Waiver Granted for HIV+ Athletes

A U.S. federal blanket waiver has been approved allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend the Gay Games 2006. The Federation of Gay Games and Chicago Games, Inc. announced that the waiver comes with federal approval of Designated Event Status for Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival set for July 15-22,  2006 in Chicago.

"Many people with HIV/AIDS and other life-affecting health issues have competed and set Masters-division records at past Gay Games, and we are happy that all participants from outside the United States once again will be able to travel freely to attend the Gay Games this summer," said Kathleen Webster, co-president of the international Federation of Gay Games.

HIV-positive participants and attendees of Gay Games VII can now apply for a single entry B-2 travel visa from their local U.S. consulate. The visa, valid July 8-28, 2006, will be issued on a special form instead of being placed permanently in the person's passport.

"Achieving Designated Event Status demonstrates our dedication to the Gay Games principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best and to our mission advocating for full acceptance and recognition of all LGBT people," said Brian McGuinness, Gay Games Chicago Executive Director. "We are grateful to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and the many CGI and FGG board, staff, volunteers and allies for helping us meet this important commitment to the HIV community."

Information regarding procedures on how to apply for the B-2 visa at U.S. consulates in different countries will be available shortly on the FGG Web site at (www.gaygames.com) and the Chicago Gay Games Web site (www.gaygameschicago.org).

GLISA Applauds the Gay Games

Ms. Catherine Meade, Co-President of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA), which sanctions the World Outgames, released the following statement today on the Designated Event Status given to Gay Games VII that allows athletes and spectators from around the world to enter the United States regardless of their HIV status.

“We applaud the Federation of Gay Games and the organizers of Gay Games VII in Chicago on their tireless efforts to open America’s borders to HIV+ athletes and spectators alike. Our concern is not whether a person with HIV attends either Outgames or Gay Games but that she or he has the ability to choose and not be hindered by policies that discriminate.

I am proud to say that Canada has never closed its borders to anyone based on their HIV status. If only for a short time this summer, the U.S. and Canada will enjoy borders that are open to all athletes — HIV- or HIV+ — and revel in the sportsmanship and athleticism that are sure to make both the Outgames and the Gay Games events none of us will soon forget.”