The Roles and Limitations of “Learning-Action” in the Sexual Minorities Movement in Japan, Focusing on the Ideas of Minami Teishiro

Abstract

This study examines the roles and limitations of “learning-action” (gakushukai katsudô) in the sexual minorities movement in Japan. “Learning-action” is a method designed by Minami Teishiro, founder of the International Gay Association (IGA)/International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) Japan. Minami developed and promoted the use of this method from 1984-1994, and thus a study of learning-action is essential to understanding the prehistory of the sexual minorities movement in Japan. This study is based on materials from the gay magazines as well as on a semi-structured interview with Minami.

Minami became aware of his own sexual orientation when he was 18 years old. Through study he came to see himself not only as gay, but also as a member of an oppressed group, and this consciousness played a central role in the development of his theories. Moving to Tokyo, Minami was strongly influenced by the “Association of those without voices” (Koe Naki Koe No Kai) led by Tsurumi Shunsuke. In addition, Minami established Toride-shuppan – a book publishing company – in 1972 and started a gay magazine ADON. By request of Bill Shure who responsible for Sweden’s secretary at the time of the IGA, kept an eye on this magazine, Minami has established the IGA Japan in 1984. When he founded IGA/ILGA Japan he adopted the method of “creating a space for daily communication”.

The “learning-action” method was designed to help members come to a consciousness of themselves as gay, and to see themselves as oppressed. However, Minami’s activities did not always meet the needs of younger members, and this eventually led to a split in the movement. Although the movement split, OCCUR, a movement of the next generation of gay activists, learned from his “learning-action” theory, and it has continued to influence later generation in the sexual minorities movements.