Thanksgiving week is one of reflection and gratitude, and former Olympic diver Greg Louganis is keeping with tradition. Louganis has been a gay rights and HIV/AIDS activist ever since he publicly disclosed he was HIV positive in 1988. But now, the 54-year-old four-time gold medalist is continuing his passion for acting, which he discussed this week in an open letter for The Huffington Post.
Louganis says acting has always been a love for him, a fact he hopes separates him from the pack of athletes turned wannabe actors. Louganis' latest acting undertaking was a live reading of Spring at the Willowbrook Inn, a new play about two men who meet in 1967, and continue a relationship over the decades, through long distance correspondence and meeting at the Willowbrook.
The overarching theme of Louganis's letter is to live openly and honesty, something he had to do as an openly gay man back when politics and public opinion towards gay people created a much harsher environment than today's.
"We often impose limitations on ourselves based on the influence of others," he writes. "Listen to your heart and follows your dreams. As I have said in the past, if you reach for the stars and don't encounter a few clouds, you aren't reaching high enough! Go for it! Don't limit yourself. Follow your heart and your passions. The ones who love you will support you unconditionally; anyone who doesn't support you doesn't really love you."
