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Rainbow Pride

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Gays and lesbians take part in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a parade that highlights the April 27-May 6 Tokyo Rainbow Week gay pride celebrations, in Tokyo on Sunday. The march was held in Tokyo's shopping and entertainment district of Shibuya and Harajuku. The rate of sexual minority community consist of LBGT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and others is about 5.2% of the Japanese population, the organizer said. See story here.

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Going out in skimpy SM outfits won't help improve their image for the general public. These people have to understand that some things (including fake plastic penises, leathers pants with tails and chains) should better be kept private, if they want a better integration in society.

Good luck explaining your 7 years old children about these outfits, should you happen to see this parade. If you can't, there is the first step towards avoidance.

14 ( +33 / -19 )

good for them! looking good fellas! @ebisen: 'these people' are free, as nobody tells you how to dress you should extend them the same courtesy.

-10 ( +19 / -29 )

I have always wondered how activities like this equal gay pride.

23 ( +27 / -4 )

Going out in skimpy SM outfits won't help improve their image for the general public. These people have to understand that some things (including fake plastic penises, leathers pants with tails and chains) should better be kept private, if they want a better integration in society.

Then to you ganguro is mainstream? People's sexual orientation is a private matter, what they wear on the street is up to them, I'll bet it's you that has the problem too. It makes you uncomfortable, and sure there are probably millions of Japanese that would have a problem too, but it's not for you or anyone else for that matter to tell these people what they should or shouldn't be doing.

That's just as bad a a certain mayor in Osaka.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

@dave: yeah, maybe pride isn't the best way to put it. i always saw these activities as celebrating freedom. i know it can be shocking to see for the unaccustomed but just walking in public and expressing themselves through their appearence must be really theraputic for anyone who has felt the need to hide their true self for any length of time.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

Hmmm.. gay folks have a tendency to act in the same bizarre manner in difference counties and cultures all over the world.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

I support Gay marriage, but I don't really get the need to do this kind of thing.

I'm not really convinced of the purpose it serves. If a married couple were to parade through the streets in fetishist underwear and 'perform', I'd think them strange. Now, gay people worldwide are in the midst of a strong push to legalise their unions - to 'normalise' them if you like, and I see this kind of behaviour as counter productive to their cause.

Why? Because I think their message would have a great deal more impact if you realised that these people put a suit and tie on and go to work in the office every day, or the military, or the bank, or the bakery or the gym, or the government, or the ....

I'd like to see a parade where they just turned up in their everyday clobber to show us how 'the same' they are, and leave their 'specialty' gear at home.

12 ( +22 / -10 )

I'm not really convinced of the purpose it serves.

To let them feel free, for at least one day to do as they please with others that support and are like them. It's a sign of freedom!

-13 ( +8 / -21 )

I'd like to see a parade where they just turned up in their everyday clobber to show us how 'the same' they are, and leave their 'specialty' gear at home

Most of the homosexuals I know/have known are not in to this kind of stuff. I agree with you on the statement of wearing their "everyday clobber". Homosexuals serving in the US military showed up to a Gay Pride parade in San Diego wearing their uniforms.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Plenty of guys in and watching the parade in "everyday clobber." The media just doesn't bother to photograph them.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Ebisen. Wearing weird plastic outfits is completely normal in Japan, now all they need is a mascot character!

Jokes aside, you make a good point, but good on them for having fun. Nothing will help change views in Japan against LBGT anyway.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

let's have a "normal" pride to balance things out.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

We don't need a "normal" parade (normal, wtf does that mean). You aren't discriminated against on a daily basis. This is ONE DAY that people of the LGBT community get to celebrate who they are without being made to feel any shame of who they are by other "normal" people. But no, you shouldn't be able to do that cause I don't know how to explain it to my crappy kid.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

Hmmm.. gay folks have a tendency to act in the same bizarre manner in difference counties and cultures all over the world.

Slightly over-generalising. You can see 5 people in this picture dressed in, er bikini stuff, and that was out of tens of thousands who attended the event. But the point being that it is a celebration and a party. Would be pretty dull if everyone turned up in suits, wouldn't it?

let's have a "normal" pride to balance things out.

Absolutely - when we have stamped out homophobia, and racism, and every other form of discrimination, lets have the biggest party ever. Lets call it "Atari-mae Pride"!

4 ( +6 / -3 )

At this rate, gays will have equal rights before women get them in Japan....

9 ( +14 / -5 )

If this were a photo of Brazilians celebrating Mardi Gras, I am sure we would have the same level of disapproval from the same posters, wondering why 'these people' can't keep themselves covered up and not show off their g-strings, high boots spangly bras, and quivering bosoms and buttocks. Right?

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

This parade is mild in comparison to the one's I've seen in another country, and the Japanese people here are copying what they have seen elsewhere, and why shouldn't they? This country needs to let it's hair down once in a while and get the stick out of their butts.

Heck, there are zxombie parades, the ganguro, garu, cos-play, gothic, and all sorts of other folks here in Japan that everyone pretty much accepts for what they are, but when it comes to gays, lesbians, and transgendered HUMAN BEINGS, people get on their high horses.

Time to grow up!

-2 ( +6 / -9 )

Did they costumes not accomplish one goal. If most of the posters here are heterosexual, we are discussing gays. The more we discuss it the harder it is to be ignorant. Lets also be honest. How many media outlets would carry a parade article if there wasn't some catch.

Also if any of you know children that are not your own. IE working in some sort of care system for example. Most children seem to have a greater knowledge at seven then you probably did at eight-teen. The stuff the kids know entering middle school is amazing. Most kids just don't advertise in front of there parents. But get them together where they don't care what an adult hears and you will see.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It isn't just about gay vs straight, it's some kind of Judeo-Christian hangover that ppl have that makes them uptight about anything sexual beyond women's cleavage in the same old tired idealized package. And then more uptight when it comes to anything non-heterosexual.

Lighten up, these guys want to throw off the bonds and say "I'm here" "I'm this way". Let them. They don't want to hurt anyone. If you really don't like it then just don't look.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

You know, for once I agree with the more conservative opinion here; I am massively and actively in favour of gay integration, rights, marriage, etc. What I am not in favour of, is the trivialising of all the hard work people have done over the years to move toward a legally more equal society. Kind of childish, I suppose.

Now, having said that, I am in no position to tell anybody how to dress or behave within reason, but I don't really feel this kind of thing is going to help the cause.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

My best friend is gay, and I support the LGBT community. It hardly matters. Call me old-fashioned if you wish, but some of them look more ridiculous than anything else.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

it's some kind of Judeo-Christian hangover that ppl have that makes them uptight about anything sexual beyond women's cleavage

And yet the same folks bitching and moaning about gays are first in line to watch their favorite porn star!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Cool ... love the carnival spirit.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

And gays demand equal rights? you would think that a few acting like this is one major part of the whole gay community getting bashed.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I LOLed when I read people using the word 'normal.

What awful grey lives you must lead if all you aspire to be is 'normal'

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

If being homosexual is natural and the new "normal", why the need to make such a song and dance about it? And really, the men in bikinis and leathers/chains does get rather tedious very quickly. Bit of originality would be refreshing if this is to be an annual event.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I am all for it, their form of Mardi Gras and harms no-one. Like the Samba parades, etc

On the same tentacle there are many members of the LGBT movement that are against those parades.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Given that Japan has penis festivals, and a naked man festival... I think that all the people here muttering darkly about dress codes and standards of decent behaviour may have forgotten that they're in Japan, not back home.

If the LGBT crowd want to go out and have a parade, well that's okay I just think that they should make it into a proper festival, with rainbow penis lollipops and those tapiaoca drinks (I'm thinking salty milk with tapioca should get the right consistency and taste)... after all, its not really a festival without themed food and drink! And of course games with the chance for prizes (condoms?), etc.

I don't think that the local LGBT crowd should be merely satisfied with copying the U.S. gay parades, they should give it a local flavour, and out-do everyone overseas with a full 2-day festival, with food, drinks and games! ... and once the festival starts to draw international guests (and international money!) I think that the local government will be much more sympathetic to gays (no-one wants to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs).

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Mental deviants - every one of them. I'd pull a Peter Griffin on their parade if I could.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Stumbled upon the NYC Gay Pride parade last year with my 6 and 4 year old in tow. At first I was concerned about what they might see, but when I saw them laughing hysterically over some of the costumes we actually stayed and watched for a while. There were certainly some risqué outfits but nothing lewd or vulgar. All in all a pretty harmless event for the fun of it.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

LBGT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and others

Who exactly are the "others"?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

I attended this event yesterday and was in the parade. Not everyone was dressed like this! It was only a few and some staff. I was there to show my support to my friends and a family member who are in the LGBT community. All I saw there was love, unity and sparkle.

So people who talk about the costumes because of one photo, really should stand back. If you weren't there, you have no room to talk and judge the whole event by one photo. And this was mild compared to the pride parades like in San Francisco and New York.

Maybe some folks should actually GO to the event before making comments about it.

2 ( +8 / -7 )

If you weren't there, you have no room to talk and judge the whole event by one photo

then 'Add a comment' should be disabled, isn't it?

2 ( +7 / -5 )

If being homosexual is natural and the new "normal", why the need to make such a song and dance about it? And really, the men in bikinis and leathers/chains does get rather tedious very quickly.

It's not new, and when it comes to sexual preferences it's normal for people to make their own choices. If you think this gets "tedious" then I suppose you would think that the women who dance in the Samba parades are tedious too? What's the difference? They are in outlandish costumes and half naked as well.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Were more than 40 people permitted to attend?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You find this surprising? Some people live very sheltered lives.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

It's not new, and when it comes to sexual preferences it's normal for people to make their own choices. If you think this gets "tedious" then I suppose you would think that the women who dance in the Samba parades are tedious too? What's the difference? They are in outlandish costumes and half naked as well.

I think you have identified the "difference" quite clearly all on your own. They are women. Men in bikinis look ridiculous. Bikinis are made for women, particulary the upper half. Not sure dressing in the other sex's clothing and looking stupid to boot does much to garner support for your cause. Just hope they do not take up the Sydney standard of men oiling their bodies and prancing down the street poking their tounges out at bystanders.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

If they really want to be accepted they should refrain from parading around as they do. BDSM gear is for the bedroom / dungeon, not for the public to see. This type of behavior should be frowned upon just like people would frown upon dirty old men leering at porno magazines on the train.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

@some14some, sooooooo that's all you took away from my comment. sigh. And as always, people judging from behind their comp screens.

Again, my point was that the press chose the most outlandish pic they could find instead of maybe the ones of people with ''normal'' clothes on. Makes for a better debate doesn't it.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

spanisheyes,

sorry, have to disagree. this pic isn't evn remotely outlandish. It barely peaks at "slightly goofy". Anyone complaining about the sexiness is too sheltered or just uncomfortable with homosexuals.

I see one guy with baby-blue spiked dragon wings and a furry kitty-cat tail, and another guy with a possible motor cycle helmet a parachute-pack strap and possibly plastic chains and sporting a big goofy grin.

This is just nowhere near the level of your average cos-play event, in either the "furry-animals" category or the "sexualizificaied clothing" category.

Get over yousselfs, people.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

You're right Lowly. Maybe ''outlandish'' was the wrong choice of words. Maybe ''campy''. I took photos with them yesterday. Nicest guys and really cool.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

For some reason when I saw this photo in my head I heard the tune "Macho Man" playing.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

They can march all they want, but dressing in SM outfits with a lot of body exposure like that in public, could be offensive. How many parents would want kids to see that? l think he could be arrested for a minor offense in Japan, if this wasn't a parades, he definitely would be. Other than that, cheers to those who took part in the parade.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Afraid your eyes might catch fire?

No wipeout. Just generally repulsed by the spectacle. Eyes don't generally catch fire.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

The reason why gays are being criticized is because of the way they take pride on themselves.... If they do really want to get accepted in the society.. they have always been accepted. But acts like this, having denial of themselves... make people reject them more.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Woo hoo!

"5.2% of the Japanese population"

That doesn't include the otaku, nyuk nyuk.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

The more open the society is to be able to hold events like this, the more tolerant people becomes. Good for you Japan! If you don't want to see it, just don't watch it.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

They can march all they want, but dressing in SM outfits with a lot of body exposure like that in public, could be offensive. How many parents would want kids to see that? l think he could be arrested for a minor offense

So do you think the women who do samba in risque outfits to be offensive too?

Dont be a prude, you see more skin on a beach in summer and some pretty risque bathing suits (lol!) too. Do you think they could be arrested for a minor offense and how many parents would want their kids to see that!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Yubaru said: This parade is mild in comparison to the one's I've seen in another country.

You often watch Gay Pride Parades????? Spectator or participant??? LMAO!!

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

You often watch Gay Pride Parades????? Spectator or participant??? LMAO!!

Does it matter? What difference does it make if I do or don't?

For you to write something like this tell me that you may have an inferiority complex when it comes to gay men, somehow they threaten your own masculinity hence the need to joke or ridicule others who find nothing wrong with it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

freedom !!! freedom !!! freedom!!!!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Readers, no more analogies please. Comparisons with the samba parade are not relevant.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wow, the post by The Chronic actually sums up all that needs to be fixed. When one part of society insults someone by labeling them as another part of society in a derogatory manner, you know you have a big hill ahead of you in trying to change peoples perceptions. Alternatively, I don't recall if we have to register our age when signing up for JT, so that could also be the issue.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

why cant they just wear normal clothes and still have their gay day!!!!!

0 ( +4 / -4 )

There were 12,000 people there you guys saw a tiny fraction of this! I was there with my girlfriend and we were dressed normaly like mroe than 80% of other people

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@Yubaru said: This parade is mild in comparison to the one's I've seen in another country. You often watch Gay Pride Parades????? Spectator or participant??? LMAO!!

First off, what difference does it make if I do or don't? Feeling insecure?

Readers, no more analogies please. Comparisons with the samba parade are not relevant.

Not relevant? Showing skin in a parade? Me thinks that sometimes you are not relevant and dont know the meaning of the word.

Moderator: Please lift the level of your posts which are currently among the lowest on the discussion board.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I guess for me at the end of the day is why MUST I be expected to support gay rights (whatever that means)? Do Man-boy love groups asK me to support them without question? Of course not. Gay people need to recognise they are not mainstream and stop insisting that the majority "embrace" the minority. Do whatever you want but stop demanding that I support you. Because the way it is these days is if I do not "support you" then I am homo-phobic. GLTB or whatever you are - get over it! You are a minority so why should the majority express their undying affection as to what you want? Leave us alone and live your minority life. In fact leave me alone to live my hetrosexual life without you putting me on a guilt trip. This is what I do for you so do the same for me.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Who in this pic or this parade is putting you on a guilt trip, Simon?

Seems like you got it goin on all by yourself.

Because no-one cares enough what you think to bother guilt tripping you.

imho

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@SimondB

Do whatever you want but stop demanding that I support you.

Please identify one "demand" that has been made to you. It is not about making you or anyone else support them, but how about just "acceptance" as a start? This was a successful and fun event for the LGBT community and ANYONE else who WANTED to join in the fun. Not your cup of tea? I doubt if you would be missed, but that wouldn't make you any less welcome.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Yubaru

Minor offense Law prohibits exposure of buttocks, thighs, and other body parts "in such a way as to cause disgust to the public." SM outfits with a lot of body exposure qualifies.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

SimondB

I guess for me at the end of the day is why MUST I be expected to support gay rights (whatever that means)? Do Man-boy love groups asK me to support them without question?

Wow! I'm actually appalled that you think that homosexuality is being crammed down your throat. And to compare homosexuality with pedophia?! Really?

Because the way it is these days is if I do not "support you" then I am homo-phobic. GLTB or whatever you are - get over it

!No one is forcing you to support gay rights or marriage. It's that now , it's more out in the open. No one has to be ''in the closet'' anymore, unless they choose to.

I CHOOSE to support gay rights. Me: a straight and married female. It's people like you that now gays are louder and prouder! I've witnessed first hand what denying your sexuality can do to a person. My sister didn't come out for years ,in fear of being ostracized by family and friends. She lived in a miserable existence and almost killed herself over it. When she finally came out, it was so liberating for her. I am so proud of her! She's now happy and healthy, being who she truly is.

Yesterday, I marched at that parade, for my sister and my friends who deserve to be free to love , be married, have a family and happy, like heterosexuals can be.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Minor offense Law prohibits exposure of buttocks, thighs, and other body parts "in such a way as to cause disgust to the public."

Then the cops are not doing their jobs with heterosexuals either! To each his or her own!

SM outfits with a lot of body exposure qualifies.

Says who? You.....roflmao!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@ Yubaru Well, the cops were there directing us during the parade and no one was arrested . I find it hilarious that someone was trying to quote indecency laws.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@ Yubaru Well, the cops were there directing us during the parade and no one was arrested . I find it hilarious that someone was trying to quote indecency laws.

I hope you had a great time!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What SimonB said. My sentiments exactly. Well said.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

@Yubaru

What are you talking about? No matter heterosexual, homosexual, people can be arrested if they dressed like that in public if it wasn't for parade. There was a case when a guy wore very short pants that exposed his thighs and a little of his butt and he used to walk around neighbors, someone reported police and he was warned if he keeps wearing that short pants, he would be changed for a minor offense.

@SpanishEyez Well, probably they let him be because it was a parade.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@magnet - in short, what exactly IS the "problem" as you see it?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Minus the guilt trip part. I feel ZERO guilt for not supporting the LGBT lifestyle and its so ca-called 'Pride' parade. Like religion, sexuality is something that is private and personal and SHOULD be kept private and personal. Nobody needs to see others perverted fetishes on the street.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

No Miso, the problem as I see it is that certain people believe this sort of behavior to be 'normal'. A simple google image search using the keywords 'perverted' and 'fetish' with a follow up dictionary look up for said keywords would show that the reality is that this behavior is very far from normal.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Great job supporting the LGBT community btw. You and those people in the photo make a great point for the gay agenda.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

>No Miso, the problem as I see it is that certain people believe this sort of behavior to be 'normal'. A simple google image search using the keywords 'perverted' and 'fetish' with a follow up dictionary look up for said keywords would show that the reality is that this behavior is very far from normal.

Well there you go. Luckily I'm not easily moved! I used the key words you suggested, did an image search and ONLY hetero orientated images came up. Actually it was fairly disgusting, and clear abuse of women if you want my humble opinion. You seem to be good at searching for the stuff you want to see, what was I doing wrong?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No Miso, you asked me what was perverted and fetish. Never said anything about hetero or homo. Just commented about the type of people in the photo above. What you're doing wrong? Being selective about what context you choose to respond to. Stay consistent. Have a good night.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

No Miso, you asked me what was perverted and fetish.

What I saw was nothing like the picture above. Pretty consistent, and as broad a response (non-selective) as possible. However, I will have to accept that there is a minority out there that just see things differently.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@ gas07lisa..you don't get it. Forget it! lol!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

the problem as I see it is that certain people believe this sort of behavior to be 'normal'.

What right do you have to judge whether it is or is not "normal".

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Yubaru, what right do you have to tell me that it is? Especially when popular consensus would say that it isn't? Here's a simple social experiment for you. Print out that picture and start asking people you come across on the street whether they would wear such attire out in public. That should bring you back to an idea of what normal is.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Magnet.

You are taking things out of context, this was a legal and well-announced event. I can take you to restaurants which have samba dancers and smaller costumes.

Up to You and only You if want to attend or not.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Magnet

Print out that picture and start asking people you come across on the street whether they would wear such attire out in public. That should bring you back to an idea of what normal is.

You seem to be making some bizarre connexion between the words"normal" and "desirable". Just because people behave in a way that most people wouldn't, doesn't make them wrong or bad.

It used to be "normal" to be bigoted against foreigners, Jews and homosexuals in many parts of the world. Nothing necessarily good about it....

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Yubaru

lol. No, I don't get why you had to defend him so much. If you like it, fine, if I don't like it, that's fine, too, right?

People have freedom to wear what they want for a parade but Im just giving thoughts that some people may find it offensive to see a guy dressed like that in public in Japan, no matter homosexual or heterosexual. I have friends who are homosexual and one of my friend still can't come out to parents and I hope that parade like this change Japanese society to accept them. I don't like this one particular guy in the pic but other than that, Im very happy to see event like this in Japan and grateful to people who took part in this.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@yubaru

What right do you have to judge whether it is or is not "normal".

Magnet is right. For some reason if you don't join on the LGBT movement you are branded a "homophobe" and that is not right. People can and have the right to support or not support any cause if they want. We don't have a "heterosexual" parade, so I don't get it. When they push this event in my face I have to accept to be PC, but if I am against it, I am a bad person. That kind of pathetic bullying needs to stop.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I think that the figure of 5% of the Japanese population is way off the mark. Much, much higher than that, I'd say, given what I observe on a daily basis in this society, both on and off TV. Its all undercover, because its not really acceptable in Japanese society. Just look at the vast numbers of closet gay salarimen on the trains in Tokyo every day!, especially on the Saikyo Line.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Practical observation about this picture. I wonder where they all left their lrdiary clothes? In the coin lockers at Shibuya station??

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Bass4funk I disagree, I don't think Magnet is right.

Magnet is right. For some reason if you don't join on the LGBT movement you are branded a "homophobe" and that is not right.

This is what he said higher up the thread:

Nobody needs to see others perverted fetishes on the street.

This isn't saying he is OK with the existence of an LGBT community, he is saying they are perverted, based on one image of 5 people. Is that really OK? As for the "heterosexual" parades, have you been to Rio? Or have you even seen the Japanese equivalent? The costumes are much racier, and more revealing. But because it is hetero, it is "normal" right? All I'm saying is that it could be time to re-adjust the compass a bit, as what was in our past as homophobia, need not be our future. Lets accept more into our society, what on earth do we have to lose?

If partying is not your thing (and that is OK), then move to the Carnival thread and post there as well!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No Miso, where did I say that "others perverted fetishes" was strictly directed at the LGBT community? I said I don't support the LGBT lifestyle or the Pride Parade. Just because I don't support it, does NOT make me a bigot or homophobic, it simply means it's not an issue I care enough about to support. I too have gay friends and coworkers, even my uncle is gay, and they are very decent people. They just don't flaunt their sexuality or try to make a spectacle of themselves. Like I said, sexuality is like religion. (It should be) personal and private, two things I completely respect.

In terms of perversions and fetishes, I was referring to sexuality IN GENERAL (applying to all sexual preferences) and believe it should be kept private. Furthermore, you should try to realize that there is in fact a difference between a cultural celebration/sport and political activism. By the way, since you brought it up, the Carnivale is not strictly a heterosexual event (Brazil after all also has the one of, if not the largest LGBT communities in the world). Please stop spinning things out of context.

If, after all this, you still think I'm wrong, I can respect that too. It's your right to think what you want, as is my right to do the same. Which of us is correct? That's a subjective answer that neither of us is likely to agree with. So, agree to disagree.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Magnet - check your own posts, or at least the one at APR. 29, 2013 - 09:44PM JST

HOWEVER, I take back the homophobic references, having read some of your prior posts on other related topics. That was bad of me, just judging based on partial info here. Your last post is VERY explicit and states your position quite clearly. I apologise for that.

However, just to labour the point though, feel free to comment on these stories: http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/super-bowl-monday-in-tokyo

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/girls-girls-girls-2

Nothing too sordid, but looks similar to the images at the Rainbow Parade. If you disagree, please state why. Of course I was searching for the annual Samba parade in Tokyo but can't seem to trace that link which would have been perfect. The assumption is of course, that you would vocally disapprove of all of these, in which case we do agree to disagree.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

No Miso, I'm glad I was able to make my position clearer and also apologize that I hadn't been clear enough to begin with, and if I caused any offence.

Regarding those articles, while some with more feminist views would argue that they are sexist and objectify women (which I partially agree with that they do, but at the same time I have a healthy respect for women and the beauty of the female form, and can understand that for marketing purposes, it's still a highly effective method for capturing attention), I'd have to say that I don't disapprove on 2 counts. Firstly, they are not in public, they are hired entertainers/professionals (I know it doesn't take much, but it's still a profession) at private functions. Secondly, and probably more importantly with regard to this argument, their attire, while (somewhat) sexy, is not considered fetish gear (though I concede that this, too, is debatable at times, particularly in Japan's very prominent cosplay / idol subculture).

Let's put it this way. If Adultcon (non-sexual preference specific) or one of those other porn industry events took to public streets, I'd be against it too. There's a time and place for everything. Just a random example scenario, but can you imagine trying to have a romantic proposal or something and attempt to capture it on camera / video only to have people like those in the photo above dancing around you? I can agree, some may find it entertaining, fun even, but for a lot of people, not all, but some, it might be considered inappropriate, to put it mildly.

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Japan is very decent to allow such parades to happen. Those people, participating in such events, I think they are actually proving the point of people who are against them - I mean they promote the negative image of themselves. But well, if they want to do so, who cares.

If you'd ask me "do parades like this make any change", I'd say that they are convincing the already convinced. I'm myself a believer and I was taught that homosexuality is a sin. I'm not a fundamentalist, but this matter makes me feel uncomfortable.

Comte said in his books that if a sociologist wants to describe something, he should have complete knowledge about observed phenomenon. I don't have the complete knowledge about homosexuality, and I don't think there is a single person in the world who would knew everything on this subject, but my personal observations prove that the modern homosexual pride and the gay rights are a PR plague caused by the world war 2, where homosexual people were mass murdered among Poles, Jews and representatives of other nations. After the war western European countries had to do something to not be associated with Nazi and their negative image. Prohibiting nationalistic rhetoric, fighting antisemitism and approval for gay people were the three main elements. And of course, the European Union.

I don't neglect that images of homosexual behavior can be found in every historical era, in many cultures. Though themselves they don't have a big effect on tolerance for gay people in wider society. For example, Iran which has a rich culture about homosexual relations has also a very strict religious laws which prohibit this kind of relationship.

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@No Miso

This isn't saying he is OK with the existence of an LGBT community, he is saying they are perverted, based on one image of 5 people.

But that is HIS opinion, he is entitled to his opinion, that doesn't make him homophobic. You can't say that. You don't know him, to make that kind of assertion.

Is that really OK? As for the "heterosexual" parades, have you been to Rio?

Yes, I have.

Or have you even seen the Japanese equivalent?

On TV.

The costumes are much racier, and more revealing. But because it is hetero, it is "normal" right?

As to what the general society sees as in regard to pro-creation, ONLY men and women can create life, not two men or two women, so yes in that sense, it is "normal."

All I'm saying is that it could be time to re-adjust the compass a bit, as what was in our past as homophobia, need not be our future. Lets accept more into our society, what on earth do we have to lose?

We are doing that. Have you been to my home state California. We've adjusted the compass more than just a bit.

If partying is not your thing (and that is OK), then move to the Carnival thread and post there as well!

For some reason, I don't see the sarcasm in that remark.

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