GLBT rights in Japan?
 

Hey just wondering just what rights to GLBT people have in Japan, along with how they are in common society.

First off, what does "GLBT" represent?

Gay Lesbian Bi Transvestite.

Thanks for that.

Now unfortunately I cannot offer an accurate response to the original poster, except to say, I've heard they have large communities of all with plenty of bars and no doubt groups/clubs.

I have a good gay Japanese friend in Cairns who has been here a long time, is now an Aussie citizen and his partner is also an Aussie.

Never heard any bad things about any in Japan, but Katsu tells me that Australian guys are very difficult sometimes.

I actually do not look forward to going over to their house for dinner parties as they fight like two old women!

The "T" is not for "Transvestite" it's for "Transgendered."

But they have a annual gay pride festival just like most places do.

BUT! He's what I've read:

1: "Homosexuality is legal without constrictions of age of consent.
2: "Japan has adopted many beliefs and practices of Western Culture, leading them to more social acceptance of homosexuals.
3: "There are currently no laws prohibiting or approving of homosexuality, protection of LGBT people in the workforce, or marriage."
4: "There is no legal recognition of same sex relationships."
5: "In terms of transgender issues, the Japan's Health and Welfare Ministry modified its policy in 1998 to allow doctors in Japan to perform gender-reassignment surgeries even to minors if the parents consent."

That's all from Wikipedia though, so it may or may not be accurate. I'm part of the LGBT community, so I've looked this up before though.

Sort of always comes back to "Don't ask, don't tell."

But there is a pride festival and gay bars and surgery for transgendered people in Japan. And there isn't really much about gay bashing. So I'd say yay! :]

They aren't as open about it there. I know several people who are gay but married for appearances mainly in work situations. There is only one club in Osaka that I know about, but I'm sure there are more.
Japanese have very private lives. They don't mind what you do in private.

There is a whole area in North Osaka that is a gay district. "New Half" or transgender bar hostesses are popular, and it is common for non-gays to frequent "new half" bars. Many popular celebrities on TV are either transgender or new half stars.

Woo! :D Somewhere to go when I visit!

interesting. thanks for the info!