Five local assembly members who are gay or transgender have set up a league to protect the rights of sexual minorities across Japan through local initiatives.

The group of local politicians will seek to spread local ordinances and policy measures that protect LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights, the founding members announced at a news conference in the Tokyo metropolitan government building on July 6.

Seventy-eight supporters, including prefectural and municipal assembly members, also joined the league.

Kunihiro Maeda, 51, an assembly member in Bunkyo Ward and another founding member, came out as gay at the news conference.

“LGBT people exist in any generation,” he said. “I hope my coming out will encourage people in my generation to take a courageous step.” Read more via Asahi Shimbun