Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly lawmaker comes out as pansexual during speech

A member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly came out as pansexual during a speech asking Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike about improvements to the partnership system for LGBTQ+ couples.

Yuki Higashi has previously worked as a nurse and now serves in the assembly for the Constitutional Democratic Party, having won her seat in June. She previously served in the Shinagawa ward assembly.

The 36-year-old made the speech at the assembly on December 10, explaining that “I am a member of the sexual minority community.” A pansexual is attracted to regardless of their gender (this is treated as distinct from bisexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and other labels).

Higashi has not publicly or formally states her sexual orientation until now, as far as we can tell. “I want to connect myself to policy,” she said about her reason for coming out.

While there are some openly gay or transgender politicians in Japan, especially at the local level, we think this is the first case of a pansexual lawmaker.

“I have personally experienced the suffering that comes with not being covered by the system, plus the life-changing effects of support. That is why I want to create a society where no one is left behind.”

Higashi was arging for improvements to be made to recognition of the certificates issues to LGBTQ+ couples in Tokyo, which allow them to do things like visit hospitalized partners. Some medical institutions do not accept the certificates (since the partnership status has no legal status)

Governor Koike responded, “We have been promoting the elimination of unfair discrimination and awareness-raising regarding gender identity and sexual orientation. We will continue to steadily advance our efforts toward realizing a society of inclusive coexistence where everyone accepts each other.”