Natsumi Yamada, 36, has been the co-president of Tokyo Rainbow Pride since October 2019. The group organizes parades, panel discussions and various online activities to connect with the LGBTQ community in Japan — many of which will take place in June, which is Pride Month around the world.
1. How did you get involved with Tokyo Rainbow Pride? In 2012, a friend of mine invited me to join as a volunteer. Actually, she ended up not joining the parade but I did and stayed ever since.
2. What made you stay? I remember someone on the team telling me that Pride was the only day of the year they felt like themselves. It surprised me and made me want to stay to change that one day into a whole year.