Survey on impact of the coronavirus on LGBT in Japan

According to a research conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, it is evident that prior to the outbreak of coronavirus, more than half (LGB 36.4%, T 54.5%) of LGBT workers are struggling at their place of work as a marginalized community. Undisclosed sexual orientation poses a challenge for important issues to be raised or recognized. Hence, a survey was conducted.

This survey was held by Job Rainbow Co. Ltd, Japan’s largest LGBT diversity recruitment company. It also provides a safe space to identify and raise awareness of LGBT workplace issues. These findings are relevant to assist the government, media outlets, companies and recruitment agencies to come up with solutions to support, and overcome the hardships they face.

After surveying over 400 participants via email and social media platforms, an official report was released, discussing its findings in-depth. It revealed how the lifestyle and livelihood of LGBT workers have been severely impacted by the pandemic in ways that many are unaware of.

The pandemic uncovered how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. As a community, LGBT workers face a higher unemployment rate. The survey reveals that the service industry has suffered the greatest blow, and 21.8 percent of the working population make up LGBT workers. Reduced traffic from lockdown thus resulted in a reduced number of shifts, even layoffs. These conditions impaired the service industry, which decreased employees’ annual income by over 500,000 yen.

In the face of coronavirus, telecommuting is becoming the new norm. Many companies are resorting to web interviews. This digital transformation, while convenient, has its disadvantages too. The survey reveals that interviewees that live at home with their parents have a hard time discussing their sexuality, or LGBT related issues during the interview.

An alarming 52.1% have also stated that their mental health has worsened since the pandemic, due to factors such as insomnia, lack of social interaction, being away from significant other, loneliness and more. Not being able to access places such as Shinjuku 2-chome is also one less reliable platform that they can rely on.

Aside from the pandemic, 45.8% have raised that their top work concern is the company and coworkers’ lack of understanding about LGBT. More often than not, the environment and conditions are not in their favor, making it difficult for them to come out even if they want to.

Moving forward, with all this information in hand, how can the government and companies help?

It is safe to conclude that the general consensus derived from this survey is the importance of cultivating a safe space for LGBT in the workforce. This can be achieved by providing services, such as career consulting, that cater to individualized needs.

In addition, it is also vital to reinforce the recent passing of the anti-power harassment law by practicing universal human rights in the workplace, ensuring that no one is left behind.