#Japan #Tokyo #LGBTQ+ #Gilead Sciences #Kotonohafuwari

Gilead Sciences Introduces Activity Cards for LGBTQ+ Awareness

In a significant move to promote inclusion and diversity, Gilead Sciences, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has unveiled a set of activity cards titled "Kotonohafuwari." This initiative is designed with the LGBTQ+ community in mind and is being released in conjunction with Pride Month activities. The project has been developed under the supervision of the nonprofit organization Pride House Tokyo.

Gilead's Kotonohafuwari cards serve as a dialogue tool that encourages discussions about the painful experiences and words that LGBTQ+ individuals might have encountered throughout their lives. By inviting conversations on healing and understanding, these cards aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community. The cards feature stories collected from participants at the Gilead booth during the Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024, where they received 581 responses through surveys. These stories will also be exhibited at the Tokyo Pride 2025 Pride Parade & Festival, where visitors shared 1,279 healing messages, which have been compiled into a "book of healing words" included with the cards.

Yuri Igarashi, the Executive Director of Pride House Tokyo, expressed her support for this initiative, stating, "We appreciate Gilead Sciences' efforts in crafting these cards. We hope that the real voices and diverse perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals reach a wider audience. We also look forward to future workshops that will provide effective methods for employers and educators to incorporate this tool into their training programs. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the community and educational settings through corporate initiatives."

The Kotonohafuwari cards consist of various components: 40 episode cards, 20 hint cards, a healing word collection, a guideline sheet, and a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms. The design of the cards, featuring the motif of leaves, symbolizes the healing power derived from the biblical Balm of Gilead, which inspired the company’s name.

Gilead’s commitment to enhancing inclusion and diversity is evident not only through these cards but also through numerous other initiatives. Starting June 6 to 7, Gilead will showcase the completed Kotonohafuwari cards at the Tokyo Pride 2026 Pride Parade & Festival, where they will invite attendees to share ideas on how to utilize these cards effectively.

Andrew Hexter, the CEO of Gilead Sciences, stated, “We believe that fostering an inclusive environment for all, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, is essential for improving everyone's health. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to a society where people are respected with dignity and without prejudice or bias. We hope that by encouraging diverse perspectives, we can strengthen our commitment to creating a more inclusive environment both internally and externally.”

How to Obtain the Kotonohafuwari Cards

Gilead Sciences will distribute 50 sets of the Kotonohafuwari cards to schools and organizations, excluding medical institutions. The application can be submitted via email or through an online registration form. Interested parties must include details such as organization name, department, contact person, and shipping address.

The application period extends from May 26 to July 12, 2026, with the winners announced upon shipment of the cards. For inquiries, individuals can reach the Kotonohafuwari Promotion Office via email.

About Gilead Sciences

For over 35 years, Gilead Sciences has been dedicated to creating a healthier world through medical innovation. The company focuses on developing groundbreaking therapeutics for life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, driving significant advancements in healthcare.