From Change.org: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. [...T]hey 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.
4 comments:
Cleveland? Are you kidding? No offense to you folks there. I've actually visited Cleveland in the dead of winter and enjoyed it. But, as a venue for the Gay Games? I don't think so. I get that it can be a catalyst for changing attitudes in those areas of the world that need a dose of that, but Cleveland over Boston or DC??? I've seen the Federation do this before by snubbing London and Paris and South Africa. Again, no offense to Cologne. I'm sure there are many well meaning folks doing their best to present a fantastic venue for the games. It just feels like we're moving away from center stage where there would be greater support (fiscal and otherwise) and a greater potential market. You can't use facilities as an excuse, because Boston has some of the best to offer and I know there was plenty of political and economic support there, as there was in DC. Besides, didn't we just have a Gay Games in the mid-western part of the US?
I've participated in Gay Games since 1986 and I'm concerned with the direction the Federation is going.
Cleveland? Are you kidding? No offense to you folks there. I've actually visited Cleveland in the dead of winter and enjoyed it. But, as a venue for the Gay Games? I don't think so. I get that it can be a catalyst for changing attitudes in those areas of the world that need a dose of that, but Cleveland over Boston or DC??? I've seen the Federation do this before by snubbing London and Paris and South Africa. Again, no offense to Cologne. I'm sure there are many well meaning folks doing their best to present a fantastic venue for the games. It just feels like we're moving away from center stage where there would be greater support (fiscal and otherwise) and a greater potential market. You can't use facilities as an excuse, because Boston has some of the best to offer and I know there was plenty of political and economic support there, as there was in DC. Besides, didn't we just have a Gay Games in the mid-western part of the US?
I've participated in Gay Games since 1986 and I'm concerned with the direction the Federation is going.
3D-Teach,
We are not kidding. Cleveland won the bid for 2014 from representatives from all over the world. The bid was fantastic. The budget, facilities, and mission of the Gay Games was best demonstrated by Cleveland Synergy. Boston and Washington were favorites by the voters of the assembly and board of directors leading up to the vote. Cleveland did everything and more to win the bid. They were genuinely affected by the Gay Games movement and a Gay Games in Cleveland will affect more change to the world than either competing cities. I promise you, that the world is coming to Cologne and Cleveland.
The other cities you list as snubbed are just not true. London did not submit a bid for 2014. Mayor Livingston went public during elections pushing for a Gay Games bid for 2014, but no bid was submitted. It takes a strong team of people in a city to win a bid.
This mission of the Gay Games is to change the world. Change is already happening in Ohio. I never thought I would be excited to see a Gay Games in Cleveland. I feel absolutely proud that Cleveland won the bid. It will be amazing. You are welcome to contact me directly and I would be delighted to explain more details.
Today we are focused on Cologne, Germany. Cologne is the city that hosts the only University of Sport in Germany. Most of the sports events will happen right at the University in the city of Cologne, Germany. It will be amazing. Cologne is one of the best values in Europe for travel, and also is the most gay affirming city in Europe.
Be Part of It!
Cologne 2010
www.games-cologne.com
www.gaygames.com
@3D-Teach: I must say, you have to have been there, "there" being the three-day host selection meeting in Cologne, which capped months of research and exchange with the three bidders, including an extensive site inspection process.
The best way to influence the choice of host city is to get involved with the Federation of Gay Games. If you're part of a member organization already, get involved as its delegate. If your organization is not a member, join the FGG. And in any case, anyone can join the FGG as a volunteer and serve on its committees, including the committee in charge of host selection.
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