A U.S. federal blanket waiver has been approved allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/AIDS to travel to the U.S. to participate in or attend the Gay Games 2006. The Federation of Gay Games and Chicago Games, Inc. announced Feb. 7 that the waiver comes with federal approval of Designated Event Status for Gay Games VII, which is set for July 15-22 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, will be issued on a special form instead of being placed permanently in the person’s passport.

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 at www.gaygameschicago.org.

- Press release