The Gay Games and the Changing Face of Equality in Ohio

Published November 22, 2009 @ 07:36AM PT

Cleveland Gay Games When Cleveland, Ohio was awarded the 2014 Gay Games earlier this fall, the city beat out two east coast rivals -- Boston and Washington, D.C. -- that many saw as much more progressive on LGBT rights issues.

By their very nature, the Gay Games are going to cause a swarm of attention on the city of Cleveland, leaving many wondering if the 2014 Gay Games will change the face of equality in Ohio. Organizers are saying that around 20,000 athletes will drop down in Cleveland for the Games, bringing with them estimates of 200,000 fans and spectators, making it the largest event the region has ever hosted.

In terms of sheer size, those crowd numbers would be like having two National Equality Marches right in the city of Cleveland. Turnout like that would certainly transform the city -- both for the week of the Games, and beyond. And they may provide an organizing catalyst for activists in the Buckeye State to carry forward some really great gains made for equality in a region that was long thought to be a solid part of red America.

Cleveland City Councilmember Joe Cimperman said at the forum for the Games this month that "the Gay Games will change Cleveland forever." That is, if Cleveland doesn't change first. Already this year, the city of Cleveland passed a citywide domestic partnership registry, and the State House in Ohio passed a statewide employment non-discrimination act.

Better news yet is that a Cincinnati legislator introduced a bill that would overturn Ohio's ban on same-sex marriage. Even Canada is getting excited about the Gay Games being in Cleveland. The Pride Executive for Windsor, Canada said that they hope to spend the next few years gearing up for the Games, wooing tourists across Lake Erie to see the wonderful world of gayness that is Ontario.

With the four-year countdown to the Cleveland Gay Games already in effect, the Games are well on their way to becoming an organizing tool for equal rights in Ohio. Watch this year for major events in Ohio to build support for the Games. The key is to make sure that these events don't only build support for a large athletic event, but for the struggle for equal rights for LGBT people throughout Ohio and the entire region.

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Comments (4)

The important event of the Gay Games in Cleveland will hopefully much advance LGBT rights in Ohio. It' also good that The Pride Executive for Windsor will also be bringing LGBT people to visit Ontario. 2014 is many years away and by that time, Ohio will most likely recognize the important right of same-sex marriage. Since the Gay Games will bring thousands of people, the event will be important in advancing LGBT rights in Ohio.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 11/22/2009 @ 05:30PM PT
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Im glad the games are still on track but at the same time, I hope there wont be any problems caused by the bible thumpers...

Posted by Reverend Boony on 11/23/2009 @ 04:00AM PT
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Mike,

Thanks for posting this. You made the argument that I was trying to make a few months ago when you asked us where we thought they should be held. :)

Posted by Dave Hershey on 11/23/2009 @ 12:45PM PT
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This is exciting news, and I think we all can share in that excitement when more legislation is passed. Fortunately Ohio looks like it is moving towards more equality much faster than the approach of the Gay Games - kudos to the state for doing so.

Posted by Christian Messer on 11/23/2009 @ 12:49PM PT
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Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He is the former Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, as well as the former Director of Communications for Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace and justice organization. Mike is a graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and he is also a proud sketch comedy writer.