A new LGBTQ network to support athletes around the world

 

Proud Champions is a European network of LGBTQ athletes and allies committed to a sport where everyone can be themselves. Proud Champions is supported by two associations: Fier-Play (France) and Compete Proud (Spain).

The network’s website features profiles of an initial 15 member athletes, all of whom have experience in elite sports. Some have now retired, while others are still competing.

They connect athletes from all walks of life, whether they are professional competitors or former athletes, and public figures around a common mission: to create visibility, inspire new generations, promote inclusion in sport, and make them proud of this diversity..

The launch of Proud Champions follows the successful staging of Pride House Paris at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The Pride House Paris venue and wider initiative were supported by the International Olympic Committee and helped to provide greater LGBTQ visibility compared to previous editions of the Games.

Proud Champions provides a space where pride becomes a strength, where support can be found, and where inspiration is provided through example. Discover the faces and stories behind Proud Champions here.

Same-sex couples legally recognized in "de facto" marriages in Japan

 

Japan’s government has decided to allow same-sex couples to be treated as being in de facto marriages under a total of nine more laws and ordinances,

The move follows a High Court ruling delivered in March 2024, which stated that denying marriage equality to same-sex couples in Japan is unconstitutional and called on the government to take action to address the lack of protections.

In March 2024, the Sapporo High Court ruled that not granting same-sex couples the right to marry and enjoy the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts amounted to a violation of their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage.

Japan remains the only Group of Seven major industrialized country that has not legalized same-sex marriage or civil unions, despite growing pressure from the LGBTQ community and its supporters.

Although Japan does not recognize same-sex marriage, a majority of Japanese show their support, and a number of municipalities issue partnership certificates for LGBTQ couples.