The Sony Group promotes the creation of workplaces where LGBTQ+ employees can be themselves and work with peace of mind, in line with national and regional realities.
In Japan, the Sony Group gives due consideration to employees with same-sex partners and transgender employees, not just through its HR system but also through infrastructural improvements and systems operations.
It also endeavors to increase understanding of LGBTQ+ employees as well as providing knowledge about SOGI* in mandatory training for all employees and offering individual training for employees who want to learn more.
There is a network for ally employees who wish to proactively support LGBTQ+ employees. It distributes newsletters by email and provides opportunities to participate in planning and organizing LGBTQ+ related events.
With regard to the LGBTQ+ community, it is essential to work not only within the Sony Group but also with other companies, NPOs, and local governments. We therefore hold events open to outside companies and sponsor events and community activities.
More specifically, the Sony Group is engaged in the following activities.
Sponsor LGBTQ+ events and community spaces in Japan, etc.
As a result of initiatives like this, 20 Sony Group companies, including Sony Group Corporation, were awarded Gold Certification in PRIDE Index 2022. This index for rating companies in Japan and elsewhere was established by the nonprofit organization work with Pride* to define initiatives for members of the LGBTQ+ community and other sexual minorities in the workplace.
On February 28, we held an event entitled LGBTQ+ support activities in Japan ： Because you are here. Three people* who run LGBTQ+ support communities around Japan spoke about the current status and outlook for LGBTQ+ support.
As the event was designed to reach out beyond the Sony Group, it was attended by approximately 200 people, including representatives of organizations and companies involved in promoting human rights awareness and diversity, as well as employees of Sony Group companies in Japan.
The speakers at the event covered the history of LGBTQ+ initiatives in Japan, the current situation as seen from survey results, the efforts of individual communities, the meaning and practical challenges of community management, and what companies can do to help.
To conclude, we introduce messages for companies from the three speakers.
Sony Group Corporation is a sponsor of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 which will take place in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on April 22-23.
During the event, a signboard introducing the Sony Group will be displayed at the venue, while an introductory page will be posted on the official Tokyo Rainbow Pride website.
In addition, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) Inc. invited and held an internal awareness event in March where Bourbonne-san, the general chair of Tokyo Rainbow Pride and a legendary drag queen in Japan, was invited as a lecturer. Employees could learn more about LGBTQ+ and the importance of self-affirmation ahead of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023.
This year, SIE will participate at Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 again and set up a special photo booth where visitors can take digital photos with the familiar PlayStation® shapes (△○×□) photo frame and an exclusive 2023 rainbow color filter. Come join us at the SIE booth to have your photo taken with the exclusive Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 design and push the boundaries of play together!
In conjunction with Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a video showing the Sony Group's stance on LGBTQ+ issues will be aired both days on Sony Vision Shibuya, a large outdoor display installed on the Shibuya Modi Building. Please take a look!
