Paris Olympics 2024 Will Have “Plenty Of Opportunities” To Speak About LGBTQIA+ Discrimination
Paris 2024, the organising committee for the upcoming Olympic Games, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Pride House, a global organisation that champions LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports, reports Associated Press.
This collaboration aims to empower athletes to address discrimination within their respective sports and utilise the Games as a platform for advocating change.
This is a stark difference from previous Games
President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Committee Tony Estanguet expressed the need to evolve and eliminate unacceptable situations in the realm of sports. The decision to partner with Pride House underscores Paris 2024’s commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and equality for all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Estanguet emphasises the significance of leveraging the Olympic Games as a catalyst for progress. He says, “There are plenty of opportunities for athletes, for associations, to use the platform of the Games to demonstrate that there (are) some situations (that are) not acceptable, that we have to evolve.” This approach signifies a pivotal shift in the Olympic movement, recognising the importance of amplifying athletes’ voices and their experiences, reports Associated Press.
Previous Olympic Games have been the site of battles for recognition of queer athletes and their respective struggles for inclusion. The Associated Press mentions when activists waved rainbow flags in Moscow’s Red Square and protested in St Petersburg and were subsequently arrested during the 2014 Olympics in Russia.
This change in attitudes arrives at a time when the sporting world is witnessing a growing number of athletes coming out and sharing their experiences. Among those who have spoken up are diver Tom Daley, freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy and Aussie gymnast Dominic Clarke. The partnership between Paris 2024 and Pride House serves as a testament to the collective effort required to create lasting change, promoting a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape.
As the Olympic Games approach, the focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion will continue to gain momentum. The Games will not only celebrate athletic excellence but also serve as a platform for athletes to advocate for change.
