Remarks from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony, July 15, 2006, Soldier Field

Remarks from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony, July 15, 2006, Soldier Field
2006-08-16
Copyright by The Windy City Times

On behalf of all the people of Chicago, I’m delighted to welcome you to the seventh Gay Games.

I want to acknowledge the co-chairs of the Chicago Games, Suzanne Arnold and Sam Coady [ and ] Vice Co-Chairs Tracy Baim and Kevin Boyer, as well as their staff and all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make these games a reality.

I would also like to thank the Federation of Gay Games for choosing Chicago as the 2006 host city and for carrying on the vision of Tom Waddell. Chicago is pleased and honored to have been selected to host this historic event, and you could not have chosen a more appropriate site.

Our athletic facilities are second to none. Our entertainment, shopping and cultural attractions are world-class—so there will be plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not at the games.

And most important, gay men and women are welcome in Chicago. Chicago combines Midwestern hospitality with big-city sophistication. We welcome everyone to our city, regardless of age, income, background, gender or sexual orientation.

We understand that diversity makes our city strong, dynamic and exciting. It attracts visitors and new residents, who would much rather live in a vibrant city like Chicago than in a place where everyone looks and acts alike.

Chicago is composed of many distinct communities, based on ethnicity, religion, neighborhoods, sexual orientation or other common interests. Each has its own identity, but they all get along with each other and work together for the good of the entire city.

More than 100 languages are spoken in our city. There are 26 ethnic groups in Chicago that have at least 25,000 members each. We have distinctive neighborhoods, a multitude of religions and a variety of lifestyles.

And we’re fortunate to have a very large and active gay and lesbian community.

If you were here three weeks ago, you saw 400,000 people turn out—in the rain—for the annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, one of the largest in the nation.

These were people of all ages and incomes, and from all walks of life. The gay and lesbian community is made up of our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters. They’re mothers and fathers, doctors and school teachers, bankers and factory workers. And, as we’re about to see, many of them are pretty good athletes, as well.

I’m proud that Chicago has been in the forefront when it comes to meeting the needs and aspirations of the members of the gay and lesbian community. We provide domestic partnership benefits to city employees and we outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

With substantial city financial assistance, we’re constructing the Center on Halsted, the first community center of its kind in the Midwest for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. I’m proud to be honorary chairperson of its capital campaign, along with Billie Jean King.

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community have contributed to Chicago in every imaginable way—in business, education, the arts and neighborhood development. They deserve to have the city of Chicago standing on their side, and it will continue to do so, as long as I am mayor.

Unfortunately, not every place is as open and welcoming as Chicago. In various countries around the world, gays and lesbians still encounter violence, police harassment, censorship and discrimination. In this country, many states—and even the federal government—continue to propose anti-gay legislation because politicians consider it an easy way to win votes and divert attention from more critical issues.

So there’s a lot of work to be done before gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people enjoy all the rights afforded to the rest of society.

And as we move forward, let’s work to get the entire world to adhere to the principles of the Gay Games: participation, inclusion and personal best.

The Gay Games are designed to instill pride in the LGBT community, but they’re also open to everyone.

Pride in community and openness to all. That’s what your community stands for—and that’s what the city of Chicago stands for, as well.

Enjoy the games and have a wonderful time in Chicago.