July 22, 2004

HIV Discrimination Victory To Be Celebrated in Rehoboth Beach
Former Cirque du Soleil gymnast celebrated at benefit featuring nationally acclaimed female impersonator Christopher Peterson

Washington, DC – On Friday, August 6, AIDS Action Foundation will host a victory celebration in Rehoboth Beach for gymnast Matthew Cusick who, this spring, settled an HIV discrimination lawsuit for a record $600,000 against his former employer Cirque du Soleil. Cusick’s case against Cirque du Soleil also led the Canadian-based entertainment company to change its hiring policies to include HIV positive people. Proceeds from the event will go to AIDS Action Foundation and Sussex County AIDS Committee.

In 2002, on his first day of employment, Cusick informed a Cirque doctor of his HIV serostatus during a routine exam on his first day of employment. Later that same week, another Cirque doctor examined him, focusing specifically on HIV. The written evaluations from both doctors cleared Cusick for full participation. However in April 2003, Cirque du Soleil officials informed Cusick that he was being fired. They explained that because he was HIV positive, he posed a threat to other Cirque performers, its crew, and even its audiences.

Cusick’s case, which drew international attention to the ongoing discrimination faced by people living with HIV, argued that his firing violated the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Cusick’s ability to qualify for protection under the law is owed in no small part to the efforts of AIDS Action Council, whose staff succeeded in getting HIV disease included among “the physical or mental impairments” that can be considered disabilities under the ADA legislation. “I’m grateful to AIDS Action Council for its commitment to ending HIV related discrimination,” Matthew Cusick stated. “Without the force of the ADA legislation behind me, I might have failed, and Cirque du Soleil might have continued its discriminatory practices indefinitely.” He continued, “Fortunately for me and the nearly one million HIV positive people in the United States that was not the case.”

Female Impersonator Christopher Peterson will provide entertainment during Matt Cusick’s Victory Celebration. Peterson’s program, entitled the “Eyecon’s 2004 Show,” is a “one man, many women” trompe d’oeil. Cleverly changing costumes between characters on stage, Peterson uses his own highly-trained voice to belt out ballads, standards, and song parodies at perfect pitch and in total character. Among Peterson’s characters are Barbara Streisand, Eartha Kitt, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, and Tina Turner.

The benefit will take place in the Swan Ballroom of the Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Friday, August, 6, 2004. The event will begin at 9:30 p.m. with an open bar of beer, wine, and cocktails. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.aidsaction.org, or by calling (800) 952-2437 or at Camp Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-5620. Reserved tables for parties of 8 or more are also available.

AIDS Action strives to end the HIV epidemic by advancing public policies that prevent new infections, provide care for people living with HIV, and support the search for a cure. AIDS Action serves as the national voice for people living with HIV and represents AIDS service organizations, health departments, and a diverse network of community-based organizations across the country.