【Doshisha University】Gender Garden

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 “Gender Garden,” an activity group at Doshisha University.

According to the members, they have been feeling that “Although the university has a diversity declaration, there is no place where we could actually talk about gender and sexuality.”

Therefore, in April 2023, students interested in gender issues gathered and founded Gender Garden.

They provide a place where people can talk about gender and social issues, and share their related concerns and frustration. Additionally, they hold workshops and film festivals once a month, in which a wide variety of people can participate.

Who is it recommended for?

Gender Garden is recommended for students who feel that:

• I want friends with whom I can discuss gender and social issues.
• I need a place to talk about my concerns and frustration related to sexuality.
• I want to learn together with peers who share similar interests!

Of course students from Doshisha University, as well as those from other universities, are welcome to join! Many international students are also participating in the activities.

What can you do there?

They hold a safer space (called “Safer Garden”) every other Thursday, where anyone can join and talk about gender, sexuality, social issues, and share their concerns and frustration.

Additionally, they host events such as film festivals and workshops once a month providing an opportunity to learn about related topics in an enjoyable way.

Currently, there are about 10 members, and they are looking for more people to join. If you’re interested in participating but feel nervous about jumping in right away, you might want to start by attending one of these events.

Voices from Participants

“It was a wonderful time where we all considered gender equality and had discussions in a fun atmosphere!” (Workshop feedback)

“Gender Garden is a place that accepts the real me.”

“I came to Japan for studying abroad and felt out of place, but I found my people here who I can talk with about social issues, gender, and sexuality.”

Detailed Access

📍 Doshisha University (Activities are both online and offline)
602-8580 Kyoto, Kamigyo-ku, Imadegawa-dori Karasuma Higashi-iru

Schedule:

• Every Tuesday: Internal member meetings
• Every other Thursday: Safer Garden open to everyone
• Once a month on a holiday: Events such as film festivals

How to Participate:

• Send a direct message (DM) on Instagram or fill out the form on their Instagram profile.

Message from the Representative

Hello, we are Gender Garden!
We are committed to raising awareness about gender issues and taking action to spread accurate knowledge. Our goal is to create a campus at Doshisha University where every student, regardless of gender, race, or nationality, can bloom. 🌟

To achieve this, we conduct regular meetings and host workshops on campus, focusing on feminism, LGBTQIA+ issues, and sex education. 

We have an Instagram account, so please check it out!

Gender Garden(@gendergarden.doshisha) • Instagram写真と動画

We host events every month!
Announcements are made on Instagram, so if you’re interested, please DM us! We look forward to your participation! (o^―^o)

(Translation: Jennifer Martin)