Additional Concerns for LGBT Binational Couples in Japan
By Christopher Edwards on 03/18/2011 @ 04:35 PM
News and images of the destruction and uncertainty left by March 11 earthquake and tsunami near Sendai, Japan continues to pour in. Fridae reports on the situation for Japanese LGBT and PLHIVA (people living with HIV/AIDS). Writing on the "specific challenges for the LGBT community", Fridae notes specifically the challenge faced by binational couples in Japan:
During crisis times such as this, LGBT people may face additional difficulties. Azusa, who’s the co-founder and editor of GayJapanNews, says LGBT people especially those living at evacuation centres may have to keep their relationships under wraps and not be able to draw on the support of his/her same-sex partner despite the trauma they are going through. Additionally, a LGBT Japanese national who is in a relationship with a foreign partner who is evacuated may have no recourse to be reunited if their relationship is not recognised by immigration authorities overseas.
The entire piece, like much of the news from Japan, is a mix of heartbreaking and hopeful. Several of us have close ties to Japan, including family and family of loved ones. Regardless of specifics, all of Immigration Equality have our thoughts and prayers with the Japanese right now.
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