Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Pride Parade Participants’ Motivation in Japan
Ai Liya
ABSTRACT:
Since the first pride parade was held in 1994 in Tokyo, the number of pride parades in Japan has increased. In 2023, over 20 pride parades took place in various cities across the country. Most pride parades in Japan are held as part of LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & other sexual minority) events, which include stage performances and exhibition booths. This research explores the motivation for marching in the pride parade among both LGBT+ identified and non-LGBT+ participants. Ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 LGBT+ and 8 non-LGBT+ pride parade marchers. Applying grounded theory, pride parade motivations were categorized into political motivation and pleasurable motivation. Political motivation consists of three subcategories: increasing LGBT+ visibility, enhancing understanding of LGBT+, and expressing one’s political goals. Pleasurable motivation comprised four subcategories: experiencing the exciting atmosphere of the event, communicating with friends, being one’s true self without worries, and feeling a sense of security. The findings indicate that most pride parade participants claimed both political motivation and pleasurable motivation. While both LGBT+ participants and non-LGBT+ participants value increasing LGBT+ visibility, the former prioritize social connections, whereas the latter emphasize their political motivation. Overall, this research contributes to an understanding of participants’ motivation for the pride parade regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Insights from this research can help event organizers structure better pride parades in the future and help the broader public comprehend the significance of hosting pride parades.
keywords: ally; Asia; LGBT+; pride march; social movements