Crossing the divide of challenges for LGBT job seekers in Japan

Coming out is a life-changing experience that requires courage and the right timing. Many LGBT people find that the process of job hunting in Japan can force that timing and expose them to a non-understanding environment. More than 40% of individuals from a sexual minority in Japan have said they experienced harassment and other difficulties when job hunting. Here we look at what kinds of problems they face, and what organizations exist that offer help.

There is a long tradition of gender segregation in Japanese hiring. Despite legislation to reduce it, gender-related issues are still commonly raised by some firms when hiring. It was only in April 2021 that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released an official standard resume format that changed the selection of either male or female to a voluntary entry regarding gender.

“LGBT is popular right now, right?”

Whether it is a matter of characteristic Japanese frankness, a simple lack of understanding or intentional aggravation, many people from sexual minorities experience hostility when job hunting in Japan. A common experience is being told, “LGBT is popular right now, right?” in response to an applicant saying they had belonged to a sexual minority interest group as part of their university campus activities. Since the word “ally” is not well recognized outside the LGBTQ+ community, some interviewers even ask, “So, you are one of them?”

Even after being hired, some LGBT individuals, especially those who have not come out, say they are bothered by jokes about homosexuality or sexual orientation, or about feminine expression by men. Some people who are openly gay find that uneducated co-workers may equate sexual orientation with gender identity and assume that a gay man desires becoming a woman.

For transgender people, whether to express their gender identity or not is a key issue. The haircare brand Pantene broadcasted a commercial that showed two transgender people talking about deciding whether to cut their hair for a job interview and what to wear. Their agonies over these decisions reflect the reality that 54% of transgender people have said they have experienced difficulty at work.

Organizations offer assist LGBT job seekers

A number of organizations have emerged to help LGBT people successfully navigate the job market. One of them is JobRainbow, which researches and publishes the degree of understanding shown to LGBT employees at various companies. It also ranks companies in terms of a gender gap, understanding of child-rearing and nursing of family, and acceptance of disability and diverse cultures. JobRainbow is particularly helpful if you are part of an intersectionality, and it can direct you to companies that are more likely to be understanding.

The NPO ReBit holds events and seminars for LGBT job seekers, as well as training for companies in LGBT-related issues. The voluntary organization Work with Pride releases an annual PRIDE index that judges companies..

Increasing acceptance of diversity is an issue for all

Another issue for LGBT people in the job market is a lack of role models. This is because, in Japan, still only a few people feel comfortable opening up about their gender or sexuality in public. Therefore, it may be useful to join groups for sexual minorities and allies at university when you are studying in Japan.

Finding a full-time job is a very important aspect of life, especially in Japan where changing companies is still uncommon. It can be difficult for anyone to find a workplace that fits them well, but it is even more challenging for those of sexual and other minorities. Considering that a company that respects employees’ sexual orientation and gender identity is likely to be a company that respects diversity in various forms, this is an issue that is important for all of us.