What is “Rainbow March Sapporo” ?

“Rainbow March Sapporo” is an annual pride celebration event for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender/Transsexual (LGBT) people, as well as LGBT-friendly groups and individuals that
held at Hokkaido Prefecture’ s capital city ‒ Sapporo. In 1996, Rainbow March Sapporo held
the 1st celebration parade with only small group of Hokkaido residences. This year, we will
have the 15th celebration with the longest history of organizing yearly parade in Japan
drawing many participants from Sapporo LGBT community as well as from all over Japan and -
increasingly – from throughout the world. Starting at Odori Park, a number of LGBT people will
walk around the streets of Susukino area. Some will be dressed in drag and others sporting
multicolored rainbow flags and dance in the city streets.

Why do we use Rainbow?

“Rainbow” is a symbol of LGBT liberation movement that seeks for basic rights of LGBT and
encourages people to be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. In 1970’ s, at
the early stage of the movement, first pride march symbolized with Rainbow flags was held in
San Francisco. Today, many countries around the world celebrate LGBT pride marching with
Rainbow flags. Multicolored rainbow has a philosophy that diversity is a gift, and hope that we
respect various styles of sexualities. Every year, the mayor of Sapporo city has kindly attended
the celebration meeting and gave warm speeches in front of marchers. Also, since 12th
celebration, the governor of Hokkaido Prefecture has contributed supporting messages to the
official guide book of Rainbow March. We appreciate their understandings and proud that
Sapporo Rainbow March is the only one LGBT event in Japan which receives such supports
from public officials.

Our Vision

1.To promote positive visibility of the LGBT to society and encourage people to recognize and
respect the diverse expressions of sexuality
2.To provide helpful information for isolated LGBT to be proud of their sexuality and gender
identity seeking for ending discriminations based on narrow-mindedness.
3.To raise its consciousness on LGBT issues at any level of society, such as school, company,
political administration, so on, seeking for the right to enjoy life without discrimination.

Our Vision

Contact: Board of 15th Rainbow March Sapporo
TEL/FAX: 011-511-8939 E-mail info@rainbowmarch.org
URL http://www.rainbowmarch.org