Japan`s gay parade returns after 3 yrs

Japan's gay community is set to put on the glitz as the Tokyo Pride parade returns this weekend after a three year absense with the aim of winning acceptance among the country's conservative society.

Drag queen shows, debates and theatre plays are being held in the lead-up to the parade which was put on ice due to a lack of staff as many gay Japanese don't dare to come out to their families or workplaces.

For Japanese gays in Tokyo's Shinjuku "2-chome" district where some 250 gay bars operate, the event is an opportunity to get together and celebrate in style, but also to seek understanding from other Japanese for their homosexuality.

"I lead two separate lives -- during the day, I'm a full-time 'salaryman' in a web design company, but at night I come to '2-chome' to work here as a barman," said Yuu, who declined to give his last name.

"At work no one knows about my secret and I have been living this double-life for some seven years now," he said, singing loudly to the latest karaoke hits.

The district is gearing up for Tokyo Pride on Saturday with a number of side events aimed at making Japanese society more understanding towards the country's gay, lebian and transsexual communities.

Noriaki Fushimi, a gay rights activist, is holding a debate on the future of the gay movement in Japan, while "2-chome" will hold a "Rainbow Festival" on Sunday with food and beer stalls.

Apart from the celebrations, activists and politicians will also be highlighting the reasons for the gathering as many gays and lesbians feel excluded from society.

Traditional family ties still play an important role in Japan and many homosexuals find themselves under pressure to marry to fulfil their parents' expectations.

"I have known full well I'm gay since primary school but I would always bring girlfriends home to appear "normal" in my family's eyes," said Sota Aoki, 24, from Sapporo in northern Japan.

"Now my parents press me to marry and until recently I've been seriously considering that, but I thought I don't want to end up like many of my friends who despite being gay got married and have kids and who now have to lie for the rest of their lives."