A new group is to be launched to have the voices of sexual minorities better heard ahead of the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May. It is set to work with its counterparts overseas to put forward policy proposals.

The citizen's group, Pride7, is to consist of groups of sexual minorities and human rights organizations.

It is aimed at putting forward a set of proposals for protecting human rights of sexual minorities as Japan is to host the G7 summit.

As of Wednesday, support organizations from G7 nations and 4 other countries are said to be planning to participate.

On March 30th, a citizens' summit is scheduled to be held with the participation of support organizations from the United States, Britain and other countries, as well as foreign embassy staff.

What is discussed there will be drafted into a set of policy proposals so it can be presented to the leaders and governments around the world.

Pointing to slow progress in establishing legislation for banning discrimination against the LGBT community, the new group hopes to contribute to discussions on sexual minority issues.

Kamiya Yuichi, the Japan Alliance for LGBT legislation, says the significance for the foundation of Pride7 is that it can visualize how issues are being debated among concerned parties.

He says thorough discussions are also needed over the roles the G7 should play in addressing issues on sexual orientation and gender identity.