Tokyo: A survey released Thursday revealed that 73 percent of sports organizations in Japan have yet to establish consultation desks for LGBT individuals and other sexual minorities, as well as for those seeking guidance on gender identity and sexual orientation.
According to Philippines News Agency, the survey was conducted between March and April and concentrated on initiatives aimed at protecting sexual minorities and fostering diversity. It involved participants from approximately 60 sports organizations across Japan, including staff from professional leagues and clubs, with a total of 31 valid responses collected.
The data, sourced from Pride House Tokyo, an advocate for LGBT awareness and support, indicated that half of the respondents acknowledged that their organizations lack dedicated sections or personnel tasked with promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Furthermore, the survey highlighted that less than 10 percent of directors in half of the respondents' organizations are female.
Aya Noguchi, deputy director of the International Research Center for Sport and Gender Equality at Seijo University, emphasized during a press conference that diversity remains limited in the sports sector. She stressed the importance of organizations making substantive changes rather than solely focusing on raising awareness.
