$100,000 for Cleveland Gay Games Bid

In 2000 my partner and I were looking to move from New York City to a place that really met our lifestyles, needs, justice commitments, and personalities. While interviewing for some jobs in May of that year in Cleveland, we fell in love with the city. We ended up moving here before either of us had secured employment! The city is dynamic, diverse, and MANAGEABLE. Other pluses: I’ve rarely been caught in anything close to a traffic jam, the neighborhoods are walkable and interesting and have incredibly good restaurants. Cleveland has numerous Open & Affirming Churches, easy access to public transportation, is racially and culturally diverse, has strong, great health care facilities, some of the finest arts and culture institutions in the world (Cleveland Museum Of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra being two stunning examples!), and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame! We can't wait to have you visit!

Based on some of these comments perhaps the Gay Games should be not be held in the United States, since we have more rights in other countries than we do here in the United States. Bottom line is if you knew the people and the organization that is working to bring the Games Games to Cleveland you might understand what they have have accomplished and how it would benefit our efforts for full equality in all 50 states. Coalitions and friendships are being built that will garner support for the LGBT communities in Ohio and have long lasting benefits. I assume I will see all of you at the National Equality March on October 11th in DC. We ARE working just like the rest you are! You might want to check out the work being done at MyGamesRock.org.

Based on some of these comments perhaps the Gay Games should be not be held in the United States, since we have more rights in other countries than we do here in the United States. Bottom line is if you knew the people and the organization that is working to bring the Games Games to Cleveland you might understand what they have have accomplished and how it would benefit our efforts for full equality in all 50 states. Coalitions and friendships are being built that will garner support for the LGBT communities in Ohio and have long lasting benefits. I assume I will see all of you at the National Equality March on October 11th in DC. We ARE working just like the rest you are! You might want to check out the work being done at MyGamesRock.org.

If it is the case that the Gay Games is a VEHICLE for social change, then the obvious choice is Cleveland. Since the beginning of the process, Cleveland has started a domestic partnership registry. Yes I know this has no political benefits. The State of Ohio has also passed employment non discrimination legislation. This has been all due to the persistence of the Cleveland Synergy Foundation in attracting the gay games. Just imagine what would/could happen if Cleveland/Akron secured the games!

Completely agree with Arelle and Jay. They want our money but won't give us our rights - why bring an extra $60 mil in our pockets for them to use against us in Congress? The State of Ohio doesn't deserve our money or our support. If the LGBT citizens of Ohio don't like that statement, then get off your duff and do something to improve your state of mind, your state of life, and your State of Ohio. Work for it like the rest of us are.

I'm a little biased, but I'm glad that Cleveland is in the running for the Gay Games. Although Ohio may not be as queer-friendly as Massachusetts or Washington, D.C., there are still many LGBTs in the state. So many of the major events in this country happen on one of the coasts, and those of us in the middle have to trek out away from our homes. It would be nice, for once, to have those events come to us instead.

I agree with the previous poster. Why should the GayGames take place in a state that does not have an anti-discrimination policy and forbids not just marriage but domestic partnerships. I don't think gay athletes should participate games held in such places.

I'd much rather have this in Boston. Perhaps someone could explain to me why the Games should take place in a State that has routinely poor track records for Queer rights. A state that made a constitutional ammendment outlawing anything even resembling marriage between same-sex couples.