At the end of 2020, a documentary about the LGBTQ+ culture in Japan was released on streaming platforms. In Queer Japan, Canadian queer filmmaker, writer and designer Graham Colbanes explored the lives of artists, activists and ordinary people who belong to the LGBTQ+ culture in Japan.

The documentary premiered in July 2019 and screenings were held at various film festivals around the world. Queer Japan included interviews with almost three dozen members of the LGBTQ+ community in Japan.

In the film, you can meet a wide variety of people associated with the arts, activism, nightlife and politics in Japan, including a university teacher, a dentist, a drag queen who hosts parties for the LGBTQ+ community, Ayu Kamikawa - the first openly transgender person elected to a public post in Japan, and queer artist Nogi Sumiko.

Colbanes says the Queer Japan documentary has its roots in almost a decade ago, including the author's love of Japanese manga.

While there are no laws in Japan prohibiting any sexual activity between consenting adults, there are no laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, and same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.

“Visibility and acceptance are growing every year, and as you can see in Queer Japan, many live openly and take pride in it despite societal pressure,” Colbanes says. “The spirit of solidarity and collective strength in the community is growing.”

Do you think the Japanese are changing their perception of LGBTQ people over the years? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Queer Japan Trailer - In Virtual Cinemas and VOD!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&time_continue=1&v=utB6igqVJPQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fru.globalvoices.org%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo