Japanese Soccer Player Comes Out As Transgender

A 27-year-old player for the Washington Spirit feels more comfortable revealing their gender identity in the US due to a more open environment towards gender and sexual diversity. In contrast, Japan lacks many legal protections for LGBTQ individuals, making it difficult for them to come out there.

What legal protections do LGBTQ people lack in Japan according to the text?

What did the individual say about coming out in Japan?