ReBit crowdfunds to expand impactful Diversity Career Center

ReBit, a non-profit organization in Japan, is crowdfunding for a project that could change the narrative of Japan’s LGBTQ community, who grapple with unique predicaments in their daily lives. Society’s safety net, welfare services, which should be a sanctuary for all, are riddled with prejudice and misunderstanding for this group. A compelling body of data suggests an alarmingly high percentage of LGBTQ individuals contemplating or even attempting suicide due to these hardships. ReBit has taken a pioneering step toward a more empathetic, inclusive future, actively striving to construct an environment that uplifts the marginalized.

ReBit has been at the forefront of promoting social inclusivity by establishing the groundbreaking “Diversity Career Center” in Tokyo, the first of its kind in Japan, which started operation in 2021. This initiative was fueled by the necessity to create a society where every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can safely access welfare services.

The urgent need for specialized support became evident as the center received consultations from 6,000 individuals within just 18 months of operation, majority of whom were LGBTQ individuals dealing with mental disorders. The overwhelming response underlines the stark reality of the limited support resources available for this community.

However, ReBit’s ambitious vision extends beyond a single center in Tokyo. They aim to roll out this model to multiple areas by 2030, envisaging a society where all LGBTQ individuals can truly be themselves. Their next big endeavor? The establishment of a permanent center in Osaka this summer, marking a significant milestone for the Kansai region.

Prejudice and misunderstanding are stubborn foes, prevalent even in places designed to provide help and solace. LGBTQ individuals have often been subjected to harassment when attempting to use welfare services, leaving them in a precarious situation with no safety net to rely on. In response, ReBit sought to make a difference.

In 2021, ReBit introduced a project aimed at transforming the nature of welfare services in the Kanto and Tokyo regions, making them safer and more inclusive for the LGBTQ community. This was accomplished through the establishment of “Diversity Career Centers,” designed to serve as local hubs for support, awareness-raising, and cooperation with local governments and communities.

By 2030, ReBit aims to replicate this model in five regions nationwide, fostering spaces where LGBTQ individuals can truly embrace their identities without fear. The establishment of a permanent center in Osaka this summer, along with active collaboration with Osaka Prefecture, will lay a strong foundation for expanding support and raising awareness in Osaka and the larger Kansai region.

Despite being a sizable segment of the population (approximately 3-10%), the LGBTQ community faces significant hurdles, particularly with mental health issues largely due to bullying, discrimination, and harassment. This paints a distressing picture of societal prejudice and misunderstanding. To counter this, ReBit has been relentless in its mission to provide meaningful support to this community, with the Diversity Career Centers serving as pivotal hubs in this endeavor.

The Diversity Career Centers have been meticulously designed to perform three key roles:

1. Employment Support for People with Disabilities: The Centers provide assistance in job hunting, vocational training, and helping individuals realize a unique style of work, with services free of charge for approximately 90% of the people.
2. Awareness-Raising and Collaboration with Administrations and Local Resources: Providing training to administrators, welfare workers, career supporters, etc., to enhance their understanding of LGBTQ issues and foster an inclusive environment.
3. Collaboration with Local Companies: Working closely with local businesses to help increase inclusive work environments, offering training, consultation, and support for job retention.

If you would like to support ReBit and their project to expand their reach to LGBTQ community across Japan, you can find their crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE.