Japan’s first permanent LGBTQ centre set to open in Shinjuku

Coinciding with International Coming Out Day, Japan’s first permanent LGBTQ centre will open it’s doors to the public on Sunday the 11th of October 2020.

A multi-purpose venue located in Shinjuku, ‘Pride House Tokyo Legacy’ aims to raise awareness and support of the LGBTQ community through a range of events, facilities and exhibits held at the venue.

The opening of a permanent venue dedicated to the LGBTQ community was made possible through the active collaboration of 35 NPOs and activists, 14 companies, 19 embassies and a number of athletes and officials taking part in the Olympic games.

Alongside sponsorship from a number of companies, funds for the establishment and operation of Pride House Tokyo we’re raised through the large charity music event “Coca-Cola presents LIVE PRIDE – connecting love and changing society” held back in December of 2019.

The centre was initially due to open in 2021 following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games, but with COVID-19 wreaking havoc upon people’s livelihoods and social lives, Pride House International decided to open their Tokyo venue ahead of schedule in order to create a safe place where people can connect without worrying about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride House Tokyo Legacy hopes to provide a place where information regarding the LGBTQ community can be shared safely. As well as offering a space available for hosting online and off-line events, Pride House Tokyo Legacy will offer private, confidential consultations to those who need support, exhibitions of LGBTQ current and historical events, as well as a LGBTQ Community Archive.

Pride House Tokyo Legacy is set to open on the 11th of October, and until the 31st of December will be part of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Commitee’s ‘Official Programme, where a number of events will offer information on LGBTQ and sports, education and culture. This means that Pride House Tokyo Legacy will be the first ever Pride House venue officially recognised by the Olympic and Paralympic Games. When the games eventually launch in 2021, Pride House Tokyo Legacy hopes to offer up the space as a broadcasting venue during the sporting event.

Head on down to Pride House Tokyo Legacy anytime after the 11th of October for a warm welcome to Japan’s first LGBTQ venue where you are free to share and discuss openly amongst others who care.

Venue: Pride House Tokyo Legacy
Address: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 1-2-9 JF Shinjuku Gyoen Building, 2F

…… read the original article on the grape Japan website:

https://grapee.jp/en/151851?outbrain_AR_1