As a sponsor, the board of directors of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA) is proud to announce the opening on February 8, 2010 of PRIDE House, the gaythemed retreat for athletes, coaches and all visitors to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
Organizers believe PRIDE House can help fight homophobia in sports and the general public, according to Gay Whistler CEO Dean Nelson. While they hope gay athletes will use the Pride House to declare pride in their sexual orientation, the House is open to all. “Anybody with an open mind is welcome to drop in,” Nelson said. “We anticipate that quite a few people coming in will be straight people who are curious about what we’re doing and what it’s like to be a gay athlete. We hope it will instil more confidence to all athletes to be authentic.”
Featured in PRIDE House will be various art installations including a presentation of Jeff Sheng’s ‘Fearless’ project, a photo series of openly gay high school and collegiate athletes A speaker’s chalet will be set up where people can share their stories on tape. “In no way does it imply the person’s sexual orientation,” Nelson said. “Also we are working with local sporting communities to let them know that this pavilion is available for everyone to come by and have a comfortable place to meet new friends.”