【LGBT Center】Hokkaido Rainbow Resource Center L-Port

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 “Hokkaido Rainbow Resource Center L-Port.”

The NPO Hokkaido Rainbow Resource Center L-Port was established on March 11, 2012, to support LGBTQ+ individuals affected by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.

Who is it recommended for?

It is recommended for people who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who think they might be, especially if they are struggling with their sexuality or have concerns they cannot talk to anyone about.

L-Port also offers a counseling service via LINE. This is particularly helpful for teens and people in their twenties who are not living alone and find it difficult to talk aloud.

Their support group meetings are held in small groups of up to eight people. They are recommended for teens and people in their twenties, as well as those who feel anxious about communicating with others. Participants can join comfortably.

What can you do there?

SNS (LINE) Counseling “Nijiiro Talk-Talk”

You can discuss your concerns about sexuality via LINE. As long as you have internet access and can use LINE, you can use this service from anywhere in the country.

Trained professional counselors provide one-on-one consultations. The service is free, and your privacy is protected.

Not only those who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who think they might be, but also family members, friends, and educators who have someone close to them with these concerns can also use this counseling service.

Each consultation lasts about 30 minutes. Consultations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might be necessary to wait if it’s busy.

Place for Small Groups “Nijiiro Danwa (Lounge) Room”

This is a support group for up to eight participants, held at a public facility in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

You can chat with other participants and staff while having a drink, reading books or manga on display about diverse sexualities, and take home pamphlets from support groups collected from all over the country.

If you feel anxious about joining for the first time, you can let them know in advance using the registration form. Staff actively engage with newcomers to help them feel included, so don’t worry about participating for the first time!

There is a 200 yen fee for drinks.

Place for LGBTQ+ Youths Under 25 “Nijiiro Danwa Room in Asahikawa”

You can chat with other participants and staff of the same age group, read books or manga on display about diverse sexualities, and take home pamphlets from support groups collected from all over the country.

The number of participants has ranged from 1 to 6 people (as of June 2024).

You can also spend time playing board games with other participants and staff. Snacks and drinks are freely available.

Participation is free.

Voices of Participants

“Nijiiro Talk-Talk”

• “Just knowing there’s a place where I can talk to someone when I need to makes me feel lighter.”
• “The staff was kind and gentle, which made me feel very comfortable talking. It’s hard for me to say things face-to-face, but it’s easier with LINE.”
• “It felt human, and they always said, ‘Feel free to pass if it’s hard to answer,’ which made it easy to talk.”
• “I was so happy that they shared my frustrations and became upset along with me.”

“Nijiiro Danwa Room”

• “It is a place where you can talk without limiting the conversation topics.”
• “It was a place where there were people who were interested in me and listened to me while agreeing with my feelings.”
• “It’s a place where you can meet role models older than yourself.”
• “It was a lot of fun because I got to talk with people of various ages and professions, which gave me new insights.”

“Nijiiro Danwa Room in Asahikawa”

• “I was so moved to realize there are so many peers in Asahikawa!”
• “Having companions made me feel less lonely, knowing I’m not alone.”
• “Talking with people is really nice, isn’t it!”

Detailed Access Information

“Nijiiro Talk-Talk”

• Held twice a month from 19:00 to 22:00 on varying days.
• Register as a friend on LINE, and send a message when the consultation times are open.
• Search for “にじいろtalk-talk” on the LINE search screen or register using the URL: http://line.me/ti/p/%40ebx1820z

“Nijiiro Danwa Room”

• 📍 Public facility in Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Held once a month on weekdays (16:30-18:30 / 19:00-21:00) with a complete turnover system. 
• Register via the form. The location will be sent to the registered email address: https://forms.gle/w1Mj1f6BbvZTpYss9

“Nijiiro Danwa Room in Asahikawa”

• 📍 Community space about a 10-minute walk from Asahikawa Station
• Held once every two months (even-numbered months) on weekends (14:00-16:00)
• Register as a friend on LINE to check the location and date. No registration is required. Register as a friend on LINE using the URL: https://lin.ee/HpBMjvR

Official Website：https://l-port.net/

Message from the Representative

Hello, I am Eri Nakaya, the Representative Director of the NPO Hokkaido Rainbow Resource Center L-Port.

We aim to be the first door for someone struggling with their sexuality, and the second door they can step through when they feel a bit more energized. We want to increase the number of people who can gently support the LGBTQ+ individuals around them.

All of our activities are driven by the desire to change a society where many things are given up on just because one is LGBTQ+.

We invite you to join us if you want a safe space to talk about your sexuality without being judged, to meet peers and community members, or to listen to someone’s story.

You are welcome to participate even if you haven’t sorted out what you want to talk about, hear, or know. Please feel free to reach out.

(Translation: Jennifer Martin)

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