[Evergrey]

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/cleveland_named_host_city_for.html

Cleveland named host city for 2014 Gay Games

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer
September 29, 2009, 6:19PM

The 2014 Gay Games are coming to Cleveland.

A year-long site selection process came to an exhilarating end for city officials and gay advocates on Tuesday, as they celebrated the announcement as a major victory for the local economy and a boost to the region’s reputation as a tolerant and diverse community.

The Federation of Gay Games proclaimed Cleveland the winner in Cologne, Germany, site of next year’s games. Cleveland emerged from a trio of finalists that also included Boston and Washington, D.C.

"My first reaction is, oh my god, that is the greatest news I’ve heard in a long time," said Sue Doerfer, executive director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland. "It’s really exciting for Cleveland."

The Gay Games is a sports and cultural festival that promotes respect and understanding of the gay community through athletics. Founded in 1982, the quadrennial event will feature 30 sports in which anybody can participate. The Cleveland games will take place from August 9 to August 16 in locations throughout the region, including Akron.

Cleveland was named the host city because leaders here understood the mission of the games and had impressive facilities, co-presidents of the Federation of Gay Games said in a statement. The city’s experience in hosting major events was another factor.

The nonprofit Cleveland Synergy Foundation, which works to attract athletic and cultural events and enhance the quality of life in the local LGBT and heterosexual communities, coordinated efforts to land the games.

The event is projected to inject about $60 million into the local economy. In 2006, the Chicago games attracted 11,700 participants and over 100,000 spectators. About $80 million was pumped into its regional economy, according to Positively Cleveland.

Mayor Frank Jackson, who has promised significant financial help to event organizers, said the selection offers Cleveland another chance to shine in front of an international audience.

"It’s just as we said about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies," Jackson, noting the widely covered festivities held here last spring, said in a phone interview.

"You couldn’t buy the kind of international public relations we gained there. Every time someone does business in the city of Cleveland, they always leave with a great impression."

A city delegation that included Councilman Joe Cimperman and Jackson administration aides Valarie McCall and Kevin Schmotzer traveled to Cologne to make a final pitch.

Cimperman fought tears as he called from Germany to report that Cleveland won.

"It’s so emotional here," he said.

City officials intensified their efforts to land the Gay Games a year ago, when a group of City Council members pushed for the creation of a domestic partner registry at City Hall.

The registry, though non-binding, is viewed as a way to help same- and opposite-sex couples obtain privileges more often reserved for married partners. Religious leaders opposed to the idea put pressure on council members, but the registry ultimately passed by a 13-7 vote.

This month, Jackson and council members promised a $700,000 grant if Cleveland was chosen. The city also has pledged $1.3 million worth of "in-kind" help, which will include the use of police officers and sporting venues such as Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau has committed $100,000.

"It’s the largest event that Cleveland’s hosted in anybody’s memory," said Samantha Fryberger, spokeswoman for Positively Cleveland, the city’s convention and visitors bureau.

Other recent, major sporting events Cleveland has lured include the International Children’s Games in 2004, the NCAA women’s basketball Final Four in 2007 and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January. The city also is slated to host the 2013 Senior Games, which is expected to attract 13,000 participants.

Separately, these events provide a temporary lift to the local economy. Together, they help Cleveland build a reputation as a host city for major sporting events, said David Gilbert, president of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

"Having the Gay Games and having it go well will add a major highlight to Cleveland’s résumé," he said.

But to others, the decision to bring the games to Cleveland signifies progress that can’t be measured by dollars or tourists.

"This is very visible step toward equality, which is the main issue we’re focusing in the gay community," said Councilman Joe Santiago, Cleveland first and only openly gay elected official.

Doerfer, of the LGBT community center, said hosting the Gay Games, like the establishment of the domestic partner registry, sends a message of tolerance.

While many viewed the registry as a step forward for Cleveland, it faced vocal opposition, particularly from religious leaders. Doerfer said a few people might privately "cringe at the thought of the city being taken over by thousands and thousands of gay people," but she doubted anybody would take time to actively protest the games.

Rev. C. Jay Matthews of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, an outspoken opponent of the registry, said hosting the Gay Games and enacting the registry are separate issues. Matthews discouraged any negativity or animosity toward the event.

"We have enough hate going on in our country," Matthews said in a phone interview. "This is America; it’s a diverse nation. The city of Cleveland is diverse.

"I would hope that people who believe different than they believe would not turn it into something."

[bnk]

Good for Cleveland.


The Chicago gay games were a sucess by most measures.

It is good to keep this in the Midwest for economic benfits alone.

Cleveland coud use a shot in the arm at this point IMO.

[TexasPlaya]

LOL. Thread title cracked me up, "Gay Games". In all seriousness, good for Cleveland and the gay community.

[Hed Kandi]

Yay ?

[azliam]

LOL - Cleveland?

That place seems to have the most racist gays per capita than any place I've ever visited.

[MayDay]

I hear ya; on more than one occasion I've been called "whitey b!tch" and gotten glares etc. from gay African-Americans in Cleveland.

[HowardL]

I went to the opening and closing ceremonies when the Games were here in Chicago a year or two back ... pure awesomeness. Good for you, Cleveland. It should be a hoot.

[trvlr70]

I went to the opening and closing ceremonies when the Games were here in Chicago a year or two back ... pure awesomeness. Good for you, Cleveland. It should be a hoot.

I went to the closing cermony parties in Chicago and they were all awesome. But for some reason, I'm having a hard time believing that there are going to be huge circuit parties in, of all places, Cleveland.

[MayDay]

Let me put it this way - the group organizing the promotion of Cleveland to the Gay Games selection committee threw a party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. About seven thousand people showed up - again, that was a reception for the selection committee. Not an official opening party, not a closing party at the Games, just a "hey folks, come show the selection committee that you'd support the games being held here." :)

http://www.spanglemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=318:gay-games-site-tour&catid=41:miscellaneous&Itemid=78

[Florida Guy]

I went to the closing cermony parties in Chicago and they were all awesome. But for some reason, I'm having a hard time believing that there are going to be huge circuit parties in, of all places, Cleveland.

I’m having a hard time with that myself. 100,000 people + 12,000 athletes in town; sure couldn’t have a circuit party here…

http://www.wesnap.com/images/Rock-n-roll-Hall-of-Fame-421x300.jpg
http://www.wesnap.com/

or here…
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1990/cbsfull3ka.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1990/cbsfull3ka.jpg

or here…
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/11245684.jpg
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/11245684

or here…
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Progressive_Field_sign.jpg/800px-Progressive_Field_sign.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Progressive_Field_sign.jpg

or even here…
http://tjpowell.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/yapb_cache/tjp_20090718_0314.bzq4m6pyg2gcwo4w8wgowk0c8.6z2bh7irr8cgwsss04ogskco8.th.jpeg
http://tjpowell.net/2009/07/the-arcade/

A circuit party in a dumpy hotel in the middle of the desert every year in Palm Springs, sure but not in Cleveland!

[Evergrey]

what is a circuit party?

[MayDay]

Wikipedia is your friend :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Party

[trvlr70]

Has the gay community actually ever had a local circuit event? I'm not aware of any.

[Florida Guy]

They used to have the Erie Party. I'm not sure if they still do as I haven't done the circuit thing in years.

[fflint]

The Arcade seems especially suited for a big fancy party--dance floor below, tables above?

Good for Cleveland. I trust MayDay is in charge of the welcoming party? ;)

[trvlr70]

They used to have the Erie Party. I'm not sure if they still do as I haven't done the circuit thing in years.

Thanks. I didn't mean to come off rude. That wasn't my intention. I'm not from OH and I've never heard a peep about Cleveland's GLBT community. I have heard that Columbus has some fun local parties/events however.

[MayDay]

"I've never heard a peep about Cleveland's GLBT community."

If you've ever read any of my posts, you certainly have ;)

No, Cleveland's never been much of a circuit party host city - though lots of Clevelanders travel for them, so there's definitely awareness that any Games-related events need to kick @ss. Columbus used to have the Red party (then Chrome) but outside of a few major events, traditional circuit parties have gone by the wayside. Regardless, big events/parties (GLBT or otherwise) are held routinely here and other than the most fickle of queens, I think most visitors will be pleasantly surprised. :)

[Evergrey]

is there much cross-pollination between the Cleveland, Akron and Canton gay scenes, MayDay?

[MayDay]

Plenty - especially with Akron/Cleveland and Canton/Akron (Canton to Cleveland, not as much). The thing about Cleveland's GLBT community is that there isn't one single super-concentrated gay ghetto (like Chelsea in NYC, Boystown in Chicago, etc.); the community is more spread out (though mostly within the city limits and a few inner 'burbs). That makes for more integration but it also makes it hard to say that "_____ is THE gay area in Cleveland".

[Florida Guy]

Thanks. I didn't mean to come off rude. That wasn't my intention. I'm not from OH and I've never heard a peep about Cleveland's GLBT community. I have heard that Columbus has some fun local parties/events however.

No problem. Columbus is actually the site of what was considered the first circuit party the Red Party (as Mayday mentioned). It was still going strong until a couple of years ago when the founder/promoter passed away.

This event will be more than a circuit party and I’m glad it is going to be in Cleveland. The city will roll out the red carpet for this! I think that they know they will have to work hard to stand out from the LA's and NY's and will work that much harder to pull this off.

[Crawford]

Plenty - especially with Akron/Cleveland and Canton/Akron (Canton to Cleveland, not as much). The thing about Cleveland's GLBT community is that there isn't one single super-concentrated gay ghetto (like Chelsea in NYC, Boystown in Chicago, etc.); the community is more spread out (though mostly within the city limits and a few inner 'burbs). That makes for more integration but it also makes it hard to say that "_____ is THE gay area in Cleveland".


I always thought Tremont is the stereotypical gay area in Cleveland. :shrug:

Gayborhoods seem to be less prominent now than a few years back anyways.

And this is great news for Cleveland! Good luck!

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

I think Cleveland is the only city in Ohio that doesnt have any gay bars left downtown...or even close to downtown. Sort of like Detroit that way.

[Evergrey]

I think Cleveland is the only city in Ohio that doesnt have any gay bars left downtown...or even close to downtown. Sort of like Detroit that way.

I think Flex Baths Hotel & Spa is pretty close to Downtown.

http://www.flexbaths.com/content/view/121/205/

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

^
I was thinking of a bar.

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Maybe there's a bar in Tremont? It seemed the bar scene was west out toward Lakewood (and in Lakewood).

[AaronPGH]

I am from Canton originally...I didn't even know Canton had any gay people left. lol!

Good for Cleveland!

[andrew61]

I think Cleveland is the only city in Ohio that doesnt have any gay bars left downtown...or even close to downtown. Sort of like Detroit that way.

Isn't The Grid still downtown? And I seem to recall a new gay bar named Hamilton's in the Playhouse Square area...?

And what about Bounce Nightclub? It wasn't "in" downtown, but was right across the bridge on Detroit Avenue...

Granted, I haven't been to Cleveland in 2 1/2 years, so maybe things have changed since then... Did all these places close?

[MayDay]

I think Cleveland is the only city in Ohio that doesnt have any gay bars left downtown...or even close to downtown. Sort of like Detroit that way.

Maybe there's a bar in Tremont? It seemed the bar scene was west out toward Lakewood (and in Lakewood).

Gay bar in Tremont? The bar scene IN Lakewood?!? How often do you get to Cleveland? How often do you hit up every gay bar in town? Probably about as much as I go to Dayton - but I'm not commenting about what's current in Dayton, am I?

There used to be a lot of gay bars downtown - specifically around the Warehouse District and Gateway; but like most cities (aside from others in Ohio, apparently) those neighborhoods gentrified and now boast the highest occupancy rates of residential properties downtown. The gay bars/clubs along with the initial nightclubs moved further out in search of cheaper rents. And like most cities, Cleveland's scene is now more into the smaller lounge type/neighborhood joint outlets instead of a huge megaclub.

That said, the closest gay bars to downtown are the Leather Stallion at East 22nd and St. Clair (fringe of the CBD), Bounce at West 28th and Detroit (one mile west of Public Square), The Shed at West 29th and Detroit (one mile west of Public Square) and Club Argos at West 25th and Lorain (near the West Side Market). And as Evergrey mentioned, there's Flex Baths who are rumored to be opening an adjacent club. The Grid has been "remodeling" for about a year now; Hamilton's closed - no surprise, since their bartenders were incredibly b!tchy to all the wrong people.

You want to know where the best gay bar is in Cleveland at the moment? Go to http://www.g2h2.com (Gay Guys Happy Hour) - it's a monthly "takeover" event where about 500 gays show up at a different place (not a gay bar) each month.

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Gay bar in Tremont? The bar scene IN Lakewood?!? How often do you get to Cleveland? How often do you hit up every gay bar in town? Probably about as much as I go to Dayton - but I'm not commenting about what's current in Dayton, am I?

Mayday. Always the pissy queen.

[MayDay]

"MayDay. Always the pissy queen."

The pissy Queen who's a stickler for accuracy ;)
http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/thankyoueverso.jpg

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Leather Stallion...hmmm...:whip:

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Seriously, this is tray cool for Cleveland, which doesnt get enough respect as being a fairly progressive area for GLBT folk in Ohio, at least by the political activity up there.

[Florida Guy]

I always thought Tremont is the stereotypical gay area in Cleveland. :shrug:

Gayborhoods seem to be less prominent now than a few years back anyways.

And this is great news for Cleveland! Good luck!

Back in the day I lived in Edgewater and it was Cleveland's gayborhood along with the eastern boarder of Lakewood near the lake.

These days they seem to be spread out in the west side hoods of Tremont, Ohio City, and Detroit-Shoreway. Edgewater is still fairly gay with some bars, shops, etc. I do not know much about the east side but I have been to Cleveland Heights on a number of occasions while visiting (I will leave it at that).;)

[PhillyRising]

what is a circuit party?

Something I avoid........:yes:

Good for Cleveland in snagging the games. I'm sure you'll see plenty of drag queens dressed like Mimi Bobeck during the games!

[PhillyRising]

is there much cross-pollination between the Cleveland, Akron and Canton gay scenes, MayDay?

Plenty - especially with Akron/Cleveland and Canton/Akron (Canton to Cleveland, not as much). The thing about Cleveland's GLBT community is that there isn't one single super-concentrated gay ghetto (like Chelsea in NYC, Boystown in Chicago, etc.); the community is more spread out (though mostly within the city limits and a few inner 'burbs). That makes for more integration but it also makes it hard to say that "_____ is THE gay area in Cleveland".

I attended college in Western Pa and would you believe I never once set foot in Ohio? However, I knew of people in Pittsburgh who would go to Youngstown to go out when they were sick and tired of going to the bars in Pittsburgh. I don't recall anyone going as far as Cleveland though.

Does Youngstown still have a gay scene? They had a big dance club 20 years ago....

[Evergrey]

You want to know where the best gay bar is in Cleveland at the moment? Go to http://www.g2h2.com (Gay Guys Happy Hour) - it's a monthly "takeover" event where about 500 gays show up at a different place (not a gay bar) each month.

This innovative event has been copied in Pittsburgh.

http://www.g2h2pittsburgh.com/

[Florida Guy]

Does Youngstown still have a gay scene? They had a big dance club 20 years ago....

Yes, Utopia on Midlothian Blvd. has been open for a few years now.

I think Cleveland is the only city in Ohio that doesnt have any gay bars left downtown...or even close to downtown. Sort of like Detroit that way.

Are you just talking about the 3 C’s? Youngstown doesn’t have any; Akron and Canton do not that I know of. I’m not sure about Toledo.

[MayDay]

:brickwall: :brickwall: :brickwall: :gaah: :gaah: :gaah: :brickwall: :brickwall: :brickwall:

Akron:
Interbelt Nightclub - 70 North Howard (one block from the CBD)
Adams Street - 77 N. Adams (across from Akron General Hospital)
Tear-Ez - 360 S. Main (one block from Canal Park)
Square - 820 West Market (Highland Square neighborhood - 1.5 miles west of downtown)

Canton - Crew and Studio 704 - both downtown.

[Florida Guy]

Like I said none that I know of. I have been to the Interbelt but that seemed a little disconnected from the CBD but yes it is downtown.

[Brandon716]

Wow, of all places I didn't know Cleveland had a bid in on the Gay Games. Good luck!

[FerrariEnzo]

Tons of people with no kids=money to burn. Welcome to Cleveland LGBT Community, stay as long as you want, and come back often!

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Akron:
Interbelt Nightclub - 70 North Howard (one block from the CBD)
Adams Street - 77 N. Adams (across from Akron General Hospital)
Tear-Ez - 360 S. Main (one block from Canal Park)
Square - 820 West Market (Highland Square neighborhood - 1.5 miles west of downtown)

I think Tear-Ez was the one I went to one dreary winters' Sunday night in Akron, and it was packed. One of the busier bar bars Ive been to.

Canton - Crew and Studio 704 - both downtown.

...I think one of these burned?

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Gay Guys Happy Hour sounds like Guerrilla Queer Bar, in other places.

What is impressive and needs to be noted is this:

This month, Jackson and council members promised a $700,000 grant if Cleveland was chosen. The city also has pledged $1.3 million worth of "in-kind" help, which will include the use of police officers and sporting venues such as Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau has committed $100,000.

This was the mayor, parts of the city council, and local tourism groups getting together behind this. This defines a political culture that is actively and outwardly supportive vs being cautiously tolerant.

[MayDay]

"This defines a political culture that is actively and outwardly supportive vs being cautiously tolerant."

Yep - I'm kind of surprised that people are surprised by this. As has been said so many times, northeast Ohio - especially the urban centers - is quite different from most other areas in the state. I mean, I may not agree with him on everything but Dennis Kucinich has routinely received the highest marks from gay rights groups like HRC. Any candidate for any high-ranking citywide office *knows* to be present at the Pride festival, LGBT townhalls, etc. Who knows, maybe all Cleveland needs is a savvy PR firm to get the word out about what's already here?

"...I think one of these burned?"

You're probably thinking of 540 Walnut - and it burned in 2005.

[wrabbit]

I always thought Tremont is the stereotypical gay area in Cleveland. :shrug:

Gayborhoods seem to be less prominent now than a few years back anyways.

And this is great news for Cleveland! Good luck!

Tremont is bohemian but has never been known in Cleveland for being a gay neighborhood.

[Brandon716]

"This defines a political culture that is actively and outwardly supportive vs being cautiously tolerant."

Yep - I'm kind of surprised that people are surprised by this. As has been said so many times, northeast Ohio - especially the urban centers - is quite different from most other areas in the state. I mean, I may not agree with him on everything but Dennis Kucinich has routinely received the highest marks from gay rights groups like HRC. Any candidate for any high-ranking citywide office *knows* to be present at the Pride festival, LGBT townhalls, etc. Who knows, maybe all Cleveland needs is a savvy PR firm to get the word out about what's already here?

"...I think one of these burned?"

You're probably thinking of 540 Walnut - and it burned in 2005.

I don't think its a surprise because Cleveland is seen as some conservative town - Cleveland has never had a conservative image - its a surprise because no one knew Cleveland was in the running. But then again, I don't even pay attention to the game bids usually. And if I'm gay, then I don't imagine straight America paying much attention either.

Either way, celebrate! :cheers:

And I get tired of hearing the gay community has more money to burn than the straight community, there are so many broke gay guys who don't ever buy Abercrombie or Gucci or D&G because the community is economically no different than general America. There are tons of guys at the check out counter making barely above minimum wage at your local food store that get their freak on with other dudes... A matter of fact, there are more gay guys in the service industry than the average straight guy in a higher paying construction or other blue collar type job.

I know this isn't a problem on this forum, but in the conservative political community its common to stereotype gays as elite white collar types that don't deserve 'more rights' because they make more already, and its not true. I don't like hearing the stereotype repeated. Especially when youth with the highest homeless rate are gay youth.

[Evergrey]

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/clevelands_square_factor_helps.html

Cleveland's 'square factor' helps land the Gay Games

By Robert L. Smith, The Plain Dealer
October 07, 2009, 3:55AM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Founded in San Francisco 28 years ago, the Gay Games have been held in New York City, Vancouver, Amsterdam, Chicago and Sydney, Australia.

Last week, the Federation of Gay Games announced from Europe that the 2014 edition will unfold in Cleveland, Ohio.

Or, as they are saying across much of the gay world, "Cleveland?"

The news elicited widespread curiosity and incredulity, sour grapes in the runner-up cities of Boston and Washington, D.C., and plenty of griping that Cleveland is not gay-friendly enough nor interesting enough to deserve the international games.

To the people who run the world's largest gay event, meanwhile, the games are right where they need to be. From Cleveland, they think they can change America.

The gay games are more than an olympics. With an eight-day display of wholesome athletics and cultural events, organizers aim to promote tolerance of gay culture and equality for gay people. The games are an engine in a civil rights crusade that has made progress on the coasts and in select world cities but that struggles for respect in America's Heartland.

For gay games to be embraced by Cologne, Germany -- site of the 2010 edition -- is no great feat. Winning over Cleveland, that could work wonders.

"We want to change people's perceptions through sports and culture," said Kurt Dahl, co-president of the Federation of Gay Games. "Cleveland is the one that really could help further that cause along."

Cleveland would not have won the games without its offer of superb sports facilities, a realistic financial plan and obvious and widespread civic support, Dahl said. But Boston and Washington also offered attractive bid packages -- and more marketable cities. What set Cleveland apart was the square factor.

The games might enjoy a warmer welcome in Boston, a progressive city in a state where same-sex couples can marry. But the bolder march is through a Rust Belt region in a conservative farm state.

"Instead of just blending in, we want to stand out and show who we are and what we can achieve," said Dahl, who lives in Chicago. "We think the games will have a bigger impact in Cleveland. We'll really be able to make a big statement. I think we already have."

The anointing of Cleveland as a gay destination elicited sharp responses in the gay and mainstream press, with some critics expressing bewilderment.

"Does Cleveland and the state of Ohio recognize same gender partnerships or full marriage rights? I don't think so," a commentator wrote to the The Huffington Post.

"The problem is there is nothing to do in Cleveland! It's a boring, mid-west city," said a reader of EDGE Boston, an online news site for the gay community.

But Rebecca Armendariz, a writer for the gay-friendly Washington Blade, saw an intriguing choice. "Cleveland does have a domestic partner registry that began this year," she wrote. "Maybe winning the bid will mobilize gay activists and supporters in Ohio so that some gains can be made in the state for LGBT rights."

And Helen Wortham of SheWired.com urged her readers to give Cleveland a chance.

"The last (Cuyahoga River) fire was way back in 1969, and it's a completely different city now," she wrote. "It's only 365 miles from Philly to there and I plan on making a road trip. What do you think? Is Cleveland gonna rock my gay world?"

The games are already rocking Cleveland.

Sunday night, hundreds of men and women poured into Bounce, a nightclub on the near West Side, to celebrate home the team that made the successful pitch at the Federation of Gay Games Assembly in Cologne, Germany. Dozens of local politicians joined the throng. There was a feeling of something historic under way.

"Why Cleveland? That was the question we got over and over," Doug Anderson said as he stood amidst the crowd wearing a yellow polo shirt with "My Games Rock 2014" scripted in rainbow on the chest. "We are the Heartland of America. That was our message from the very beginning. This is where you should come to understand the United States."

Anderson and his longtime partner, Jeff Axberg, co-founded the Cleveland Synergy Foundation with friend Brian Tavolier to build a pitch for the games. The three tapped their expertise as professional event planners and sports enthusiasts.

Anderson, a competitive volleyball player, ran party centers in Cleveland before moving to San Francisco, where he organized pride parades. Three and a half years ago, he came back with Axberg and the pair set about energizing their new home.

Achieving the games would enhance Cleveland's stature, forward gay rights, and probably help the local economy, Anderson preached in the gay community.

Before they took the argument public in fall 2008, the trio secured the backing of key civic institutions, including Cleveland and Akron city halls, the convention and visitors bureaus of both cities, and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, which organized the 2004 International Children's Games here.

They built bridges between the gay and straight communities, and stewards of the gay games took notice. They also rallied 7,000 enthusiastic people to greet a site-selection team at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in July.

"There was a great sense of inclusion, full civic participation," said Darl Schaaff, who directed the site selection process for the gay games. "That's remarkable five years out."

Schaaff, who lives in Alaska, said Cleveland won over the majority of 57 voting delegates in Cologne on September 29, including himself.

He said he and other stewards of the games see in Cleveland an important city at the cusp -- a city changing economically and socially. Decision-makers were aware of Cleveland's domestic partner registry, as well as Ohio's prohibition against gay marriage and its political reputation as a swing state. They believe in the power of a well-timed nudge.

People who argue that Washington and Boston offer better examples of tolerance and inclusion are missing the point.

"It's difficult to change the world where it's already been changed," Schaaff said. "I think that's the reason you got the games. Cleveland really is the Heartland."

[Wheelingman04]

That is great for the city and the state of Ohio as a whole. Cleveland has a large progressive population unlike the myths or thinking that it is a bunch of blue collar moderate or conservative Democrats that some seem to believe.

Maybe Cincinnati and it's metro which is becoming more liberal and accepting could get something like this soon? Ohio is and probably will become more progressive over time. It will take some time, but I have hope for the state in the future.

[ColDayMan]

I'd love to know where they get this notion of Ohio being a "conservative farm state." It's more like a "moderate rustbelt industrial state." And Cleveland is nowhere close to the "Heartland" unless Toronto and Buffalo count. Try Kansas City.

[Buckeye Native 001]

I'd love to know where they get this notion of Ohio being a "conservative farm state." It's more like a "moderate rustbelt industrial state." And Cleveland is nowhere close to the "Heartland" unless Toronto and Buffalo count. Try Kansas City.

Force Kentucky to take the entire Cincinnati metro within its boundaries, and you'll get a lot less of the "conservative redneck" stereotype.

[Brandon716]

While I know many people have pride for Cincy, and for good reason as its an architecturally charmful city, the region as a whole is fairly conservative for Ohio's major metro regions. Its not the city proper, but the suburban outlays are quite conservative vs other Ohio metro areas. I bet it would have been a Gore-Kerry state had it not been for Cincy's voters.

ColDay, you broke a golden rule. You placed Cleveland and Buffalo in the same sentence with Toronto. You know that's a no no. ;)

[ColDayMan]

While I know many people have pride for Cincy, and for good reason as its an architecturally charmful city, the region as a whole is fairly conservative for Ohio's major metro regions. Its not the city proper, but the suburban outlays are quite conservative vs other Ohio metro areas. I bet it would have been a Gore-Kerry state had it not been for Cincy's voters.

Certainly. We all know METRO Cincinnati is a conservative area but that still shouldn't place the whole state as some "conservative farm state" when infact agriculture isn't even on our radar (only a 1/3rd of the state is suitable for growing shit) and it's a blatant manufacturing state (thus our recession/foreclosure/auto plant closures) and the state has been a moderate paradise (thus we get CNN coverage! Ya...y). But it's basically fact that Metro Cincinnati pushed the Gore/Kerry vote out of this state. But the Obama fellow definately pushed Metro Cincinnati more blue so who knows. And it's hilarious that Metro Cincinnati hates the South (namely Kentucky) so perhaps this Neo-Con Bible Belt Republican stuff was the shot in the arm the old-money Goldwater Republicans of Cincinnati needed to start the shift...:banana:

[ColDayMan]

But back to Cleveland...

[HowardL]

The "farm state" comments are to be expected from the provincial types. Why bother knowing about a place when you can dismiss it? Little minds. They will always be among us.

[ColDayMan]

Which is the irony of being an intellectual elitist. Shame shame shame.

[wrabbit]

".....(T)he bolder march is through a Rust Belt region in a conservative farm state....."

This cracks me up. It is oxymoronic to mix "Rust Belt region" & "conservative farm state" in the same sentence. The Rust Belt is pretty much the Great Lakes region - everything from Erie & Buffalo on out & up to Duluth; whereas a conservative farm state would be someplace more like Kansas or Nevada. Maybe what the author meant was "The bolder march is through somewhere between the Adirondacks and the Rockies and North of the Mason-Dixon Line....." Oh well.

But seriously, good for Cleveland.

[fflint]

Which is the irony of being an intellectual elitist. Shame shame shame.
This is a bunch of jocks we're talking about, jocks who travel to compete in sports competitions. Do you really intend to have us believe they are "intellectual elitists"?

[ColDayMan]

I wasn't talking about the athletes. I was talking about what/how Cleveland was portrayed in the article.

[IconRPCV]

Good for Cleveland, now I will have a reason to visit, besides going to see a Indians game.