Photo Credit: Paris 2024
The organizing committee for Paris 2024 announced last month a partnership with Pride House, an installation that has taken place at most Olympics since the 2010 Vancouver games. A place, at the heart of the games, designed to welcome LGBTQ+ fans and athletes. A French not-for-profit initiative dedicated to fair play, equality and respect – Pride House will offer a program of inclusive sport.
The objectives include providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, empowering athletes, celebrating performances of LGBTQ+ athletes, educating about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in and through sport; and building awareness.
“There are plenty of opportunities for athletes and associations to use the platform of the Games to demonstrate that there (are) some situations (that are) not acceptable, that we have to evolve,” said Tony Estanguet, the president of Paris 2024.
The decision to partner with Pride House underscores the games’ commitment to foster an environment of equality and inclusivity. “We are very happy to participate in the Pride House project, which will be a place of exchange and celebration for LGBTI people and their allies in 2024,” Estanguet said.
In the 2020 Tokyo games, a record breaking 186 publicly out athletes competed. It’s hard to predict how many LGBTQ+ athletes will compete in Paris, but since 2008, that number has doubled every Summer Olympics. As a host country, France has been progressing in queer rights and became the 14th country in 2013 to legalize same-sex marriages.
In the Olympic Charter and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes that gender equality, inclusion and diversity are integral components of the IOC’s vision of building a peaceful and better world through sport. This is cornerstone of the Olympic movement is the belief that sport has the power to bridge divides and promote harmony among people from diverse backgrounds.
Paris 2024 Olympics will allow athletes to speak on LGBTQ inclusion – Outsports
The Olympic Games celebrate diversity on the global stage (olympics.com)