Japan’s first lady Akie Abe surprised members of the LGBT community by taking part in Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride event this weekend.

The 51 year-old – renowned for holding liberal opinions which often conflict with those of her ultra conservative husband, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe – made her way through over 3,000 participants gathered in the city’s Shibuya district, atop a white parade float surrounded by drag queens (above).

After the parade on Sunday, April 27, Akie told Facebook followers that she has also been involved in LBGT awareness efforts since she joined a commission set up by UNAIDS and the Lancet medical journal last year, reports Japan Daily Press.

“I want to help build a society where anyone can conduct happy, enriched lives without facing discrimination,” she wrote. “I had the pleasure of spending fun time filled with smiles. Thank you,” she posted.