【Space for LGBT and Potentially LGBT Youth】Nijiizu

CONNECT introduces institutions, communities, and services recommended by the Palettalk editorial team to our readers. This corner is not just about connections and input within your smartphone but also about providing various “places of connection” where you can directly communicate your thoughts, listen to others, and more.

The “CONNECT” we are introducing this time is Nijiizu.

Nijiizu hosts open days where LGBT individuals aged 10 to 23 (including those who may identify as such) can gather. It is a general incorporated association that regularly holds these events in various locations across Japan, including Sapporo, Sendai, Saitama, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, and more.

With the theme of creating connections where LGBT youth can survive adolescence feeling safe, Nijiizu has formed numerous circles of connection.

Recommended for Whom?

Nijiizu is a free space where individuals aged 10 to 23, identifying as LGBT or exploring their identity, can make friends, play, and relax. When participating, you can choose whether or not to discuss your sexual orientation, and there’s no need to share your legal names or school names.

You are welcome to come and go anytime during the operating hours. This is particularly recommended for the younger generation finding it challenging to discover or create their own communities. For those who have trouble paying for transportation, partial subsidies for transportation expenses are available (excluding some locations).

What Can You Do at Nijiizu?

You can play games, relax, and have conversations. Even during these activities, some people may always consider, “I don’t want others to know about my sexual orientation.”

At Nijiizu, they prioritize creating a safe space where privacy is respected, keeping in mind that there are people of various sexualities, genders, and gender identities. They have established rules to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable time:

• It’s okay to say “no!”

If you’re asked about something you don’t want to talk about or feel uncomfortable listening to someone else’s story, you can change the topic or simply say “no.” You’re free to refuse exchanging contact information. If you’re feeling troubled, you can step away or reach out to the staff.

• There isn’t just one right way.

Everyone is surviving their life. Instead of forcing opinions or giving lectures about coming out, relationships, gender identity, or gender-affirming surgeries or hormone treatments, let’s respect each other’s pace and methods.

• Let’s protect privacy.

Be mindful not to share things you’ve heard today, especially anything that could potentially identify individuals, without their permission, on social media or elsewhere.

Detailed Access Information

Nijiizu holds free spaces where LGBT individuals aged 10 to 23, or those exploring their identities, can make friends, play, and relax. These spaces are held irregularly or approximately once a month, depending on the location.

Please check for locations and dates that are convenient for you from where you live!

Message from Representative Mameta Endo

We make sure to create an atmosphere where people who are joining an LGBT event for the first time, or who want to come alone, feel comfortable. You can decide if you want to talk about yourself and how much you want to share. It’s totally okay if you just want to relax and hang out. If you’re interested, please come and join us!

Starting from January 2023, we have also begun virtual spaces where you can participate from anywhere in the country as long as you have a PC or smartphone. For more details, please visit our website.

(Translation: Jennifer Martin)