Kyushu University “LGBTs Support Guide” Publication Commemoration Symposium / 3rd Inclusive Design Seminar: Design for LGBTs and an Inclusive Society

Kyushu University published its official “LGBTs Support Guide” in July of 2020. In commemoration, the Faculty of Design held an online symposium on Saturday, October 3. The title of the symposium is “Design for LGBTs and an Inclusive Society: Creating New Value in Universities, Workplaces, and Society.”

To create a diverse and inclusive society welcoming LGBTs, we must bring new perspectives to the design of things, services, and social systems. This symposium featured three panelists working hard to bring inclusivity to universities, companies, and society. They exchanged opinions regarding current challenges and what design could do. The goal of the symposium was to have panelists and participants together consider how design could help create new values concerning LGBTs and gender.

In concurrence with the symposium, we will also be holding a “Words and Gender Exhibition.”

Program
14:00　Opening Remarks / About the “LGBTs Support Guide”
14:15　Design vs. Diversity / Hiroya Igarashi
14:35　LGBTQ Communication Center: Launch and Design Approach / Mamoru Sato
14:55　Unraveling the Everyday: Beyond Commonplace Design (Working Title) / Jun Nakajima
15:25　Discussion
16:50　Future Plans
17:00　Closing Remarks

Panelists
Hiroya Igarashi
Specially Appointed Professor, University of Tsukuba (DAC Center Advisor, Entrepreneurial Education Supervisor)
After graduating from university (department of science and engineering, mechanical engineering major), Hiroya worked at the GK Industrial Design Laboratory and the Fuji Xerox Design Laboratory before then becoming a professor of art at Tsukuba College of Technology and University of Tsukuba. Afterward, he served as director of the Center for Diversity, Accessibility and Career Development and as an executive officer at the University of Tsukuba before taking on his current position.

Mamoru Sato
Senior Manager, Accenture Interactive Headquarters
In his current position, Mamoru leads projects such as the formulation of business strategies for the digital age, the launch of new businesses and services, the promotion of organization design and reform, and the reform of marketing businesses. He is also in charge of Accenture Japan’s LGBTQ Ally Network, where he plans and promotes policies for both internal and external “Allies” and their related parties. He is also the Project Producer for the Accenture Art Department and holds leading insights in the domain of “(Design + Art) x Business x Technology.”

Jun Nakajima
Gender Diversity Promoter (Also: NPO staff, course instructor, etc.)
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Jun began broadcasting to the Kanto region with the theme of gender diversity while he was still in university. After working for a private company, he obtained his master’s in sociology. Currently, as one of several occupations, he actively communicates to local governments, schools, and companies with the theme of “diverse ways of living and being.” Jun believes that gender is a human right and an important component of living true to oneself. He is particularly interested in communicating with and educating children.

Moderators
Mia Nakamura, Yoshita Ogata (Faculty of Design, Kyushu University)

Organizer
Faculty of Design, Kyushu University Design Initiative for Diversity & Inclusion Preparation Office

Supporters
Kyushu University Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University Office for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Kyushu University Faculty of Design Social Art Lab, Kyushu University School of Design Futures Course

About the Design Initiative for Diversity & Inclusion Preparation Office
From October 2019, The Kyushu University Faculty of Design has been researching design for the creation of an inclusive society. On February 19, 2020, the first seminar, titled “Designing for a Society Inclusion Diversity ~Faculty of Design × Division of inclusion~,” was held. Soon after, amidst a state of emergency, a second seminar was held online on April 27, 2020. Going forward, in preparation for next year’s Design Initiative for Diversity & Inclusion, we have established a preparatory office and intend to hold regular seminars.