Gay and proud in Tokyo - Reuters Video

Gay and proud in Tokyo (Reuters Video 2007/08/12)

SCRIPT:
In costume for this year's Gay Pride march in Tokyo.

While it may not be the main event of the year on the global gay calendar,
organiser Takashi Nakada says it's important that gay people make themselves seen.

SOUNDBITE Takashi Nakada, parade organiser, saying (Japanese):
"In Japanese society, many gay and lesbian people still hesitate to
come out. We hope many straight people watch this parade today and find out that gays and lesbians are out there, naturally, just like straight
people"

Japanese society, which is often seen as conservative, is undergoing an
awakening in terms of lesbian, gay and bisexual issues.

In June, Kanako Otsuji, backed by the opposition Democratic Party became
the first openly lesbian politician to run for parliament.

Although she was not successful in her attempt, her campaign did raise
awareness of gay rights in Japan.

Many of the 3,000 participants want a change in the law in Japan to
recognize same-sex partnerships.

SOUNDBITE Joe, female participant, saying (Japanese):
"Unlike some other countries, in Japan same-sex couples are not
officially recognized as spouses or domestic partners. This is causing a
serious problem because we can never treat our partners as family
members."

For today however, these issues have been set aside as revellers party in
downtown Tokyo.

Daragh Burke, Reuters.