Shinjiro Atae, a vibrant member of the famous dance and vocal group "AAA," took center stage at the "Work with Pride 2023 Conference" in Tokyo on the 7th. This extraordinary event brought together professionals in human resources, human rights, and diversity, all striving to create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can truly be themselves.

Atae, who bravely announced his identity as gay in July of this year, was a prominent guest speaker, and he had a captivating story to share. When asked about his decision to come out, he confessed, "First and foremost, I did it for myself. I didn't want my personal life to become a subject of paparazzi photos or social media gossip. Keeping it hidden was like carrying a heavy burden, and I yearned for my fans to know the real me." It took until he was 32, amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, for him to find the strength to come out to his family.

He candidly revealed his deepest fears, saying, "I used to worry that if I revealed my true self, I wouldn't survive in the cutthroat entertainment industry. I feared I'd lose my singing career, and my fans would drift away, leaving me without a place in the spotlight. These anxieties haunted me since I was 14, even as I pursued my dreams in showbiz. At times, I contemplated pursuing an entirely different path."

However, it was his eye-opening experience in the United States that altered his perspective entirely. Atae explained, "My time in America showed me a world where everyone lived openly and joyously. People, irrespective of age or gender, would casually ask me, 'Do you have a partner?' It was a revelation that a more inclusive world existed."

This transformative experience prompted Atae to look at Japan from a fresh vantage point. He observed, "I recognized that the entertainment industry in Japan lagged in embracing LGBTQ+ acceptance. I chose to come out because I believed Japan needed a catalyst for change, and if no one took that initial step, progress would remain elusive."

In closing, Shinjiro Atae's courageous journey, as shared at the "Work with Pride 2023 Conference," sheds light on the arduous path faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in Asian countries. The challenges of coming out, from social stigma to fears of professional repercussions, are daunting. Yet, Atae's story also offers a glimmer of hope and inspiration.

His decision to come out for himself, despite the risks, resonates with the universal desire for authenticity and acceptance. His openness not only revealed the personal struggles he endured but also spotlighted the pressing need for greater inclusivity in Asian societies.

As we look to the future, Atae's courageous step serves as a catalyst for change. It reminds us that progress can only be achieved when someone is willing to take the first step towards greater understanding, acceptance, and the championing of diversity and inclusivity. In the face of challenges, it's the stories like Atae's that inspire us to hope for a more inclusive and accepting world.