So, homosexuality is somewhat of an anomaly in Japan.
Person A: I heard there are a lot in America.
Person B: Really?
Person A: Yeah, they even have parades and stuff.
Pirate: Hey Chan-san, are there a lot of gay people in America?
Me: Uh, kind of depends where you are.
Pirate: How about Seattle?
Me: Yeah, there are some there.
Pirate: Did you know any?
Me: Yeah…
Everyone: ZOMFGWTFBBQ!!!111
Pirate: What are they like!?
Me: …
At first I just chalked it off to Japan being more rigid than America, but a recent turn of events has caused me to rethink this stance. Namely Matsuko Deluxe. This guy (yes, guy) appears on television quite frequently and has quite a bit of popularity. And after paying a bit more attention, I realized there are actually quite a few celebrities like him. It seemed kind of odd to me that Japanese people could be so afraid of/fascinated by homosexuality and not even bat an eye at people making a living by dressing and acting like the opposite gender. To validate my finding I decided to consult Seven. Seven is a custodian (more or less) that I talk to quite frequently during breaks from work.
Me: So I’ve recently realized something.
Seven: Yeah?
Me: People in Japan aren’t really used to the idea of homosexuality right?
Seven: Yes.
Me: But you guys are totally okay with transvestites?
Seven: Yeah.
Me: Doesn’t that seem kind of odd to you?
Seven: Not really.
Me: So if I told you I have a friend who was a transvestite you wouldn’t care at all?
Seven: I guess it would be a little weird, I mean I’ve only ever seen them on TV.
Me: But if I told you I have a gay frien…
Seven: ZOMFG Really?!
This kind of also explains why my Japanese teacher was so eager for me to cross dress for a skit but so shocked when she mistook me for being gay -_-;;
Befrienderer Is A Banana 
I imagine that Japan’s stance on transvestism and homosexuality is similar to Thailand’s ladyboys. Generally accepted for men to dress and act as women but homosexuality is still a big taboo.
Yeah, I think you’re right. The wikipedia article also categorizes effeminate gay men as being ladyboys, so I’m wondering if homosexuality is accepted as long as a guy acts the part of a woman. And if that’s true, it just seems like splitting hairs to me. I mean, it’s only OK for a guy to like guys if he dresses and acts like a woman?
I don’t get it :3
hhahhahhahah PERFECT!!!!
I thought you’d enjoy it ^^
To the Japanese or in many Asian countries, transvestite is just an “act” just like doing “magic” on stage. It is a showmanship and not really a life style. Furthermore, if a transvestite is with a man, the appearance is still hetrosexual, a man and a “woman”. There are a few theater in Thailand that have transverstites imitating famous female celebraties. Tourist flock to these theaters and watch these shows.
Yeah, Japan has something like that, Takarazuka. Though it features women cross dressing as men and they perform (for the most part) more traditional plays. I understand what you’re saying, and can understand it being perceived as showmanship in skits and the such, but when someone creates a celebrity persona based on the concept of cross dressing, it seems like it becomes a lifestyle choice to me.