Creating an accepting society for LGBT with Colorful Change Lab

The impression I got from last year’s attendance of the Kyushu Rainbow Pride is a tad different from pride parades outside Japan. Instead of glamour and pride, an air of friendliness and festive was in its place. It was a large social gathering and celebration. But the LGBT messaging is still clear, embraced by a theme of acceptance.

That is one of the defining features of the Pride Parade in Fukuoka, and indeed in Kyushu. Its organizer, Colorful Change Lab, is behind the success of the Kyushu Rainbow Pride, which is distinctive for how approachable it is for sexual minorities.

I sat down with Nobuhisa Miura, founder of Colorful Change Lab, to talk about what he aspires for Colorful Change Lab, the Kyushu Rainbow Pride and for society.

Colorful Change Lab and Kyushu Rainbow Pride Parade

Miura first got involved in the Kyushu Rainbow Pride in 2015. The idea was conceived by a university student, who wanted to follow in the footsteps of the other parades around the world. However, graduation redirected his priorities. Miura, then acquaintance, decided to take up the mantle with other supporters to bring the Pride Parade to Kyushu. Colorful Change Lab was then set up to organize the parade.

Today, the Kyushu Rainbow Pride is the second largest Pride Parade in Japan (with Tokyo’s being the largest). The last parade was held in Fukuoka on 4 November 2019, attracting support from all seven prefectures in Kyushu. It was over 1,000 attendees strong, with participants even coming from overseas.

When asked if there was any strategy in building the Kyushu Rainbow Pride to what it is today, Miura replied, “There was really no strategy in execution or growing the numbers. It was really just about believing, and taking action on those beliefs.”

The belief of creating family warmth in society

Miura’s vision is very clear. Kyushu’s Pride Parade is more than just creating awareness around LGBT. The higher purpose is to create positivity, in both sexual minorities and the general public. It would be one of acceptance, like what a family should provide.

If the parade is a display, then it is a display of acceptance for sexual minorities. It represents how Kyushu is embracing diversity as an integral element of the region. The booths present involve companies and services that are extremely useful, including day-to-day matters like insurance, housing and lawful contracts. These organizations also represent the effort to build an inclusive society.

On the other hand, the Parade is an low-barrier, introductory event for others to learn more about diversity. In a festive setting, attendees enjoy the talks and laugh at comedic emcees. Children enjoy some performances and play with other children. Good food, quenching drinks, educational booths. There’s no forceful messaging; it was an inclusive event that anyone can enjoy.

In Japan, it is not about creating opposing views. “Creating any form of friction is the last thing we want to do. There has to be a space or middle ground where everyone can respect each other and opens the door to mutual understanding. This way, positivity is created, and people are more willing to understand one another,” shared Miura.

Colorful Change Lab naturally introducing more life-related services

Organizing a parade that involves all seven prefectures is no small feat, especially with Colorful Change Lab’s small numbers. Event management and correspondence are essential to the Parade’s success. However, Colorful Change Lab doesn’t stop there.

“There are many processes as one progresses through life,” reminded Nobue. “The Kyushu Rainbow Pride is an important first step to create an accepting society. Perhaps it’ll make it easier for them to come out of the closet too. However, there are other areas in life like finding a place to buy or rent, or even to find a marriage service. These pose issues for sexual minorities too.”

Indeed, when SUUMO (one of the biggest housing rental services in Japan) conducted a survey in 2018, only 37% of owners are willing to lease their homes to the LGBT individual. Moreover, same-sex marriage is still not legal in Japan.

“As we worked with partners and through networking, it became a natural solution for us to be in a consultative position,” continued Miura. “No matter if they are finding a place to stay or looking to plan a wedding overseas, Colorful Change Lab can introduce them to our partners. In fact, we are also taking the next step to provide work support targeted at the workplace environment.”

Other than the Kyushu Rainbow Pride, Colorful Change Lab now offers connecting services. This includes “Living LGBT“, which connects users to LGBT-friendly housing service Miyoshi Estate, which provides rental, sale/purchase, insurance and official certifications related to housing. “Marriage Rings 4 LGBT” is another service, supporting couples who need information on the processions or hotels. The third, “Work x LGBT” is a support for workplaces that will begin this year.

More ways to go to making diversity and inclusion a reality

LGBT awareness in Japan is still, unfortunately, at an infancy. Even though there’s a lot of work put into promotion and spreading awareness in Japan, the conversations have been slow to pick up.

“I often give talks at seminars about diversity. And yet when I speak to the company representatives, their idea of diversity was limited to finding equality for their female colleagues. We still have a long way to go before making an inclusive environment for sexual minorities.”

Indeed, it is as Miura says, the path is still long. Japan is still working towards gender equality. To ask for diversity at the workplace is like asking the Japanese to skip a step. As discussed in our interview with Minority Solutions, workplaces are still discovering what inclusion is.

But awareness campaigns are bringing good effect to Japan, especially through media. News coverage in Japan takes an educational stance in reporting LGBT events, rather than in the light of positive or negative. In fact, it sets the topic as a stepping stone for diversity and inclusion of other minorities. Fukuoka city’s dedication to this is exemplary to the pursuit of a diverse and welcoming society.

Japan will become the diverse society we dream it to be

Even though Japan is at the start of an LGBT conversation, Miura is optimistic about the trend. Unlike countries where being LGBT is a matter of persecution, the Japanese people have a capacity to carry the matter with kindness and love.

Take for example, a teenage child coming out to their parents. Parents may get shocked, especially if they are unaware of what LGBT really means. They may panic and be careless with their words.

“But I believe that everything comes from a place of love,” Miura stated with confidence. “Parents become worried about their children’s future. They hold the wrong stereotype, and misunderstanding what being actually LGBT means. They care emotionally, and may even need time to gather information to educate themselves. However, every action has a meaning of love behind it.

“I have been in the business for a long time, hearing stories from all walks of life. I can see that things are changing. Society is becoming more and more aware. And if we can understand that there is a form of love behind our actions, it will become a more beautiful world than it is now.

“If we can create a more loving environment, and lower the bar for someone out there to feel comfortable enough to be who they truly are, I think we would have made the world a better place.”

Lastly, Miura shared, “Fukuoka city is really a place where its citizens welcomes everyone with open arms. You will no doubt be at ease here. The Kyushu Rainbow Pride is also not the kind of event where we are trying to bombard the city with a message. That is not the kind of Parade I want to create. Instead, it’s more like a festival or matsuri, you will be able to play and have fun at the Parade. And it’s a bonus if you can learn more about yourself, or learn more about the LGBT.”