Internationally acclaimed rock-star Melissa Etheridge has signed on as the newest Gay Games ambassador, joining a growing list of athletes, artists, activists and celebrities supporting the movement in advance of Gay Games VII, scheduled for July 2006 in Chicago.

The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) made the announcement jointly with Chicago Games, Inc., the host of Gay Games VII.

Etheridge, a two-time Grammy Award winner with more than 25 million albums sold worldwide, came out as a lesbian at a 1993 inaugural party for newly elected President Bill Clinton, causing a media sensation and paving the way for dozens of other closeted celebrities who were emboldened by her public announcement.

Since that time, Etheridge has worked on behalf of GLBT rights by performing at events such as the March on Washington, the Human Rights Campaign’s “Equality Rocks” concerts; speaking out against efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage; and lending her support to numerous fundraisers.

“As a musician, I have seen how powerfully the arts can break down the barriers that divide us,” Etheridge said. “The Gay Games bring people together around sports and culture, inspiring us to build a world without bigotry. I support the Gay Games because it is a joyful international celebration of diversity, individuality and equality. ‘Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best’ isn’t just the Gay Games credo – it is a vision of the future that focuses attention on our joint humanity. That’s the future that I want for myself and my children and I’m happy to lend my enthusiastic support to the legacy of the Gay Games.”

Etheridge joins a list of Gay Games ambassadors supporting the Gay Games movement in Chicago, including baseball star Billy Bean, actor and director Amanda Bearse, photographer Tom Bianchi, Olympic gold medal swimmer Bruce Hayes, former United States Ambassador to Luxembourg James Hormel and actress Judith Light.

- Press release