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Gay Games VII, colloquially called the Chicago Gaymes, is part of a family of international sports and cultural festivals called Gay Games, sanctioned by the Federation of Gay Games and organized by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community of the host city of Chicago, Illinois in the United States. The competition took place July 15 – July 22, 2006. The official Gay Games VII slogan was "Where the World Meets." Image File history File links Wiki_letter_w. ... Image File history File links Current_event_marker. ... Image File history File links Nuvola_apps_important. ... Image File history File links Gay_Games_VII_Logo. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo The Gay Games is a popular sporting and cultural event organized by LGBT athletes, artists, musicians, and others. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence // According to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) web site: The purpose of the Federation of Gay Games is to foster and augment... GAY can mean: Gay, a term referring to homosexual men or women The IATA code for Gaya Airport Category: ... A lesbian is a woman who is romantically and sexually attracted only to other women. ... In human sexuality, bisexuality describes a man or woman having a sexual orientation to persons of either or both sexes (a man or woman who sexually likes both sexes; people who are sexually and/or romantically attracted to both males and females). ... Transgender (IPA: , from trans (Latin) and gender (English) ) is an overarching term applied to a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies that diverge from the normative gender role (woman or man) commonly, but not always, assigned at birth, as well as the role traditionally held by society. ... Flag Seal Nickname: The Windy City Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location Location in Chicagoland and northern Illinois Coordinates , Government Country State Counties United States Illinois Cook, DuPage Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 606. ... Official language(s) English Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... July 22 is the 203rd day (204th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 162 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ...

Actual athletic events were played in venues scattered throughout Chicago and its suburbs, all participating in the Gay Games through special permissive votes in their respective town or village councils. Cultural events included concerts and performances by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Margaret Cho, Megan Mullally, among others added to the festival's feel and charm. Contemporary artists also provided exhibitions as part of the Gay Games. This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Margaret Cho, with Prairie Dawn of Sesame Street Margaret Cho (born Moran Cho on December 5, 1968 in San Francisco, California) is a Korean-American comedian and actress. ... Megan Mullally (born November 12, 1958 in Los Angeles, California, USA) is a three-time SAG and two-time Emmy Award-winning American actress, talk show host and comedian. ...

Cyndi Lauper sings at Gay Games VII's Closing Ceremony at Wrigley Field.
Photo: Jim Provenzano

Corporate sponsorship was key in planning Gay Games VII, garnering support for global advertising from large companies like Absolut Vodka, American Airlines, Ernst & Young, Fleishman-Hillard and Walgreens. Media relationships were created with the Chicago Sun-Times, New York Times, ChicagoPride.com and the National Broadcasting Company. Advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign offered substantial funding for the event, as well. Image File history File linksMetadata Cyndi_Lauper_at_Gay_Games_VII.jpg‎ File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Gay Games VII Gay icon Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or... Absolut Vodka is a Swedish brand of vodka, owned by V&S Group, and produced at their facilities near Åhus, Scania in southern Sweden. ... American Airlines (AA) is the largest airline in the world in terms of total passengers-miles transported [1] and fleet size[], and the second-largest airline in the world (behind Air France-KLM) in terms of total operating revenues[]. A wholly owned subsidiary of the AMR Corporation, the airline is... Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms in the world, and a Big Four auditors, along with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte) and KPMG. Ernst & Young is a global partnership of many member firms, with the largest member being the American firm. ... Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, based in St. ... Walgreen Co. ... The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago. ... The New York Times is an internationally known daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed in the United States and many other nations worldwide. ... About ChicagoPride. ... The National Broadcasting Company or NBC is an American television broadcasting company based in New York Citys Rockefeller Center. ... HRC logo The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equal rights organization in the United States. ...

Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago organizers hoped that success of Gay Games VII would help prove to the United States Olympic Committee of Chicago's viability in hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics. For USOC in telephony, see Universal Service Ordering Code. ... Chicago 2016 Bid Logo The Chicago 2016 Olympic bid is a reference to an attempt by the City of Chicago and other cities, townships and villages in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin to be chosen by the United States Olympic Committee as the official United States bid for the International Olympic...

Originally awarded to Montréal, Canada

The seventh edition of the Gay Games was originally planned for Montréal, Canada in 2006, but the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) removed its sanction after differences arose between it and the Montréal 2006 organizing committee. For more information on the change of host cities, see the Schism in LGBT sports communities over Gay Games VII section of the Gay Games article. Nickname: City of Mary Motto: Concordia Salus Coordinates: Country Canada Province Québec Founded 1642 Established 1832  - Mayor Gérald Tremblay Area [1] [2]    - City 185. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... The Federation of Gay Games logo LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence // According to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) web site: The purpose of the Federation of Gay Games is to foster and augment... The 1st World Outgames took place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from July 26, 2006 to August 5, 2006. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo The Gay Games is a popular sporting and cultural event organized by LGBT athletes, artists, musicians, and others. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo The Gay Games is a popular sporting and cultural event organized by LGBT athletes, artists, musicians, and others. ...

Opening Ceremony

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Soldier Field hosted the opening ceremonies of Gay Games VII.

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The concept for Opening Ceremony, conceived and directed by Kile Ozier [kileozier.com], was to tell the parallel stories of the evolution of the GLBT Community as community and as individuals; giving it a global context and relevance. The four acts represent the four stages of this evolutionary process as envisioned by the Director: Exclusion - that moment when we discover that we may not fit into the world as we might have thought, growing up...the moment of discovery of difference; Oppression - the manifestation and formalization of the dynamic initiated in Exclusion...homophobia, gay bashing, contemplation and execution of suicide out of dispair...ending with the embracing of self and the beginnings of hope; Expression - the power of community and standing up for oneself, of coming out of the closet, finding Like Others, celebration of individuality and difference within even our own communities; Ignition - the taking of all this powerful energy and philosophy and lighting the world with the ideals of enlightenment and acceptance. Image File history File links Diamond-caution. ... Presented here is a photo of Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, and the home of the Chicago Bears. ... Presented here is a photo of Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, and the home of the Chicago Bears. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Queer studies is the study of issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. ... Image File history File links Gay_flag. ... Gender often refers to the distinctions between males and females in common usage. ... Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Transgender (IPA: , from trans (Latin) and gender (English) ) is an overarching term applied to a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies that diverge from the normative gender role (woman or man) commonly, but not always, assigned at birth, as well as the role traditionally held by society. ... LGBT history refers to the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultures around the world, dating back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality within ancient civilizations. ... LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence This timeline of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history details notable events in the Common Era West. ... The gay rights movement is a collection of loosely aligned civil rights groups, human rights groups, support groups and political activists seeking acceptance, tolerance and equality for non-heterosexual, (homosexual, bisexual), and transgender people - despite the fact that it is typically referred to as the gay rights movement, members also... LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence LGBT social movements share related goals of social acceptance of homosexuality or transgenderism. ... Christopher Street Parade Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures concern the culture, knowledge, and references shared by members of sexual minorities or transgendered people by virtue of their membership in those minorities or their state of being transgendered. ... The idea of a gay community is complex and can be very controversial. ... Image:.jpg Six color rainbow gay pride flag flying over Castro Street, San Francisco, June 2005 The gay pride or simply pride campaign has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Gay slang in linguistics refers to a form of English slang used predominantly among LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people. ... A gay village (sometimes called a gay ghetto and increasingly gayborhood) is usually an urban geographic location with generally recognized boundaries where a large number of gay and lesbian people, as well as bisexual and transgender people live. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... World laws on homosexuality US laws on homosexuality Same-sex unions in Europe. ... Same-sex marriage is a term for a governmentally, socially, or religiously recognized marriage in which two people of the same sex live together as a family. ... A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to marriage. ... LGBT adoption refers to the adoption of children by homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered people. ... A sodomy law is a law that defines certain sexual acts as sex crimes. ...

At the midway point of the Ceremony was the "Exhortation to a Weary Army," a reinvigoration to the community in the worldwide fight against AIDS, given from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and tribute to Tom Waddell, the founder of the global Gay Sports movement and the Gay Games.

The ceremony took place on July 15, 2006 in Chicago's Soldier Field and consisted of five parts:^[1] July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, and is currently home to the NFLs Chicago Bears. ...

Prologue

• DJ Frankie Knuckles, the “Godfather of House” played music for the prologue
• The Procession of over 11,000 Athletes and Participants of Gay Games VII in a record 46 minutes
• Oath to the Athletes and Participants led by David Kopay
• The National Anthem of the United States of America - Christy Fairbairn, Windy City Gay Idol 2006
• Oath to the Officials - Billy Bean, Saskia Webber
• Welcome by Chicago Games Inc. - Co & Vice Chairs: Sam Coady, Suzanne Arnold, Tracy Baim, Kevin Boyer
• Responsibility for Change - Megan Mullally
• Welcome by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley

Frankie Knuckles (born January 18, 1955, in New York City) is a DJ, producer and remix artist. ... This article includes a list of works cited but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... David Marquette Kopay (born June 28, 1942) is a former American football player who was one of the first professional athletes to come out as gay. ... Going The Other Way by Billy Bean For the article on the current general manager of the Oakland Athletics, see: Billy Beane. ... Megan Mullally (born November 12, 1958 in Los Angeles, California, USA) is a three-time SAG and two-time Emmy Award-winning American actress, talk show host and comedian. ... Richard Michael Daley (born April 24, 1942) is a United States politician, powerful member of the national and local Democratic Party and current mayor of Chicago, Illinois. ...

Act I “Exclusion”

• Choreography by Iega Jeff
• Special appearance by Erasure’s Andy Bell
• Presentation by Kate Clinton
• Welcome - Co-Presidents of the international Federation of Gay Games: Kathleen Webster and Roberto Mantaci
• Legends of Women’s Music: Holly Near, Barbara Higbie, Nedra Johnson, Teresa Trull

Erasure is an English synth pop duo band consisting of keyboardist Vince Clarke and singer Andy Bell. ... Andy Bell has been the name of several notable figures: Andy Bell (singer) (born 1964), pop band Erasure Andy Bell (musician) (born 1970), bassist for Ride, Hurricane #1, and Oasis Andy Bell (psychologist), psychologist This human name article is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that might otherwise share... Kate Clinton has been an American comedian for over 25 years, specializing in political commentary from a gay/lesbian point of view. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence // According to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) web site: The purpose of the Federation of Gay Games is to foster and augment... Holly Near (born June 6th, 1949 in Ukiah, CA) is an American singer/songwriter, teacher and activist. ... Pianist Barbara Higbie (b. ...

Act II “Oppression”

• Choreography by Joel Hall
• Special Appearance by Erasure’s Andy Bell
• Presentations by Staceyann Chin, George Takei, Jorge Valencia
• Rainbow Run for the End of HIV and Cancer: Brent Nicholson Earle, Rob Hadley, Renae Ogletree, Modesto "Tico" Valle
• Tribute to Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games Movement
• Tom Waddell Award- presented by Greg Louganis and Jessica Waddell Lewinstein
• Performance by Jody Watley
• Keynote address by United States Ambassador James C. Hormel
• The Quilt - Keith Boykin delivering the “Exhortation to a Weary Army”

Erasure is an English synth pop duo band consisting of keyboardist Vince Clarke and singer Andy Bell. ... Andy Bell has been the name of several notable figures: Andy Bell (singer) (born 1964), pop band Erasure Andy Bell (musician) (born 1970), bassist for Ride, Hurricane #1, and Oasis Andy Bell (psychologist), psychologist This human name article is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that might otherwise share... George Hosato Takei (IPA: ) (b. ... Dr. Tom Waddell (November 1, 1937 - July 11, 1987) was the gay American sportsman who founded the Gay Games, originally called the Gay Olympics. ... Gregory Efthimios Louganis (born November 29, 1960 in El Cajon, California) is a gay American diver. ... Jody Watley (born Chicago, Illinois on January 30, 1959) is an American pop singer/songwriter, producer and label owner. ... James Catherwood Hormel, born January 1, 1931 in Austin, Minnesota, is a philanthropist and heir to the fortune of George Hormel, founder of Hormel Foods (producers of SPAM and other meat products). ... Keith Boykin Keith Boykin is a former White House aide to President Clinton and a New York Times bestselling author of three books. ...

Act III “Expression”

• Choreographed by Michele Lynch
• Performance by the cast of “Avenue Q”
• Presentations by David da Silva Cornell who read from "Knocking On Your Closet Door; Come Out and March With Us" and by Margaret Cho
• Special Appearance by Erasure’s Andy Bell
• “Proud” - Heather Small
• Presentation of the Federation of the Gay Games Flag
• “Take the Flame” the Official Anthem of the Gay Games, performed by Esera Tuaolo

Avenue Q is a Broadway musical, which was originally conceived by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez. ... Margaret Cho, with Prairie Dawn of Sesame Street Margaret Cho (born Moran Cho on December 5, 1968 in San Francisco, California) is a Korean-American comedian and actress. ... Andy Bell has been the name of several notable figures: Andy Bell (singer) (born 1964), pop band Erasure Andy Bell (musician) (born 1970), bassist for Ride, Hurricane #1, and Oasis Andy Bell (psychologist), psychologist This human name article is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that might otherwise share... Heather Small, Proud. ... Esera Tavai Tuaolo (born July 11, 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii) played professional football in the United States for nine years including a trip to the Super Bowl. ...

Act IV “Ignition” and the Lighting of the Flame

• Choreographed by Christopher Harrison
• Introduced by Suzanne Westenhoefer
• Ignition of the flame
• Exit

Suzanne Westenhoefer (born March 31, 1961 in Columbia, Pennsylvania) is a stand-up comedian. ...

Venues

Sporting events

Lake View East Chamber of Commerce advertised Gay Games VII throughout its neighborhood.

Image File history File links Gay_games_ad_gerald_farinas. ... Image File history File links Gay_games_ad_gerald_farinas. ...

Results

Host country performance

Closing ceremony

Wrigley Field in the Lakeview Boystown gay village hosted several field events and the closing ceremonies.

Wrigley Field, Chicago, 7/30/2004, by Rick Dikeman File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Wrigley Field, Chicago, 7/30/2004, by Rick Dikeman File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

See also

• Gay Games
• Federation of Gay Games
• 1st World Outgames

The Federation of Gay Games logo The Gay Games is a popular sporting and cultural event organized by LGBT athletes, artists, musicians, and others. ... The Federation of Gay Games logo LGBT rights Around the world · By country History · Groups · Activists Declaration of Montreal Same-sex relationships Marriage · Adoption Opposition · Persecution Violence // According to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) web site: The purpose of the Federation of Gay Games is to foster and augment... The 1st World Outgames took place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from July 26, 2006 to August 5, 2006. ...

References

1. ^ Chicago Games. Opening Ceremony Program. Retrieved on 2006-12-27.

For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (362nd in leap years). ...

External links

• Gay Games VII official site
• Federation of Gay Games
• Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010
• Gay Games vs. Outgames - Registrations now open in both cities (QueerSport.org) Sep 16, 2004