Japanese pop star Shinjiro Atae says he’s homosexual in an announcement that’s been warmly acquired by followers

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese pop star Shinjiro Atae stated he’s homosexual in an emotional announcement at a fan occasion that was warmly welcomed in a rustic the place the federal government doesn’t legally acknowledge LGBTQ equality.

“What I’m going to tell you now may not be something you expect or hope to hear. Perhaps some of you may need time to understand,” Atae instructed followers on the occasion in Tokyo on Wednesday.

“For years, I struggled to accept a part of myself. … But now after all I have been through, I finally have the courage to open up to you about something,” he stated. “I am a gay man.”

As he choked up, followers cheered, saying “hang in there!” and applauding.

Atae carried out for 15 years within the massively common group AAA earlier than it went on a hiatus in 2020. He’s been primarily based in Los Angeles these days and is pursuing a solo profession within the United States.

Atae’s revelation comes at a time of elevated consciousness and help for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan.

The political get together that has ruled Japan for many of its postwar historical past is thought for its conservatism and plenty of lawmakers within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party oppose equal rights. Activists have elevated their efforts to attain an anti-discrimination regulation, however parliament in June handed a considerably weaker various that promotes consciousness of sexual minorities with out offering authorized protections.

In Japan, the place LGBTQ+ individuals nonetheless face discrimination in faculties, workplaces and elsewhere, few public figures have come out. Popular singer and character Ai Haruna is a transgender lady who rose to fame in 2009 as the primary Japanese to win Thailand’s Miss International Queen, a magnificence pageant for transgender girls. Lawmaker Taiga Ishikawa is Japan’s first brazenly homosexual parliamentarian.

Atae posted on Instagram that admitting his sexuality took a very long time and he apprehensive he is likely to be shunned from society and lose his profession if he acknowledged being homosexual.

But, he overcame lots of these struggles and realized “it is better, both for me and for the people I care about, including my fans, to accept who I truly am and tell you so,” Atae stated. “I hope people who are struggling with the same feeling will find courage and know they are not alone.”

LGBTQ+ activists and supporters welcomed Atae’s announcement as a giant encouragement for the group in Japan.

Sosuke Matsuoka, an LGBTQ+ activist who was on the occasion, stated he acquired teary listening to Atae’s phrases. “If I heard his message when I was younger and struggling with my sexuality, it would have given me a big hope.” Matsuoka wrote in social media message that Atae’s popping out “would give courage to his peers and lead to a change of social mindset.”

Atae, 34, stated he thought one thing was flawed with him when he was changing into conscious of his sexuality as a teen. Even as a pop idol with many followers, he felt remoted and thought of dwelling abroad.

One day on a international journey, he noticed males hugging and kissing in public and was shocked, however not one of the individuals round them made a problem out of it.

“I felt I was not alone. I felt relieved,” Atae stated. “I started feeling encouraged, thinking that there is a way that LGBTQ+ people deserve to live happily.”

It took extra time to come back to phrases together with his personal sexuality, however he concluded “anyone has a right to just being oneself and live a happy life.”

Atae stated he now has a transparent message as an artist: to assist all those that are struggling, and launched his new single, “Into the Light.”

Atae stated proceeds from the track will likely be donated to LGBTQ+ organizations.

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