The Paris Olympics organizers inaugurated Pride House on a barge in the Seine River on Friday.
Located between the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde in the city center, the boat aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQ athletes and visitors during both the Olympics and Paralympics.
French Equality Minister Aurore Bergé emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and included in the festivities.
This initiative is part of a broader movement promoting LGBTQ rights during major sporting events, with the first Pride House established during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Tokyo’s 2021 Games made significant strides in LGBTQ inclusion, setting a precedent for future events.
The Pride House is pictured in Paris (Via Tom Keenan/Getty Images)
Amazin LeThi, a Vietnamese LGBTQ athlete and Pride House ambassador, highlighted the significance for athletes who may not have experienced full acceptance in their home countries, noting that Paris will provide a refreshing environment where they can freely be themselves.
The International Olympic Committee’s 2021 decision to relax rules on expressions of belief or identity allowed athletes to wear rainbow colors at the Tokyo Games. This policy will continue in Paris, allowing athletes to express themselves openly when not competing.
The Pride House is scheduled to open to visitors on July 26, following the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
