Change.org petition aims to put Greg Louganis on the Wheaties box

In the wake of Back on Board: Greg Louganis — the recently released HBO documentary about the four-time-Olympic-gold-medal-winning diver — a petition, "Put Greg Louganis on the Wheaties box," has appeared on Change.org to help bring the legendary diver to the iconic cereal box. Perhaps because he is both gay and HIV-positive, Louganis never received  endorsements despite achievements that include setting a diving record in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Inspired by the documentary, the petition aims to make up for lost time by providing Louganis the same commercial exposure that is widely associated with athletes of his caliber. Louganis made historic waves for LGBT people not only through his groundbreaking athleticism, but in his deep commitment to HIV awareness and advocacy as well. 

Julie Sondgerath, the Chicagoan responsible for this breakfast activism, wrote, "With marriage equality passing in June of 2015, what a great way to pay it forward to Greg and all of his accomplishments." Named Swimming World's "Greatest Diver Ever," Louganis would join the ranks of Michael Jordan and Misty May-Treanor to headline the beloved cereal brand, owned by General Mills, Inc. Having reached over 1,000 supporters within a matter of days, the "Put Greg Louganis on the Wheaties box" petition is close to hitting 2,500 signatures.

Louganis would not be the first superstar athlete to wait on Wheaties. Muhammad Ali was not featured on the cover until 1999, 18 years after his last fight, due to similarly puzzling circumstances.

"It’s been nearly two decades since the U.S. has seen a decrease in the number of new HIV infections. Stigma around HIV is a key factor inhibiting progress. To see an HIV-positive man on a Wheaties box would be a tremendous stride in the stigma barrier that prevents so many Americans from getting tested and treated for HIV," Joel Goldman, managing director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation told GLAAD. "But, the main reason to see Greg Louganis on a box of Wheaties is that he is undeniably the greatest diver of all time. Let’s #GetGregWheaties!"

You can add your name to the petition here. Then, check out the GLAAD: All Access interview with Greg himself.

What better way to dive into your day?

 

 

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