Basic Plan Based on SOGI Understanding Promotion Act Approved by Cabinet: Certified NPO ReBit Releases Free Compilation of LGBTQ/SOGIE Initiative Best Practices from 80 Government Agencies and Municipalities

◾️ About the 'Municipal LGBTQ/SOGIE Action Handbook (Second Edition)'

▼ Title

'Local Government LGBTQ/SOGIE Action Handbook (Second Edition)': A Case Collection on Policies for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Diversity, Designed for Local Public Entities

▼ Overview

The 'Municipal LGBTQ/SOGIE Action Handbook' is a case collection featuring initiatives related to LGBTQ/SOGIE. It includes 102 cases from 80 government agencies and municipalities, 6 municipal-affiliated facilities (such as social welfare councils, schools, and public hospitals), and 16 organizations and groups.

This publication was produced by ReBit, a certified NPO based in Shibuya, Tokyo (hereinafter 'ReBit'), which has supported LGBTQ/SOGIE initiatives in over 200 municipalities since its establishment in 2009.

This is a revised edition of the 'Municipal LGBTQ/SOGIE Action Handbook' first published in March 2024, with this revision made possible through a grant from the Mitsubishi Foundation.

https://rebitlgbt.org/project/kyozai/lgbt_jichitaihandbook_form

▼ Purpose

In June 2023, the 'Act on Promotion of Understanding of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Diversity' (hereinafter, the 'SOGI Understanding Promotion Act') was enacted to promote a society tolerant of diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Act stipulates that local public entities 'shall endeavor to formulate and implement policies to promote public understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity diversity, based on the fundamental principles, in coordination with the national government and considering local circumstances.'

Furthermore, on June 16, 2026, the Basic Plan under the SOGI Understanding Promotion Act was approved by the Cabinet, making the promotion of LGBTQ/SOGIE initiatives at the local level more important than ever.

In this context, widely sharing the best practices accumulated by municipalities serves as a powerful force in advancing concrete actions across regions.

With the hope that LGBTQ/SOGIE-related initiatives will progress further nationwide and that more regions will become safe places for LGBTQ individuals to live, this material has been created and released free of charge.

▼ Primary Audience

This material primarily targets staff of local public entities who are currently implementing or planning to implement LGBTQ/SOGIE-related initiatives.

Specifically, it is intended for mayors, vice mayors, staff from departments in charge of LGBTQ/SOGIE policies, and staff from related departments. Relevant fields include suicide prevention, loneliness and social isolation countermeasures, domestic violence (DV), healthcare and public health, welfare, education, child-rearing, employment, crisis management and daily life, public relations and city promotion, recruitment, personnel, and employee welfare.

Not limited to municipal employees, anyone involved in urban or regional development can freely use this material.

▼ Content

This material organizes initiatives for advancing LGBTQ/SOGIE policies primarily from the following three perspectives:

① Initiatives in policy, planning, and management ② Initiatives by the department responsible for LGBTQ/SOGIE policies ③ Initiatives by related departments

Each section introduces what municipalities can implement, key considerations, and specific municipal case examples. It is designed to be useful for formulating overall municipal policies and organizing actions by individual departments.

Additionally, reference materials are included, such as summaries of laws and ordinances related to LGBTQ, data and voices from LGBTQ individuals, reference literature and surveys, and consultation resources. These can be used not only for policy development but also to deepen understanding of LGBTQ/SOGIE issues.

▼ Download and Mailing

This material is available for free download from the following page.

Printed copies can also be sent free of charge to municipalities.

◎ https://rebitlgbt.org/project/kyozai/lgbt_jichitaihandbook_form

※ This material may be freely circulated. When citing, please include the source as follows:

Citation: Certified NPO ReBit (2026), 'Municipal LGBTQ/SOGIE Action Handbook (Second Edition)'

◾️ Comments from ReBit, the Creator and Certified NPO

▼ Mikako Yakuji, Representative Director

Currently, LGBTQ individuals are not living in safety and security.

68% of LGBTQ youth experience bullying during school years*1, and 74% of transgender individuals experience harassment during job hunting or job transitions*2. Due to various difficulties and discrimination in society, they are also at high risk for mental health issues, poverty, and suicide. At the same time, 78% face difficulties or harassment when trying to access administrative and welfare services, which are supposed to be safety nets*3.

Municipal initiatives are essential for LGBTQ individuals to live, learn, and work safely. Since its establishment in 2009, ReBit has supported government efforts to promote understanding and implement policies for LGBTQ individuals.

With the enactment of the 'SOGI Understanding Promotion Act' in 2023 and the subsequent cabinet approval of the Basic Plan in 2026, the importance of municipal initiatives has grown significantly. Now more than ever, we hope that the best practices accumulated by municipalities will spread widely, further promoting LGBTQ/SOGIE initiatives across the nation.

We sincerely hope for your support in transforming the voices we hear from LGBTQ individuals across Japan—from 'I can't live in this town' to 'I want to continue living in this town.'

▼ Kanako Sando, Manager, Urban Development Division

'When I consulted about the distress caused by gender dysphoria with suicidal thoughts, the city started LGBTQ networking events and consultation services. Now I feel this area is my safe space.'

'I was happy when they changed the gender field on my developmental disability handbook after I told them it was painful.'

'I moved to this town because it has a partnership system.'

Through supporting municipal LGBTQ initiatives, we have heard many such voices from citizens.

Every region has people who need LGBTQ-related initiatives.

This handbook features numerous cases of municipalities working to create communities where LGBTQ individuals can live comfortably. We hope it serves as a helpful guide for municipalities that are unsure where to start or what steps to take next.

Compared to when we first published the handbook in 2024, municipal initiatives across Japan have clearly increased. This is a very encouraging and desirable change.

In today's complex information environment, it is crucial that communities become safe places where LGBTQ individuals can live with peace of mind. We look forward to continuing this journey together with all of you toward creating regions where LGBTQ individuals can live safely and securely.

◾️ About Certified NPO ReBit

A certified NPO aiming for a society where LGBTQ individuals can live, learn, and work as their authentic selves.