From Tokyo to Paris, Passing the Torch of LGBTQ+ Initiatives in the Sports World: Pride House Tokyo Holds a Handover Ceremony with Pride House Paris.

A Video Summarizing Activities at the Paris 2024 Games and a Joint Communication on Three Years of Collaboration Between Pride House Tokyo and the Japanese Olympic Committee was also released.

The “Pride House Tokyo” consortium, which was established in conjunction with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as “Tokyo 2020 Games”), held various activities between July 25th and 30th, coinciding with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as ” Paris 2024 Games”).(*1)

On the 6th of this month, a video summarizing these activities in Paris was released. The video also includes reflections and thoughts from key persons involved in “Pride House(*2)” activities, discussing the changes in the sports world and society.

①Joint Press Conference with the Japanese Olympic Committee!

On July 29, a joint press conference with the Japanese Olympic Committee (hereafter, JOC) was held at the TEAM JAPAN HOUSE (Japan Cultural Institute in Paris: 101 bis Quai Jacques Chirac, 75015 Paris) to discuss the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 slogan “Unity and Diversity.”

Pride House Tokyo and JOC signed a four-year partnership agreement in June 2022, working together to promote a wide range of initiatives supported by the Nippon Foundation. The press conference shared the efforts made from 2022 to 2024 with the Japanese media and sports organizations.

JOC Vice President Yuko Mitsuya, JOC Board Member Fumino Sugiyama, Pride House Tokyo Co-Representative (at the time) Aya Noguchi, and Pride House Tokyo Board Member Gon Matsunaka participated in the event.

JOC Vice President Mitsuya stated, “One of JOC’s roles is to broaden the understanding and awareness of diversity in society through press conferences and training sessions like these. We aim to create a world where everyone can engage in sports without fear, with fairness, and in safety, and we hope the JOC can help build such a society,” emphasizing the importance of discussing LGBTQ+ issues in sports.

Following the joint press conference, Pride House Tokyo held a separate press conference announcing the launch of the “Pride House Tokyo Book Project,” a three-year project beginning in 2024 with sponsorship from the Panasonic Group.

 

②LGBTQ+ Information Corner Set Up at Team Japan House!

From July 25 to August 11, an LGBTQ+ information corner was set up at the Team Japan House. In addition to distributing Pride House Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ guidebooks, the corner featured panel displays on LGBTQ+ issues and sports, as well as informational videos with messages from athletes. The corner was visited by both domestic and international spectators, event officials, and various other visitors.

③Handover Ceremony with Pride House Paris!

The flag features a design that combines “mizuhiki,” a traditional Japanese decorative cord used for celebrations and gifts, with a track and field motif, all colored in the 11 stripes of the Progress Pride Flag. Through the design of “mizuhiki,” which symbolizes the connection between people, the flag conveys the desire for the various Pride Houses to connect (Connect) and stand in solidarity (Unite) with each other.

 

④Talk Show with Three Pride House Organizations and Athletes!

On July 30, a talk show was held on the themes “Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights Through Major Sports Events” and “The Role Expected of Pride Houses.” Aya Noguchi, Co-Representative of Pride House Tokyo (at the time), served as a speaker and moderator, with Jeremy Goupille, Co-Representative of Pride House Paris, Emy Ritt, Board Member of Pride House International(*4) (hereafter, PHI), athlete and ally Mikako Kotani, and JOC Board Member Fumino Sugiyama as panelists. The discussion highlighted that each Pride House, established in different regions and times, faces unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Pride House can learn from and support each other.”

⑤Visit to Paris’ Largest LGBTQ+ Center!

Pride House Tokyo made a visit to the “Le Centre LGBTQI+ de Paris et d’Île-de-France,” where discussions were held on the center’s activities and its collaboration with local organizations. The center hosts over 100 LGBTQ+ organizations in Paris, functioning as a shared office space while providing tailored support to meet their operational needs. The center also actively supports LGBTQ+ refugees living in France and works in close collaboration with the French government and police, while maintaining independence from government institutions and focusing on independent fundraising.

 

*1 This project was supported by the Nippon Foundation.
*2 Pride House: A facility set up by local non-profit organizations during international sporting events to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, as well as to disseminate accurate information about LGBTQ+ issues.
*3 Pride House Paris: Established for the Paris 2024 Games, it is the first Pride House in history to receive official recognition from the IOC.
*4 Pride House International: An international network established to promote information sharing and solidarity among Pride Houses worldwide, founded in response to the Russian government’s “anti-gay propaganda law” prior to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.