First openly gay candidate wins in Tokyo ward

[AsahinaKimi]

By NATSUKO FUKUE
Staff writer

OSAKA — Openly gay candidate Taiga Ishikawa won a seat in the Toshima Ward Assembly in Tokyo in Sunday's election, marking a historic first.
Before the 36-year-old writer and activist, no openly gay person had been elected to public office in Japan.

The Toshima race saw 53 candidates vie for 36 seats, according to the ward office.

"I hope this news will give a hope to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who still feel isolated from the society," said Ishikawa. "I will do my best to make Toshima Ward more friendly to LGBT people, young people and foreigners."

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110426a9.html

[David__77]

1. Is he a Social Democrat?

I can't seem to figure out his party. I also have a hard time figuring out where the parties stand on gay rights. I know for the most, the "stand" is silence. The Social Democrats have been better. The Communists are unclear. The LDP is naturally reactionary.

[AsahinaKimi]

2. I think so..

Ishikawa, an advocate of LGBT rights and former secretary to Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima