Highlights
- Shunny says Australia is a country that allows the freedom to be who you are
- According to Dentsu, 65.1 per cent of the LGBTQI population in Japan has not yet come out
- Shunny hopes to help other sexual minorities through his posts
Melbourne-based YouTuber and hospitality worker Shunny has been posting on his YouTube channel for just over a year now.
His posts range from life in Melbourne to the numerous lockdowns, tips on improving English, to showcasing his favourite cafes and restaurants. But among his most popular posts are those that dig deep into his personal life.
Shunny began to question his sexuality soon after graduating from high school, yet it took several years before he became public.
"Unfortunately, Japan has created a society, where opening up about your sexuality is difficult," he said.
According to the LGBT Research 2018 conducted by Japanese adversiting and public relations agency, Dentsu, although the recognition of the term LGBT has increased to 68.5 per cent (compared to 37. 6 per cent in 2015) , 65.1 per cent of LGBT identified had not shared their sexuality with anyone, up by 8.3 per cent from 2015. The major reason was "Didn't see a need" (49.0 per cent), followed by ''Didn't want to be discriminated." (43.5 per cent).
When Shunny arrived in Australia four years ago, he was surprised how openly people talked about their sexuality.
"I didn't have to hide anymore," he told SBS Japanese. "Australia allowed me to be who I am, and be proud and confident of who I am."
Although Shunny had opened up to his mother about his sexuality, he hadn't made an announcement to the rest of his family or friends. "My mother was very accepting, our relationship stayed the same."
However, with plans to make Melbourne his permanent home with partner, Maison, Shunny wanted to be open about who he is.
"Of course I hesitated at first, but I also wanted to help those who were in a similar situation. I know there are many Japanese LGBTQI, who have been living life in hiding."
Shunny has received numerous messages thanking him for sharing his courage. For some, it gave them 'a push on the back', to finally come out to their family and friends.
"I hope to create more content about LGBTQI" says Shunny.
In between working in the hospitality industry and making regular YouTube posts, Shuuny is studying to become a Qantas flight attendant in the future.
"The industry is so badly impacted by the pandemic, and I don't know when it will resume, but becoming a flight attendant on Qantas is my dream."
Shunny is also a barista and restaurant manager in Melbourne Source: Shunny
Shunny says he will be watching this year's Mardi Gras from the comfort of his home but plans to attend next year's event to celebrate its 44th year. "Especially Qantas" he adds, hoping that his dream job may come through by then.
SBS is the official broadcast partner for 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and will be live Saturday 6 March 6pm AEDT on . You can also catch the full parade at 7:30pm on and .
Follow the conversation on SBS Australia social #MardiGras2021 and #WeRiseFor and via
