For the first time ever, gays, lesbians, and transgender people have an official venue at the Olympics.
"The reaction has been huge. People from all walks of life and all different places have been really, really great," says Ken Coolen, the organizer for Pride House.
There are two Pride Houses at the Olympics. One is in Whistler and the other is in Vancouver. Both provide a safe haven at the Games for those who are out and anyone else who wants to drop by.
"Dig into anybody and you'll find something interesting," says Fleet Banks, a visitor to the pride pavilion. "We should accept people for who they are and the rest of the world should catch up with that way of thinking."
Like all the other provincial pavilions, Pride House features artwork on its walls.
Edmonton sculptor Edmund Haakonson has a piece of his work on display. "Being able to live life and being true to yourself, that's what this sculpture represents."
Hasskonson's bronzed, naked hockey player was given to the Pride House to display with support from the Alberta Ministry of Culture and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. The sculpture is for sale and 25 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Pride House.
The work prompted a visit from Culture Minister, Lindsay Blackett. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be hosting a conservative MLA from Alberta," says Coolen.
The pride venues will also be open during the Paralympic Winter Games.
