Anyone who has watched Olympic champion Greg Louganis do his thing from a diving board knows that he possesses grace, power, determination and skill. But can he move on the dance floor?
His followers on Facebook say “Give him a chance!” and to that end, they’ve created a page called “We Want Greg Louganis On Dancing With The Stars“.
“I really want to do this for GLBT youth,” Louganis told me this morning. “Being on Dancing With The Stars is more than me being on the show, it sends a positive message — an ‘It Gets Better’ message. And that message is still important- kids are still losing hope. I want to do what I can for them.”
There have been gay men on DWTS before — Lance Bass, Carson Cressley and Louis Amstel — and Chaz Bono broke the transgender barrier last season. But if his bid is successful, Louganis would be the first openly HIV positive contestant. And it’s about time, say HIV activists.
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“In a generation that is trying to end AIDS, it’s great to have openly HIV positive sports figures like Greg Louganis in the spot light,” said Tom Donohue, founder and executive director of Who’s Positive, an HIV/AIDS advocacy and awareness organization.
“Not only can his presence be a reminder for folks to be tested, his appearance on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ can reemphasize how those living with HIV/AIDS can live normal and active lives.” said Donohue, who is also on the board of directors for The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA).
Time will tell if this Facebook movement will work — but if the producers are recruiting Tim Tebow — it seems only fair.