Pride Sports UK, in collaboration with the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation, the Federation of Gay Games, GLISA International, the LGBT Consortium, and the Pride House Foundation, is pleased to announce Pride House 2012, a welcoming space for all athletes, staff, spectators and friends of London 2012. Pride House 2012 will be open from 3 to 7 August at CA House in Limehouse Basin, with the Pride House 2012 festival continuing in various venues through 12 August, the day of the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Pride House 2012 will celebrate sport for all while bringing together members and friends of the worldwide LGBT community to view live screenings of London 2012 and discuss relevant topics related to LGBT sport.
The varied programme will also include live music from local LGBT organisations, exhibits, and video presentations, as well as an associated sports programme, including a Football v Homophobia football tournament.
Featured as part of Pride House 2012 will be an exhibition provided by Pride Sports UK and the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) entitled “Against the Rules’, presenting the history of LGBT sport through profiles of pioneering men and women athletes.
Lou Englefield, Pride Sports UK Executive Director, stated: “Pride House 2012 will provide a welcoming space for all, from Olympic athletes to recreational sports enthusiasts and spectators. Our aim is to welcome everyone to learn more about the vibrant LGBT sport movement while celebrating the London games.”
Emy Ritt, Federation of Gay Games Co-President, added: “With the opening of Pride House 2012, we continue to build on the legacy of 1968 gay Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games, the largest international sporting event open to all. We are pleased that Pride House 2012 will showcase LGBT sport and culture and the many clubs and organisations that have been created as a result of the first Gay Games in 1982.”
Olympic speed skater and Gay Games Ambassador Blake Skjellerup stated: “My visit to Pride House during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics was a major influence on my public coming out, and the support I received after doing so was overwhelming. Yet there is still a lack of LGBT based role-models in sport. I believe it is important for everyone, and especially young people, to see that no matter whom you are or where you come from, you can still succeed and reach your highest levels. The legacy from the London Pride House 2012 for future Olympic Games will make a difference!”
Paul Brummitt, secretary of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA International) expressed his satisfaction with the project: “Pride House 2012 will be a showcase for local clubs, as well as regional and international events such as the World and Continental Outgames, the Gay Games, and the EuroGames.”
Chad Molleken, chairman of the Pride House Foundation, stated: “Pride House 2012 will continue to build on what began in Vancouver, bringing together the entire community and allies. The Pride House Foundation aims to increase the number of role models in sport by supporting athletes, sports organisations and educational initiatives beyond 2012.”
Scheduling is in progress, and propositions are welcome. Pride House 2012 welcomes all offers of help, whether financial, value in kind, or volunteers.
For more information about Pride House 2012, contact Lou Englefield: lou@pridesports.org.uk