Labels are never very useful if they put someone in a prescribed box. I am a transgender woman but do not tell people this often, unless they are in my close circle of friends. I often find the whole transgender label creates an idea in peoples head that I am a certain kind of “person”. I am lots of things and one of those things is transgender. I am not sure if people have worked it out around me or if they wonder about my gender. I have been on JET 4 years and I have never had a problem and don’t worry too much about what other people think unless they are directing hurtful things my way or just being downright vile about other people. I had to go to a gynecologist once and the clinic was very understanding when I disclosed my history. I feel safer here than in my home country and don't worry about being detected as transgender like I did in my home country. I do not fear for my life or fear being treated differently. From my experience people have as much varied views about sexuality and gender in Japan as they did in my home country. The difference is that if someone has a differing view they won't do something violent to you. I don't feel the need to share my history with everyone and I mix with people both Japanese and non-Japanese who share my values. I don’t want to be around people who diminish other people for certain characteristics and I have usually found this a good barometer for choosing friends.
I enjoy living in Japan and for me this is because I find life easier in the sense that I am treated as me and not my history or as a label. I don’t know how this would be for someone who is transitioning on JET as I have been living this way since a teenager.
I know a number of people in my area with different sexualities and one of the men I know has a Japanese male partner. Things are changing in pockets of society in Japan (in relation to how gay relationships are treated, gay sex does not seem to have so much stigma but relationships do) and I would say like living anywhere, always be wise about how you let people into your life. Context plays a big part wherever you live around levels of being “out”. I am comfortable not being out at work about being transgender. Who knows people may wonder, I really don’t know, but the biggest thing is I don’t worry about it as there is no threat to my personal safety.
They're obsessed! "Oh hey. you're going to Japan. Look, you need to start a new blog. And get pics with ganguro girls."