動くゲイとレズビアンの会 (Japan Association for the Lesbian & Gay Movement)
OCCUR (特定非営利活動法人アカー, lit.'Designated Non-Profit Organization "OCCUR"') is a Japanese LGBT rights organization, founded in 1986. The organization is also involved in raising awareness of and providing medical treatment for HIV/AIDS.[2]
OCCUR was founded in 1986 as a split of ILGA Japan, founded by several young members dissastisfied with the group's leadership.[3] The group became known for taking more proactive media and legal roles than prior organizations in Japan.[4]
In February 1990, members of OCCUR stayed overnight at Fuchu Youth House for a study session. After members introduced themselves as members of a gay organization, they faced harassment from both other guests and the director of the facility, and were subsequently barred from using the facility by the director. In 1991, OCCUR filed a lawsuit against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government over discriminatory treatment, and the legal battle subsequently became a major focus for the group. Following two separate trials, OCCUR won the case against the government on 16 September 1997.[5][6] The judgement has since been regarded as a major legal turning point on the issue of discrimination against sexual minorities in Japan.[7]
On 2 December 1999, OCCUR was officially registered as a non-profit organization.[1]
In 2018, the group's official name was changed from "Japan Association for the Lesbian & Gay Movement" to "OCCUR", which had already been in use since the organization was formed.[8]
