Sexual Minorities in Japan - Cultural Restraints

Cultural Restraints

The current social restraints on personal expression and employment opportunities related to being Queer in Japan present a modern challenge. As a represented minority in a country where mainstream conformity is promoted and preferred, Queers in Japan are ostracized and stereotyped by society; however they are commonly portrayed by media components. The media presents Queers with same-sex desire as people who are transgender or transsexual. However, even these representations are viewed as a performance instead of sexual expression, further illustrating the media’s refusal to admit the existence of a Queer minority. Mark McLelland stated that “the homosexual man who is transgender and restricts himself to the entertainment world is tolerated, even appreciated. However, the homosexual man who ‘passes’ and turns up to be your boss, your teacher, your neighbor or even your husband occasions a great deal of anxiety; he is a figure to be feared and or despised.” This way of thought represents the restraints on personal expression by dwelling on Queers as a group who cross-dresses. However, as representations of homosexuality are concerned, only those that are noticeable, i.e. those that cross-dress, are wanted while the unnoticeable masses are shunned. These forces press for a common expression of self that likely would not exist if social systems allowed for their personal expression.

The suppressed expression of self is further expounded by the cultural practices revolving around family and marriage. The custom of living at home until marriage presents restrictions of Queer life in Japan; the belief that one’s family will shame and disown a child who comes out as Queer represses these children into living within a different frame of existence by forcing them to behave in the same manner as a heterosexual child. Along with this suppression, the lack of private space restricts the expression of feelings and self identity during times of growth, which in turn restrains attempts at finding love in the Queer community. Along with these family issues the government’s refusal to acknowledge same-sex marriage forces Queers into an outcast position by society’s preference for marriage and family to which Queers are refused access.

Further national government influence unofficially restricts employment opportunities to those who remain in the closet. “Homosexuality works against the accepted norms of social morality and can be thought of as contributing to the breaking down of the established sexual public order of society. Consequently it should not be sanctioned in modern society.” This example of government preference on education presents one example of employment opportunities lost to Queers in Japan. Furthermore, many Japanese organizations are incorrectly informed on Queer issues which restrain and influence performance reports and promotional possibilities. These problems place pressure on Queers to accept their diminished reputations or leave a company due to unrestrained bigotry from those in the workforce.