Japan

Gay Buddhist monk is also a makeup artist who helps trans people look their best

While Buddhist monks usually dress in an austere fashion, Nishimura believes, "It isn’t wrong if it helps you deliver your message to people."

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Japanese snacks features kissing queer couples on their packaging

Two different manufactures have teamed up to create packaging that shows couples kissing when you put their products side by side.

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Together 30 years, gay couple weds in VA hospital when told it’s legal now

Right after the ceremony, Takashi had to leave his new husband behind in the hospital to return to Japan and hope he could get back to America in time.

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Panasonic grappling with criticism over LGBT policy shift

Panasonic, the first major Japanese company to start recognizing same-sex partnerships in its ranks, has gotten both praise and harshly negative responses to the new policy.

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Tokyo ward 1st in Japan to recognize same-sex marriage

With a landmark vote by the assembly of Tokyo's Shibuya ward, the district famous as a mecca for trendy youngsters became the first locale in Japan to recognize same sex partnerships as the "equivalent of a…

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George Takei sees movement toward gay pride beginning in Japan

TOKYO — George Takei said he needed courage and anger to come out as gay and to join the equal rights movement for sexual minorities in the U.S., and he hopes his Japanese counterparts will do…

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Japan’s First Lady joins thousands marching in Tokyo LGBT pride parade

TOKYO -- Thousands gathered in Tokyo's trendy Shibuya business and shopping district for LGBT Pride on Sunday.

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Asia leaders join Sochi, not put off by Russia’s human rights record

When top Western leaders decided to stay away from Russian President Vladimir Putin's Winter Olympics, he wasn't exactly left friendless: he has the heads of leading Asian nations and others to help show the world that…

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Japan court issues landmark ruling on transgender parent’s rights

TOKYO -- Japan's Supreme Court this week ruled that a toddler born to a transgender man and his wife through artificial insemination shall be regarded as their legitimate child.

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Japan elects first openly gay politician to Tokyo assembly

Taiga Ishikawa has been elected Japan’s first openly gay politician after winning a seat in the Tokyo ward assembly in local elections on Sunday. Prior to his victory, no openly gay politician had ever won office…

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