27/09/2023
Online magazine Queerguru reports that Greg Louganis, one of the first athletes to come out about his sexuality and HIV status, will be auctioning off his Olympic medals to support LGBTQ+ organizations. Mr Louganis has been reported to be a highly philanthropic individual and in particular wants to build solidarity with other LGBTQIA people. Mr Louganis, was a trailblazer when he came out as both a gay man and later as HIV positive in the early to mid nineties. He won a total of five medals over his 12-year Olympic diving career for Team USA. Wikipedia notes that He has been called both "the greatest American diver" and "probably the greatest diver in history". He will be auctioning off his 1976 silver medal, a 1984 gold medal, and a 1988 gold medal, which could raise an estimated total of $2.4 million. These will raise funds to support the Damien Center’s One Home Capital Campaign initiative for a sorely needed new building. Louganis is also donating a sculpture of young HIV awareness activist Ryan White, who died in 1990, to The Damien Center. Created by artist Bill Mack, “Hope” was a limited-edition series; Mack gave one sculpture each to Louganis, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson. “The day we unveil the Welcome Center to honor Ryan White, my friend, will mark one of the most important milestones in my life,” Louganis said. The Damien Center is an HIV services organisation and has announced a $4 million capital campaign to support the construction of a new 56,000-square-foot headquarters on the Near East Side of Indianapolis. The new facility will enable the Damien Center to expand and enhance its one-stop-shop model of comprehensive HIV medical care that provides clients the fundamental necessities for living a sustainable and secure life.
