Kitakyushu Rainbow Pride @ Katsuyama Park
Hooray!!! The very first Kitakyushu Pride has successfully ended! Thanks to all the great efforts of the organizers, students of University of Kitakyushu, dozens of NPOs and others. ππ
More than 100 participants from different regions in Japan (from Hokkaido to Kyushu) gathered at Katsuyama Park not only to show their pride and support of LGBTQIA+ community but also to send warm and heartfelt messages to those who were suffering from the recent Kumamoto earthquakes.
Participants were divided into three sections:
(1) All for different and all are good γγΏγγͺιγ£γ¦γΏγγͺγγγ
(2) Want to know everyoneγ θ²γ γͺδΊΊγγγγ£γ¦γγ¨γη₯γγγγ
(3) Our lives are free γθͺη±γ«θͺεγγγηγγγγ
We set off from Katsuyama Park at 2 p.m. and marched around the commercial center of Kokura City for about an hour. Along the way, weβd been waving and greeting to passengers, sending the message of rainbow love. :))
Back to the main venue, we had a group of spectacular performers: drag queens, a famous queer flute player, an openly gay American-Japanese musician, a local queer boyband, … You name it, weβve got it! Their excellent performances brought loads of positive energy to the pride and springtime!
Hope more to come next year!!! π
γγ£γ±ζγγ in η¦ε²‘ (IDAHO in Fukuoka) was held on a bright Saturday, May 21, 2016, @ Kego Park, Fukuoka park to send the ‘rainbow of love’ to everyone present.
Here are some highlights/interesting segments from the event:
– Rainbow Tunes β a billboard featuring information about some queer musicians and queer-related music – from k.d. Lang’s Constant Craving to MIKA’s Celebrate (It is a perfect way to queer up your playlist. Meanwhile, by spotlighting some out musicians it sent a message that you can be queer and successful).
– IDAHO Rainbow Photo Booth β a place where you can capture some your sweet moments with the beautiful rainbow background
– “Yes to Sexual Diversity” message booth β a place to share thoughts on LGBTQIA+ community for a more inclusive world
– Billboard on local LGBTQIA+ organizations/networks
– Pray for Rainbow booth – a charity project in supporting queer people suffering from Kumamoto earthquakes
Looking forward to your visit next year! : )
