Rainbow Pride

In the United States, same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since June 26, 2015.  In Australia, same-sex marriage has been legal since December 9, 2017.  Same-sex marriage is not legal in Japan.

Since same-sex marriage is not legal, couples in non-legally recognized relationships cannot get insurance coverage for their partner through work, are prohibited from receiving death benefits (like pension payments), are denied access to a partner who is in the hospital, and cannot even procure a rented apartment together.  They don't have simple legal rights because of who they love.  This makes me angry beyond belief and saddened beyond measure.  I don't understand why I can have certain rights because I love a man, but my friend cannot have those same rights because she loves a woman.

The district of Shibuya (in Tokyo) has taken strides to have equal rights for same-sex couples by creating and implementing "proof of partnership" documentation in 2015.  Although it doesn't cover all rights, it does help residents be able to access their loved ones in the hospital and rent apartments together.  Since then, Setegaya ward and the cities of Iga, Takarazuka, Naha, Sapporo, and Fukuoka have followed suit.  This isn't enough.  Legal rights should be legal rights for everyone.

So, today, I chose to attend Tokyo's Rainbow Pride parade to add to the pressure to make same-sex marriage legal in Japan.  I don't have the right to vote here, but I can still show my support for changes in the law.

My son and I met friends in time to catch the parade of hundreds of people marching in the streets.  There were floats, some fun and some political in nature.  Lots of people were dressed in rainbow attire, many carry signs giving support, encouragement, and more.  The parade itself was very family friendly, as are most Japanese events. 

After the parade, we went to the festival, visited a couple booths, and found lunch.  We didn't stay at the festival for very long because the crowd was getting thicker and thicker.  With 4 young children, we needed to give them space to run and play. 

Did we change any laws today?  No.  But we did teach our children that it is important to stand up for what you believe in and equal rights are basic rights.