Fridae

Since there is no law against homosexuality in Japan, this, to me, is very surprising. I have read many beautiful books written about Japanese homosexuality and studied the history of homosexuality and having seen some of the extremely graphic pictures;I though there was empathy and acceptance of the BGL community.

In ancient Japan there is the Tale of Genji which is a novel, but there are several Heian-era diaries that contain references to homosexual acts. Some of these contain references to Emperors involved in homosexual relationships and to "handsome boys retained for sexual purposes" by emperors.

If you wish to read about some of the history of homosexuality in Japan, please go to:
http://www.oocities.org/bjcjapan/roots.html

Were they bullied because they are gay?

I couldn't find my keys the other day. I don't think it was because I'm gay.

Btw, I think we've all seen japanese bukkake videos :)

It is unrelated, but I was bullied to the maximum when I worked as a teacher in Malaysia in a government school. I was 34 years old at that time.
I never had any affair or bad record in the school. I was suspected as gay based on being a bachelor with . I was given mental pressure by the teachers to get married.
When I resisted politely and subtly, I was accused as being impolite. Finally I fell into depression and quit from the job as a teacher.
I still suffer from all the abusive words and jokes that was made against me. I felt I did not deserve to be a teacher as I suppose to set a good example by being straight and married.
The anger is still in me after so many years. I still have the phobia of working as a teacher in a government school or in an environment where everyone gangs up against you.
I was not respected as a human being at all. I had no one to turn. I was victimised but I could not seek justice. Many attempts were made to straighten me, in the name of being concerned of me. Intrusion in my private life was totally uncalled for.
By mere suspicion of being gay, I had to endure mental torture by religious bigots and colleagues.
i never found any organisation to support me. It was and is a lonely battle.

There are so many things to admire about Japanese Society, this is certainly not one of them. I worked for a Japanese company, visited Japan on a number of occasions, and have had wonderful Japanese friends as well as dated Japanese men. Even with my experience and knowledge, it is difficult, as an American, to understand the Japanese psychology and mindset. However this situation reminds me of the way it was in the U.S. in the 1960's/70s. Sad to say, this situation remains today here in the U.S. as well.....although somewhat mitigated.

There are so many things to admire about Japanese Society, this is certainly not one of them. I worked for a Japanese company, visited Japan on a number of occasions, and have had wonderful Japanese friends as well as dated Japanese men. Even with my experience and knowledge, it is difficult, as an American, to understand the Japanese psychology and mindset. However this situation reminds me of the way it was in the U.S. in the 1960's/70s. Sad to say, this situation remains today here in the U.S. as well.....although somewhat mitigated.

Another country way behind for Gay acceptance!