This gay Buddhist monk is a make-up artist, has an Instagram account, and he’s speaking up for LGBT equality in Japan

When not in Buddhist robes, Kodo Nishimura often appears wearing make-up, heels and fake eyelashes on his Instagram account, which has nearly 60,000 followers

The 31-year-old hopes his autobiography, published recently, will inspire more LGBT people in Japan to openly embrace their sexual identity

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Japanese make-up artist and Buddhist monk Kodo Nishimura speaks at Waseda University in Tokyo. Immaculately made up, sporting smoky eyeshadow, false lashes and winged eyeliner, he changed outfits three times during a presentation. At his monastery he wears a monk’s robe. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:15am, 24 Oct 2020Updated: 8:08pm, 2 Nov 2020

During a sheltered upbringing in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, gay Japanese monk Kodo Nishimura kept his sexuality a closely guarded secret, and also concealed his burgeoning love of make-up.

Nowadays, Nishimura blends religious duties with work as a make-up artist, making him an unusual figure in socially conservative Japan, where same-sex marriage remains illegal and being openly gay is largely taboo.

The 31-year-old said his eventual decision to come out had been the “best weapon” to challenge homophobia, and he now hopes his autobiography will inspire more LGBT people in his country to openly embrace their sexual identity.

“If you’re ashamed to show your difference, you can become vulnerable, but if you switch your attitude, your difference is your best weapon,” he said. “When I was hiding my sexuality, people made fun of me. After I came out, I realised that there were so many cultures that celebrate LGBT communities. There’s nothing wrong with it,” he said, wearing a Buddhist robe.

Nishimura, whose parents were monks at the temple where he grew up, was ordained himself five years ago, but he also works as a freelance make-up artist for celebrities and at events including the Miss Universe pageant.

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