Outgames
officially kicks off in Montreal

The first ever Outgames kicked off Saturday night in Montreal with a rousing opening ceremony at the city's Olympic Stadium, though fans did boo a government minister who made an appearance. While the crowd of 40,000 warmly greeted Monreal mayor Gerald Tremblay, Outgames copresident and Olympic gold medallist Mark Tewksbury, performers such as disco diva Martha Wash, and some 12,000 athletes from 111 countries, Canadian public works minister Michael Fortier, a stand-in for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was treated angrily because of his boss's plans to revisit marriage equality, The [Montreal] Gazette reports. "Your presence encourages us to continue working toward a world that is more equitable and peaceful," Tremblay told those assembled, according to The Gazette, before coming to Fortier's side during the negative reception he received. "Please! Montreal is a welcoming and tolerant city. I'm asking you to listen to the representative of the federal government with respect," Tremblay pleaded with the crowd to no avail. "Shame! Shame! Shame!" fans cried, as many also slammed their folding seats up and down. But when Fortier introduced legendary tennis player Martina Navratilova, on hand to read the Declaration of Montreal, the crowd actually applauded. The strongest cheers of the night were given to the athletes from some 20 countries where homosexuality is still a crime. (The Advocate)