Gay* Thursday 7/13/2006

The return of Gay* Thursday brings us the biggest, happiest, athletic event that the French speaking, boring, socialized medicine loving Canadians have organized since 1976. The First Annual World Out Games, which fairly could be called the Happy Games, is about to start. This is, if they can get the atheletes into the country.

Organizers of an international event in Montreal for gay, lesbian and transgendered athletes say some participants are having trouble getting into Canada, prompting a public appeal to federal Immigration Minister Monte Solberg.

Just two weeks before the games are to begin, 242 foreign participants are still waiting for visas, say organizers for the 1st World Outgames.

The Visa problems may be due in part because of discrimination against gays, though not directly by Canada.

Noel St. Pierre, an immigration lawyer in Montreal, told CBC that several of those rejected entry into Canada were told it was because they have criminal records.

St. Pierre said he was investigating the nature of the criminal records, since many of the invited athletes face prosecution in their home countries for being homosexual.

Yep. They are criminals, though their criminal record might be solely related to their one qualification for these games.

Would Mrs. Tingle call this ironic?

* Gay: 1 a : happily excited : MERRY b : keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits 2 a : BRIGHT, LIVELY b : brilliant in color

For more Gay* Thursday fun, check out A Guide to Midwestern Culture.