Sexualities, Ahead of Print.
With the internationalization of LGBTQ human rights politics and issues, embassies often play a significant role as a bridge between local LGBTQ situations and global politics. Despite being a G7 member, Japan largely lacks laws to protect LGBTQ rights, such as an anti-discrimination law and the legalization of civil unions or same-sex marriage. This paper examines foreign embassies in Japan and their activities in relation to LGBTQ rights. Through interviews with embassy officers, this paper analyzes the embassies’ activities from four viewpoints: democratic values and universal human rights; cultural diplomacy; the role of LGBTQ-identifying diplomats and officers; and affective diplomacy.