remains the only G7 nation that does not legally recognize same-gender partnerships, including marriage. While there are local ordinances to give some protections, they do not carry the full authority of law, and do not include all the rights that married couples in Japan enjoy.
Marriage for All Japan — sometimes known as MariFo — was founded in 2019 by lawyers, PR professionals, and more in order to try and change this by pushing for the legal recognition of marriage for anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It does this both through lobbying, education, promotional events, and even going to court. Many of the lawsuits that have regarded the lack of recognition are a result of, or have been supported by, MariFo.
Those who are interested can donate here.
Broken Rainbow Japan
In 2017, Japan’s laws regarding rape changed for the first time since 1907, and included — for the first time — provisions that men can be victim and that victims of sexual assault from someone of the same gender should not face legal discrimination. However, society as a whole still doesn’t see same-gender assault, or assault against LGBTQ+ people, as being “as bad” as it does for heterosexual people.
Broken Rainbow Japan exists not only to lobby for the laws to be changed to make rape legislation more understanding for victims, but also creates support structures and creates educational material for LGBTQ+ victims of sexual assault. It aims not just to make a society safe for LGBTQ+ people to discuss their assault, but make a Japan where such assaults are not brushed off by others, but are rightly seen as intolerable.
Those who are interested can donate here.
Nijiiro Diversity
One of the most visible charities in the LGBTQ+ community, Nijiiro Diversity exists to give support to LGBTQ+ people, their families, and their allies in the workplace. Its motto, in English, is “Bridging the gaps for diversity and inclusion,” and it is the first charity of its kind in Japan that focuses on workplace advocacy for queer people.
As part of its work, in addition to conducting rigorous research into the ongoing issues facing LGBTQ+ people, it advises public and private organizations and gives public lectures, as well as disseminating useful information in other ways. It also hosts Pride Center Osaka, a hub for information and support in Kansai.
Those who are interested can donate here.
Stonewall Japan
The most extensive LGBTQ+ organization in Japan, Stonewall Japan hosts, advertizes, and supports events and resources throughout the country for LGBTQ+ people. Not only that, but there are a number of local “blocks,” which makes it a hugely useful network for people who live outside of hubs like Tokyo or Osaka.
Founded in 1988 by former members of the JET Programme, it is also hugely supportive for non-Japanese people. Stonewall Japan and its members can be seen and met at Pride Parades all across Japan every year, and are the first port of call for many queer people who have just arrived in the country.
Those interested can donate here.
ReBit
Named for the concept of “repeating” small steps, or, “bits,” in order to advance society, ReBit has a particular focus on queer Japanese people, including the youth, and assisting with mental and emotional health issues that can arise from living in a society where LGBTQ+ people are not yet fully accepted.
Their initiatives include giving lectures at schools in order to develop safe environments for young LGBTQ+ Japanese people, giving career support, and providing resources for those suffering from mental health issues or other difficulties, and assisting local governments to do the same.
Those interested can donate here.
These are a few of the charities and non-profit organizations doing excellent work supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Japan. If you have the means, we would highly recommend and deeply appreciate it if you would be able to donate to one of them. Thank you very much.
