At Gender and Sexuality Center on the 2nd floor Building No.10 on Waseda Campus. Many flags are displayed inside the center, including the Progress Pride flag, which is a symbol of diversity such as LGBTQ+. (From left) Tatsuya Furudo and Akané Kousaka
Recently, we have been seeing a lot of terms such as gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ in the news. However, there may be many Waseda University students who have never had the opportunity to learn this concept. This time, we interviewed a staff member of Gender and Sexuality Center at Waseda University who is an expert in the field of gender. We received a variety of answers, including basic ideas for understanding gender, simple questions from Waseda University students, and related terms. At the end of the article, information on WASEDA LGBTQ+ ALLY WEEKS 2023 starting November 27th is also included. If you're a little concerned about gender, this is a must-see!
INDEX
▼Let's know this: What is gender? What is sexuality? There are various elements of "性"!
▼All kinds of things about gender that you don't often hear about. Answering questions from Waseda University students
▼Know the words and deepen your understanding. Glossary of terms related to gender and sexuality!
▼Take the first step by joining WASEDA LGBTQ+ ALLY WEEKS 2023
Just know this: What is gender? What is sexuality? There are various elements of "性"!
Gender and Sexuality Center Specialists: Akané Kosaka and Tatsuya Furudo
--Could you please tell me again what gender is?
Kousaka: There are various ways of thinking about it, but gender refers to the attitudes, emotions, and behaviors associated with the sex assigned at birth, often based on the binary theory that "there are women and men in this world,'' in a certain cultural area... as even though I say that, some people may find it a little difficult! Let's think about it in detail.
Furudo: For example, there are roles tied to gender, such as "women are responsible for housework,'' "men are the ones who should be bosses in the company,'' "women are able to provide detailed care,'' and "men don't cry in public.'' "Femininity'' and "masculinity" are also included in gender.
Kousaka: On the other hand, gender is also used in how we recognize and express our own gender. In this case, gender may or may not be binary.
--The word "sexuality" is often used together, isn't it?
Kousaka: At Gender and Sexuality Center, we use the word sexuality to refer to the elements that make up a person's sexual love. Who are you sexually or romantically attracted to or not attracted to? Or is it aimed at no one? It also includes concepts such as what kind of sexual relationships and behaviors you do or do not want.
Furudo: One of the points is that not everyone desires sexual love. The idea of "having a love life and becoming a full-fledged person'' is strongly rooted in the world, but there are many differences in whether or not to fall in love, and in what form.
--In Japanese, it tends to be lumped together with the word "sei(性)," but I've come to understand that there are multiple concepts.
Kousaka:That's right! There is nothing wrong with the fact that the Japanese word "sei(性)'' has various meanings, but I think it is easier to understand if we consider that gender is made up of multiple elements. Let me list some elements.
- Gender identity: How you understand who you are in relation to your gender. There is no need to "match" the sex assigned at birth.
- Gender expression: expression of one's gender expressed through clothing, behavior, etc.
- Sexual orientation: Whether or not you feel sexually attracted to people with gender-related factors (gender identity, gender expression, etc.).
- Romantic orientation: Do you feel romantically attracted to people with what kind of gender-related factors (gender identity, gender expression, etc.)?
- Sex assigned at birth: The sex assigned at birth by a doctor, midwife, etc. based on visible sexual characteristics of the body, often including external genitalia.
*The term “gender” used here is not dualistic.
Furudo: Based on this, let's listen to what two people have to say. They also had the gender elements represented in the diagram. The left end of each arrow indicates "I don't feel it at all," and the right end indicates "I feel it very strongly."
Currently, I identify as "non-binary,” a gender identity that is neither female nor male. My gender expression is feminine, and I love tight dresses. I've never felt romantic or sexual attraction to anyone, and I'm not good at so-called "love talk"...
Currently, my gender identity is male. Gender expression is often masculine, but there are times when I prefer feminine expression. I am bisexual, who is sexually attracted to both men and women, but only feel a slight romantic attraction to men.
Kousaka: In this way, each element can be intricately intertwined or completely independent depending on the person. When thinking about each element, it may be easier to understand if you think about them without linking them. It is important to respect the infinite number of ways of sexuality that exist.
Furudo:On the other hand, unfortunately, in the society we live in, there is still a "gender binary theory'' that says there are only women and men in this world, and a "heterosexualism'' that says it is natural for women to like men and men for women. The current situation is that there are still strong norms regarding gender and sexuality, such as "sexualism,'' which assumes that it is normal for people to be sexually/romantically attracted to others.
Kousaka: Let's think about what we need to be aware of in order to break through this current situation and live a comfortable life for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, while answering your questions!
A lot of things about gender that you don't often hear about. Answering questions from Waseda University students
This time, we conducted a survey targeting student reader monitors of Waseda Weekly regarding what they wanted to know about gender and sexuality. Mr. Kosaka and Mr. Furudo answered several questions.
Question 1: I don't want to discriminate against or hurt LGBTQ+ people, but in what situations and what points should I consider? On the other hand, I would be worried if I was too considerate and ended up hurting the other person.
Kousaka: I think it's best to first let go of the idea of "consideration." Do you ever feel that the word "consideration" has the connotation of "doing something for you"? LGBTQ+ people don't want something special, but they want their gender to be respected as a matter of course, to not be treated as special if they don't get married or have a relationship, and to have children without being rejected by anyone. Be aware of the existence of LGBTQ+ people in situations where their “natural rights” I just mentioned. If you do that, I'm sure your behavior will change.
Furudo: It might be a good idea to check yourself to see if you're behaving in accordance with the gender norms I mentioned earlier. In addition, while it is important for each individual to be mindful, it is also necessary to take a broader perspective and change the rules and systems in universities and society to ones that take into account diverse genders and sexualities. This kind of awareness is not something to be careful about only in certain situations, but is necessary "always'' and "in every situation.'' To be honest, there is no end to the "scenes"!
Question 2: I hear that compared to other countries, Japan lags behind in terms of support for LGBTQ+ people. Please tell me the reason for the delay.
Kousaka: “Overseas” is a broad term, but is the person asking this question referring to Europe and America? However, Europe and the United States are both vast and contain diverse countries and regions. The part of the United States where I used to live was a supportive place, with an accepting environment and systems for the LGBTQ+ community, and relatively good support, but this may not be the case in other parts of the country.
Furudo: There may actually be a lot of people who think, "Japan has to do something because it's lagging behind Europe and America!'' Rather than that, I think it's important to try to improve your resolution by thinking, "I think this country's initiative might be helpful, so let's learn from it.''
Question 3: I started studying gender studies because I wanted to become an understanding person and ally of LGBTQ+ people. However, my friends have very different views on this, which is frustrating. What actions should you take to make others understand you?
Kousaka: If you are not a part of the LGBTQ+ community and are in good health, I want to shout out to you "don't give up!". Even if your friends don't understand right away, keep talking with your friends and they may understand something several years later.
Furudo: On the other hand, people don't change easily. I think it takes a lot of energy to patiently convey this message. That's why it's so important to find friends who can support each other. One way is to join a community like GS Center, where there are many people interested in gender and sexuality.
A view inside Gender and Sexuality Center. A community space where you can freely chat and is usually bustling with students (left), and a library space that is a "quiet zone" where you can spend some quiet time and is stocked with a wide variety of books (right).
Question 4: I have heard of the existence of Gender and Sexuality Center, but what kind of services do they provide?
Furudo:Gender and Sexuality Center has four major roles. The first is "welcome,'' which provides counseling support and a place to stay. The second is "connect," which involves collaborating with various departments to solve problems within the university. The third is "inform'', which aims to promote understanding of LGBTQ+ people through training and awareness raising inside and outside the university. And the fourth is "reach out'', which is holding events related to gender and sexuality.
Kousaka: Many people may think of it as a research center, but I wish they would think of it as a more casual place. For example, some people may be interested in topics related to gender and sexuality, such as feminism, but find it difficult to find people who can get excited about it. Gender and Sexuality Center is also a place where such people can feel free to talk. We also welcome individual consultations to resolve any questions you may have, such as those raised in this questionnaire!
Furudo: I would like people to feel free to stop by and not be worried, "I'm not an LGBTQ+ person, but I wonder if it's okay to go."
A consultation room with a green and relaxing atmosphere. Soundproof room ensures privacy
Question 5: Please recommend any books about LGBTQ+ people.
Kousaka: We received several similar questions, but the types of books that are easy to read and the fields of interest are likely to be different for each person. If you come to Gender and Sexuality Center, we can actually talk to you and recommend the perfect book for you!
Furudo: Also, on X (formerly Twitter), we introduce new books that have arrived at Gender and Sexuality Center. Everyone, please feel free to come and visit Gender and Sexuality Center!
Text (question part): Kei Yoshida
Photography: Kota Nunokawa
Gender and Sexuality Center
[Location] Room 213, Building No. 10, Waseda Campus
[Opening hours] Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00 (13:10 to 16:00 on Wednesday)
*Please check the website for details.
[E-mail] [email protected]
[Website] https://www.waseda.jp/inst/gscenter/
[X (old Twitter)] @gs_waseda
[Instagram] @gscenter.waseda
Learn vocabulary and deepen your understanding. Glossary of terms related to gender and sexuality!
Under the supervision Gender and Sexuality Center, we have compiled a list of some words related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and romantic orientation.
Kousaka:Sometimes I hear people say, "There are so many words that I can't remember them.'' These diverse categories can help us unravel who we are and who we are not. It should also help you understand that there are people with different sexual orientations than you. You don't have to memorize it, so please try to get acquainted with the diversity of terms related to gender and sexuality.
| non-binary | A general term for people who do not identify as female/male, regardless of the sex assigned at birth. |
| X gender | A name that originated in Japan. A general term for people who identify their gender as "between a man and a woman, having no gender, being both a man and a woman, or oscillating between them.'' |
| transgender | A general term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. |
| cisgender | A general term for people whose gender identity is the same as the sex assigned at birth. |
| lesbian | People who identify as women (or feel connected to being women) and are attracted to people who identify as women (or feel connected to being women) |
| gay | People who identify as men (or feel connected to being men) and are attracted to people who identify as men (or feel connected to being men) |
| bisexual | People who are sexually attracted to people who have more than one gender identity |
| biromantic | People who are romantically attracted to someone who has two or more gender identities |
| pansexual | A person who is sexually attracted to someone regardless of the other person's gender identity |
| panromantic | A person who is romantically attracted to someone regardless of the other person's gender identity |
| asexual | A person who feels little or no sexual attraction to other people |
| aromantic | A person who feels little or no romantic attraction to other people |
| heterosexual/straight | A person who identifies primarily as female or male and is sexually attracted to people with a different gender identity than themselves |
| heteroromantic/straight | A person who identifies primarily as female or male and is romantically attracted to people with a gender identity different from their own. |
Furudo: Again, the important thing is to "respect the person's sexual orientation." Among the elements of gender, the gender assigned at birth is, as the name suggests, a gender that is not based on the individual's will. It may or may not match your gender identity. Therefore, do not try to unnecessarily reveal the gender assigned at birth. Even if you know, don't tell anyone without their consent. Keep this in mind as you deepen your relationships with the people around you.
Take the first step here and join WASEDA LGBTQ+ ALLY WEEKS 2023
“WASEDA LGBTQ+ ALLY WEEKS 2023” hosted by Waseda University Gender and Sexuality Center will be held for two weeks from November 27th (Monday) to December 8th (Friday), 2023.
GS Center perceive an ally as someone who acknowledges their own privilege and actively utilizes it as a resource to support movements and equity for LGBTQ+ people and related communities.
The goal of WASEDA LGBTQ+ ALLY WEEKS is to make Waseda University a place where every individual associated with the campus community, regardless of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, can feel comfortable. We aim to do so through creating spaces where LGBTQ+ members can recognize the power within, and increasing the visibility of allies. Various types of events are planned, from campus parades to lectures. Please join us! To apply and check details, please see the link below.
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