According to a questionnaire conducted with national universities and junior colleges around Japan by University of Kitakyushu professor Shizuyo Kawashima, approximately 70% of the 241 schools that responded indicated they gave “no special consideration” to LGBT students. About half of the responding schools said that LGBT students had approached them for consultations, but it appears as if awareness of sexual minorities and the issues they face remains low among Japanese institutes of higher education. “Even though a lot of students are sending out distress signals, they often are not getting the care they need,” said professor Kawashima. Starting this year, the University of Kitakyushu began allowing LGBT students to use their preferred names on their student IDs and diplomas, but it remains one of only a handful of public universities that permits this practice. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 8/15
