Fukuoka Now reports on the preparations for Fukuoka’s first ever LGBT pride parade
Nov. 16 (Sun.)
Fukuoka is a city that prides itself on firsts and here at Fukuoka Now we delight in being able to report on these. This November, then, will play host to the Rainbow Parade, Fukuoka’s (and Kyushu’s) very first LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) pride festival. Organised by a group of 30 students from the University of Fukuoka and co-sponsored by the University of Fukuoka, Fukuoka City and the Prefectural Board of Education, the parade will grace the streets of Fukuoka on Nov. 16th.
LGBT Pride Parade, Tokyo 2014
Kyosuke Akagi, organiser of the Rainbow Parade, and a friend celebrate Tokyo’s Pride Parade, 2014.
The group’s mission is clear: they see this parade as a means to promote relationships between the LGBT and non-LGBT communities, as a platform on which to fight discrimination against LGBT people and a as a celebration of identity. It will be a true exhibition of LGBT culture and attendees can expect a day of color, music and festivities, culminating in a float parade through the streets of Tenjin.
Some of the 30 student organisers after a planning meeting in Tenjin
Meanwhile, the political connotations of the parade are clear: the City’s support for this parade marks a turning point in public support for Fukuoka’s LGBT community. Whilst the parade is unlikely to see the appearance of Japan’s first lady, Akie Abe, an honour granted to the Tokyo pride parade earlier this year, it has the support of Taiga Ishikawa, a member of Tokyo’s Toshima-ku ward assembly and a passionate LGBT-rights campaigner who has promised to appear at the parade.
The organisers being presented their prize for winning The University of Fukuoka’s Student Challenge competition.
And support is exactly what is needed for this parade to become the regular celebration of Fukuoka life. The Rainbow Parade extends an open invitation to all LGBT and non-LGBT communities, both Japanese and international to join them on the day. The best way to the help the group? Spread the word of the parade and come down to Reisen Park on Nov. 16th to enjoy a day of festivities and participate in Fukuoka’s first ever LGBT pride parade.
http://fukuokarainbowparade.blog.fc2.com
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Timetable:
12:00 – The parade reception opens in Reisen Park to the soundtrack of music and other performers on the stage.
13.30 – The reception closes and paradegoers assemble around the floats in preparation for the start of the parade.
14.00 – The parade starts through the streets of Tenjin! Follow the crowds of people and join in this celebration of LGBT culture
15.30 – The parade finishes back in Reisen Park and performances continue on the stage.
17.00 – The day and all its festivities draw to a close.
Two of the organisers (second and third from left) Camille and Maiki with us at the Fukuoka Now offices
Report and text by Oscar Boyd
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn191, Nov. 2014)
