Tokyo gets first 'Pride House' for LGBTQ community as a part of pre-Olympics project

Ahead of Tokyo Olympics, a community hub for LGBTQ 'Pride House Tokyo' has been unveiled in city on Sunday. This is world's first Pride House to be officially recognized by an Olympic Organizing Committee. aim of this pre-Olympics project is to raise awareness about harassment, discrimination and social stigma faced by LGBTQ community. 2020 Tokyo Olympics which were scheduled for July 2020 but had to be postponed to July 2021 due to COVID-19.

Permanent Pride House in Tokyo

According to international media reports, 'Pride House Tokyo' will be a little different than or similar pop-up sites that have pas Olympics have seen. This site will be a permanent meeting for people of LGBTQ community and will operate as an information centre to educate general public about sexual diversity and orientations. It also seeks to provide a safe and shelter for all those who are suffering from discrimination and harassment. 

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Speaking at opening ceremony, head of 'Pride House Tokyo', Gon Matsunaka said that IOC President Thomas Bach encourd entire team with regards to ir program which was official approved by organising committee of Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As per international media reports, Matsunaka also said that Japan as a society is t LGBTQ friendly which makes it hard for people to come out. He also said that site could become a landmark and bring change for LGBTQ community in Japan. director of HR policy Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Kazuko Kaya said, "Working with Pride House is essential to be able to achieve one of three core concepts, 'Unity in Diversity', of Tokyo 2020 Games Vision."

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LGBTQ rights in Japan

Despite having laws to protect sexual mirities, Japan still remains only G7 country that does t have laws that recognize same-sex unions. According to reports, several couples have to deal with discrimination in housing, education, employment and even health care. Japan has laws to protect or provide legal recourses to people who face discrimination on basis of sexual orientation and identity. 

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(With inputs from ncies)