Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated in June, providing an occasion to contemplate how the Olympic Games promote inclusivity.
The Olympic Movement firmly believes in the power of sports to bridge divides and foster harmony among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
These principles are evident in both the Olympic Charter and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which acknowledge that gender equality, inclusion, and diversity are essential elements of the IOC’s vision to build a peaceful and better world through sports.
Pride House Tokyo’s Enduring Legacy Following a rich tradition that dates back to the first Pride House at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the Paris 2024 Pride House will build upon the success of its Tokyo 2020 counterpart.
The Tokyo Pride House, which has been transformed into Japan’s first permanent LGBTQ+ support centre, has left a profound legacy of inclusion and diversity after the Games.
Tokyo 2020 witnessed the participation of the largest number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes ever, and since then, Pride House Tokyo has undertaken various projects and programs.
These initiatives include a counselling service for LGBTQ+ youth and educational seminars for sports organizations. In June 2022, Pride House Tokyo signed an agreement with the Japanese Olympic Committee to promote inclusivity in sports throughout Japan.
Pride at Paris 2024 The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 will further emphasize the significance of inclusion within the Olympic Movement. The slogan “Games wide open,” chosen by Paris 2024, underscores the organizers’ commitment to combating discrimination.
To commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17, Paris 2024 announced the creation of the Pride House. This dedicated space at the Games will celebrate LGBTQ+ athletes, their supporters, fans, and allies.
Located at Parc de la Villette, close to competition venues such as La Chapelle Arena, Stade de France, and La Concorde, the Pride House will be at the heart of the Games.
Led by the Fier-Play association, a French non-profit initiative focused on fair play, equality, and respect, in partnership with Paris 2024, the Pride House will offer a program of celebratory, cultural, and educational activities centred around inclusive sports.
The objectives of the Pride House are as follows:
- Provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Empower athletes.
- Celebrate the Games and the achievements of LGBTQ+ athletes.
- Educate on the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in and through sports.
- Raise awareness and visibility, leaving a lasting legacy for the international sports movement.
Games for All To ensure that the message of inclusion and diversity reaches all attendees of the 2024 Games, in addition to the permanent Pride House in central Paris, a mobile Pride House will pop up at various Games venues and throughout the city. Additionally, a digital Pride House will be accessible on smartphones.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, emphasized the transformative power of sports and its ability to change mindsets and combat discrimination.
He stated, “As organizers of the world’s biggest sporting event, we have a responsibility, and we also want to take advantage of the visibility of the Games to advance this essential fight.”
The Pride House is just one of the many initiatives embraced by Paris 2024 and its stakeholders in the fight against discrimination.
These include Paris 2024 signing the LGBT+ Commitment Charter as an employer and the efforts of the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund, which supports projects using sports as a tool for inclusion each year.