The Phenomenology of Minorities Living in Nishinari : From the Narratives of Sexual Minorities

ニシナリ　二　イキル　マイノリティ　ノ　ゲンショウガク　セクシャルマイノリティ　ノ　カタリ　カラ

Japanese Society for Clinical Phenomenology

This paper aims to phenomenologically describe the life experiences of Mr. Tadashi Hase, based on his reflections on "euthanasia" shared with me, his female friend. Hase's narrative, which reveals how a sexual minority navigated the end-of-life stage while enduring a shifting societal gaze since childhood, is crucial for understanding and supporting minorities. Hase was born as a non-legitimate child and raised in a female-dominated household with little connection to his biological parents. He became aware of being gay during elementary school but lived in seclusion, avoiding social interactions. In his fifties, he participated in gay communities and demonstrations but felt out of place and returned to a life of solitude. In his later years, he moved to the Airin district, met care manager Masahiro Umeda, accepted long-rejected medical and welfare services, and began to deepen his interactions with various people. Subsequently, he strived for Umeda to witness the end of his life, but Umeda passed away unexpectedly. Subsequently, Hase articulated his death as "euthanasia," entrusting it to others and letting go. Although Hase spent most of his life concealing his homosexuality and avoiding social connections, in his later years, he began to come out and adapt to the changes in society and time. Moreover, within the unique context of the Airin district, the minority identities he possessed were not seen as targets of discrimination but became part of his individuality, illustrating that the ease of living varies by region. Furthermore, the presence of “companions” like Umeda provided Hase with a sense of belonging and enabled him to harbor final wishes for his life. Many people cannot fully understand the confusion and struggles of minorities, his case illustrates that creating relationships and sharing thoughts fosters understanding and support.