Columbusite, you need to get over your prejudices. Men in general are stereotypically aggressive. Think about seeing guys obnoxiously catcalling women. Why would you expect gay men to be any better behaved, or to restrict their bad manners to one neighborhood? Women are made uncomfortable by unwanted propositions all the time. Might as well get over it and consider it a compliment.

 

(Same goes for women who room with guys -- some guys are jerks.)

I just expected better behavior from the SN gays vs. typical bros, but as mentioned earlier I didn't consider that this demographic is basically the same as a gay version of Brothers and Gaswerks patrons (think Cadillac in Cincy...not sure what C-town's equivalent is).

This reminds me why I live alone and why I will never live with anyone else again!

In the 70s German Village was the darling of the media.  It just is the way it is...be grateful for any and all positive exposure, and be happy that it is not the dreadful exposure that Cleveland gets bombarded with on a regular basis.

 

And I have to agree with Sean...the comments about Columbus' gay population were really out of line.  So what if you got hit on by someone creepy?  Gay men get hit on by rude, course, sleazeball women all the time. Should we say that the less said about Columbus' straight population the better?  It is just a part of living in an urban environment. 

 

When I visit Columbus I can't wait to get to the Short North.  It is one of the few areas that has any life, is original and  has some unique offerings.  Columbus is a great city, and extremely undervalued in the national consciousness.  Anything that brings it attention, without negativity, is fantastic.  Much better that it be known for its vibrant gay neighborhood than its bad slums or industrial wastelands.

 

As far as getting hit on by sleazeballs and all that stuff, I never felt all that threatened but it is a little uncomfortable. You shouldn't flirt with anyone unless they're giving you a bunch of green-light signals. I kinda know what Columbusite is talking about. I don't approve of straight guys doing that to random women, either. Straight women rarely hit on men unless they're sloppy drunk and in rare form. My brother annoys me when we're riding in the car and he tries to pick up women, as if they're really going to get in the car or even give him their number for him approaching them that way lol! It's just not in a woman's nature to respond to that. Men, whether gay or straight are much more aggressive when it comes to that stuff. It's fine to be like that but make sure the dude is gay, wait for the green-light signal and make sure it's the right time and place. People think the Short North is so wealthy and classy, hah! Disposable income doesn't mean class by any stretch. There's so many trashy drunk people around that don't know how to act, especially on weekends. It's like Park St. Hehe.

 

I just want Columbus to be known for its hidden gems (which are everywhere) and breaking down some barriers. It's actually kind of strange that they have so many gays in this part of Ohio because the city is actually pretty conservative, but overall, everyone is generally cool with everyone. I would also say that subtle racism isn't nearly as prevalent here as it is in a lot of other nearby cities, at least based on my personal observations. Maybe it's because race and class are more blurry than in other cities. What really strikes me is how illegal immigrants and Muslim Somalis are pretty well-received. Hell, I seem to have more issues with them than everyone else.

 

Didn't you live in Columbus like, up until the 80s? Maybe you missed a lot of updated neighborhoods as of recent? I completely disagree that the SN is one of 'very few' places in Columbus worth going to. Personally, I'd much rather hang out in Grandview! Now THERE'S a cool place! It feels so comfortable there. It's also proof that architecture doesn't make or break neighborhoods by any means; it's HOW the buildings are USED. It's also the people. Over the weekend I crashed at my friend's house in Grandview and his street has the most cookie-cutter, basic duplexes, but the people...the neighbors are just incredible. Plus you have all these staples like Aladdins that are comfortable places to hang out at, no matter who you are. The Short North to me is just a fashion show put on by young gays for suburbanites who love a chance to walk the runway. I don't like having to worry about whether or not my shirt is out of season.

 

I don't think anyone is really renouncing the NYT praise, itself. Honestly, it's just that the article hits home too much. There's far too many people in Columbus or people with ties to Columbus who feel the Short North is basically the only thing presentable for Columbus. It seems to always be the first place an outsider is taken to, when given a tour of the city. The Short North is by no means a microcosm of Columbus. It's in the display case. You get a lot of people from great but modest neighborhoods who don't appreciate what they have in walking distance to their house.

 

 

Why are you guys getting picky about coverage in the NYT? I think Columbus should be happy just to be getting any positive coverage in the NYT.  I've said it before, but the Short North is a pretty unique place, especially for Ohio.  Clintonville or Old Town East might have some cool stores or decent architecture, but why would that warrant coverage in the New York Times? Lots of places have record shops and bookstores.  Few places can claim a street with consistant vibrancy as High St. through the SN. 

 

When the NYT does a piece on Cincinnati they usually focus on a couple of neighborhoods (OTR, Northside), while neglecting to mention Hyde Park, Mt. Adams, Clifton, etc.  Generally speaking these neighborhoods are more architecturally significant/interesting than Cbus neighborhoods, yet they still don't get coverage.  A national publication is going to focus on the most noteworthy aspect of a city and ignore the rest.  That's just the way these things go.

 

IMHO, only OTR and Mt. Adams. I've never seen anything in Ohio comparable to the intensity of OTR and Mt. Adams but then again I've never seen anything really comparable to German Village. Still, I'd give you that :p OTR and detailed Italianate buildings close together, wins. The housing stock in most of Cincinnati is similar to that of Columbus, really. Hyde Park's architecture is nothing significant at all, IMO. The landscaping, subtle hills and the intricately designed square are what makes it truly special in my book. Definitely not the people! Ugh! *Yeah, 400k for this bland,3 bdrm Victorian Farmhouse with a 1950s kitchen! Final offer!" Pssht lol.

 

Clintonville should definitely get publicity. It's our Wicker Park/Northside! Clintonville has so many useful and unique shops. It's so functional. I love it. I think Columbusite pointed that out before. I would also say that (thank God) Clintonville/SN hipsters don't really fit the pretentious stereotype like they do in a lot of other cities. Hell, man, I love going to Skully's just to be around them and listen to the live music when it's not even really my scene. I just love being around good people. Cincinnati, I'd say the same thing. I love Northside and Clifton people!

 

I'm starting to absolutely hate the word "vibrant" because of the standardized formula they use to determine what is "vibrant." Vibrant needs to include a 'functionality' factor. It shouldn't be used to denote a street full of expensive stores and houses that a lot of people walk past, just to be seen. By that definition, the inside of Tuttle Mall is just as vibrant. The Short North gets about a 99% walkability score but look at what you're walking past, most of the time. Art galleries (how often do you go to them?) Panhandlers galore (I know, "It's part of living in the city" but it's f-king annoying and I've almost assaulted a couple of them because they can't take no for an answer and start to follow me). Gay bars/restaurants that I personally wouldn't feel comfortable going to unless I was with some gay friends (I know they market themselves as all-inclusive, 'we're gay-friendly', 'we're straight-friendly' but come on..) Realty offices (how often do you need them and why do they have to be located on the main drag where a hardware store could be located?) A Segway store (what a gimmick). Clothing stores full of ripped, distressed and stained $300 jeans. Douchebag Spillover on weekends from Park St. and OSU. Food that isn't all that special but priced as if it is (this is my opinion so please don't get offended by it - that's the last thing I want to get into a debate over.) I would go as far as to say that most of the best food in Columbus isn't even present in the oh-so trendy Short North. In fact, it's in the most unsuspected places which is one of the reasons why I love Columbus.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the Short North is here! It's definitely good for the city. It's fun to go there occasionally. They put on the best events/festivals in the city. I'm just saying that after living nearby, it lost it's novelty really quickly for me, especially since I'm not able to spend much cash. I have a feeling a lot of people who live in that area also feel shut out or uninspired by what's around them but still choose to live there for some reason. Maybe because artists still eat that stuff up and it's basically marketed as a place for young gays to find love lol.

 

God, here I go ranting again! Let the flame-war begin.

I learned the hard way. And it's not just one bad experience with the Short North gays who happened to be a roommate. Many of his gay friends would be hanging around the apartment before heading out to the SN bars and I was amazed at how cookie-cutter they all were/are. The few gays guys I met that didn't rub me the wrong way (poor choice of an idiom) were nothing at all like the Short North variety, which unfortunately are the type you're most likely to run into. New Yorkers who come to Columbus and head out to the Short North will get the impression that gay men in Columbus are walking stereotypes, unless all gay bars in NYC also have Lady Gaga, etc, blaring for passersby. They'd probably prefer that perception anyway whether or not it's warranted.

 

If the other neighborhood associations were at least as vocal the SN's I am certain they'd make their way into a nationally read publication. The Short North, in reality, is not vibrant at all during much of the day. You'll see a person here and there, but the sidewalks are quite dead for such a "vibrant" area. It's really only on weekend nights when you see a decent number of people out and about. Old North Columbus is more vibrant overall and I don't see why the same kinds of establishments being located outside of SN borders removes their uniqueness and worthiness as a collective destination.

Men, whether gay or straight are much more aggressive when it comes to that stuff. It's fine to be like that but make sure the dude is gay, wait for the green-light signal and make sure it's the right time and place.

This is not always possible. I have some friends who I could not always tell if they were straight or gay and then eventually found out about their sexuality. Luckily my friends and I are awesome and we can laugh stuff like that off and still remain good friends. Not to mention, some of my straight, guy friends flirt with me and mean nothing by it. Also, I have had straight, girl friends, who had not known me that for that long and who I thought would just assume I am gay, ask me out before. Perhaps that is just how my generation is though, we are not so hung up on gender and sexuality, well, not to the degree you seem to be. Lastly, if a guy hits on you (not in a creepy way, I can see how that would be offensive), you just need to laugh it off and kindly explain that you are straight and take it as a complement that someone thought you were interesting/attractive enough to work up the nerve to make some type of move (like to buy you a drink or something, not proposition sex, the later being an entirely different situation).

 

I learned the hard way. And it's not just one bad experience with the Short North gays who happened to be a roommate. Many of his gay friends would be hanging around the apartment before heading out to the SN bars and I was amazed at how cookie-cutter they all were/are. The few gays guys I met that didn't rub me the wrong way (poor choice of an idiom) were nothing at all like the Short North variety, which unfortunately are the type you're most likely to run into. New Yorkers who come to Columbus and head out to the Short North will get the impression that gay men in Columbus are walking stereotypes, unless all gay bars in NYC also have Lady Gaga, etc, blaring for passersby. They'd probably prefer that perception anyway whether or not it's warranted.

Ok, I don't even know where to start. Hopefully you realize that not all gay men are the same, not by a long shot. Not even the stereotypical/effeminate gay men are all the same. For example, there could be a really outwardly fey guy who likes Lady Gaga and fashion, yet loves the outdoors and sports. Then again, you could have a outwardly butch guy who seems like one of the guys, but when he lets loose he listens to Lady Gaga and can be as catty as any other queen. Then, there are gay men who fit certain stereotypes, but not all. Basically, being gay is only ONE part of a person, people are way more diverse and complicated than you make them seem. However, there is always the possibility that you are just uncomfortable with certain gay men because they don't conform to gender roles that you are familiar with.

 

I learned the hard way. And it's not just one bad experience with the Short North gays who happened to be a roommate. Many of his gay friends would be hanging around the apartment before heading out to the SN bars and I was amazed at how cookie-cutter they all were/are. The few gays guys I met that didn't rub me the wrong way (poor choice of an idiom) were nothing at all like the Short North variety, which unfortunately are the type you're most likely to run into. New Yorkers who come to Columbus and head out to the Short North will get the impression that gay men in Columbus are walking stereotypes, unless all gay bars in NYC also have Lady Gaga, etc, blaring for passersby. They'd probably prefer that perception anyway whether or not it's warranted.

 

If the other neighborhood associations were at least as vocal the SN's I am certain they'd make their way into a nationally read publication. The Short North, in reality, is not vibrant at all during much of the day. You'll see a person here and there, but the sidewalks are quite dead for such a "vibrant" area. It's really only on weekend nights when you see a decent number of people out and about. Old North Columbus is more vibrant overall and I don't see why the same kinds of establishments being located outside of SN borders removes their uniqueness and worthiness as a collective destination.

I think I am confusing Old North Columbus with the Short North (or combining them), what are the boundaries for those areas?

 

andrew0816  I'm loving the responses! 

 

Ahh to be young and gay!

 

PS it's "catty" not "caddy".  he he he

 

columbusite?  I have a question, are you anti-social or just not comfortable in social settings.

 

I know a lot of people take me for being stand off-ish because I dont really have friends and when I go out I often blend into the shadows.  A lot of people mistake or perceive that for being one way, when in actuality I'm quite the opposite.

 

I wonder if the same can be said for you. 

 

You seem to have some pretty strong opinions how what gay is and IMHO Columbus' gay life isn't very diverse or large so maybe.  Maybe it's the way you grew up, you exposure to other gays, you very own lifestyle. 

 

As Andew0816 state, we come in a sizes, shapes, colors, creeds and religions, like snowflakes - no two gays are alike!

^Haha, oops, I fixed it. Thanks!

I'm just saying, when SN gay guys all listen to the same gay music, dress the same gay way, watch the same gay TV shows, it's hard not to stereotype when they build their personality around being gay within the confines of whoever/whatever (the gay community? the media?) defines which songs, clothing, etc, are associated with one's gayness The Lady Gaga reference is a perfect example and there was a big ad for her over at Union, the bar pictured in the article. Yet I'm sure similar ones are found at gay bars across the country. The message is that if you're gay you like this. I'm not the one saying you have to listen to this, watch this, dress like this, act like this, in order to be gay. A good number of gay guys seem to be very capable of making themselves one-dimensional without any outside intervention.

 

Again, having the SN act as *the* signature neighborhood for out of town visitors from the coasts will likely give them a negative perception of the local gay population as being very provincial and outdated. This reminds me of a local article on SN gay bars and the influx of straight patrons at their bars which was not all well-received. Other cities have already went through this phase where the decentralization/de-homogenization of local gay culture/gay scene was or is nearing completion. In light of this, the situation in other large cities is that you don't have to adopt favored stereotypes in order to be gay. I've been dragged to Union a couple of times myself and one time there was karaoke and I swear I was in a clone factory, but that's nothing unique to gay bars, since I've felt the same way when I was dragged to some straight bars including Brothers *shudder*. The difference is that there are a wide variety of "straight" bars, whereas anytime you go to a gay bar you always, always know what to expect, but that phenomenon extends beyond SN borders.

 

The SN goes from north of the 670 cap to Smith (north of 5th Ave) while ONC stretches from Lane to Arcadia and definitely has a much more alternative vibe with all of the musicians in the area. South Cville continues from Arcadia to Broadway, and when you consider that the area holds its own when compared to the SN. Although there are a handful of decent spots in the SN I prefer ONC by far. The SN does not have the live music venues and quality restaurants (whether ethnic or not like Alana's or Sage) found just a dozen of blocks up north: it's not even close. On top of that there is a significant lack of douchebags, be they straight or gay.

I'm just saying, when SN gay guys all listen to the same gay music, dress the same gay way, watch the same gay TV shows, it's hard not to stereotype when they build their personality around being gay within the confines of whoever/whatever (the gay community? the media?) defines which songs, clothing, etc, are associated with one's gayness The Lady Gaga reference is a perfect example and there was a big ad for her over at Union, the bar pictured in the article. Yet I'm sure similar ones are found at gay bars across the country. The message is that if you're gay you like this. I'm not the one saying you have to listen to this, watch this, dress like this, act like this, in order to be gay. A good number of gay guys seem to be very capable of making themselves one-dimensional without any outside intervention.

 

Again, having the SN act as *the* signature neighborhood for out of town visitors from the coasts will likely give them a negative perception of the local gay population as being very provincial and outdated. This reminds me of a local article on SN gay bars and the influx of straight patrons at their bars which was not all well-received. Other cities have already went through this phase where the decentralization/de-homogenization of local gay culture/gay scene was or is nearing completion. In light of this, the situation in other large cities is that you don't have to adopt favored stereotypes in order to be gay. I've been dragged to Union a couple of times myself and one time there was karaoke and I swear I was in a clone factory, but that's nothing unique to gay bars, since I've felt the same way when I was dragged to some straight bars including Brothers *shudder*. The difference is that there are a wide variety of "straight" bars, whereas anytime you go to a gay bar you always, always know what to expect, but that phenomenon extends beyond SN borders.

 

The SN goes from north of the 670 cap to Smith (north of 5th Ave) while ONC stretches from Lane to Arcadia and definitely has a much more alternative vibe with all of the musicians in the area. South Cville continues from Arcadia to Broadway, and when you consider that the area holds its own when compared to the SN. Although there are a handful of decent spots in the SN I prefer ONC by far. The SN does not have the live music venues and quality restaurants (whether ethnic or not like Alana's or Sage) found just a dozen of blocks up north: it's not even close. On top of that there is a significant lack of douchebags, be they straight or gay.

 

See this is where you're wrong.  I'm gay and I cannot stand HATE Lady Gaga!

 

In most large cities the gayborhood is still "gay ground zero" but others have moved into it or near it to capatilize in the attributies of the neighborhood.

 

Have you thought it's the bars YOU go to?  Are these white bars?

Columbusite - Do you have something against Lady Gaga? I mean, I like her and I am gay, but I don't like her because I am gay. Also, I know gay men who are WAY more effeminate than me who do not like her at all. Not to mention, you are still lumping all the "SN gays" into one category even though I am sure you could not possibly know every "SN gay." Lastly, there a a number of different types of gay bars (at least in Cleveland, I don't know about Columbus), but I don't think you would want to go to some of those bars (like a leather bar :laugh:). Then again you would probably fit in at others (gay sports bars, there is/was one in Cleveland but I can't remember its name).

I had plenty of exposure to several gay guys who frequent the SN through the old roommate, so I feel more than qualified to comment on them. I just used Lady Gaga as an example, but it could have been substituted with another metric used to measure one's gayness. I think we already have enough cookie-cutter gays without the NYT possibly (quite unlikely) adding much more. We could use more exposure for cool people that would enjoy our other neighborhoods that are bustling; thankfully without the overdose of gentrification that sterilized much of the southern half of the SN, which was the main focus of the article. I just hope the ones who would be interested in those awful SN gay bars will ignore the Bodega listing: from 3rd ave up to almost the southern end of OSU are spots thankfully devoid of frat boys/bros and catty ("catty" also always means "loud" and "annoying" by default) gay men.

 

The article makes it sound like indie types are the most common sort of gay people here, but it's very misleading, which could explain why there is not a single indie gay bar in the entire city.

Short North was the first place in Ohio where I saw gay men holding hands, in public, walking down the sidewalk, where it wasn’t a gay pride parade thing (though it was pride weekend.  This was during  some sort of gallery hop being held the weekend of the parade and Comfest (back when Comfest and the parade where on the same weekend).  This was on, I think, the Friday before the parade.

 

So, it was like, “wow, guys are holding hands and it’s not a big deal here!”

 

I think we already have enough cookie-cutter gays without the NYT possibly (quite unlikely) adding much more.

 

In the past most gay people coming to Columbus came from elsewhere in the state.  That was the word in the 1990s, that Cols was the place to go for a more tolerant and open environment if you llived in a smaller or more conservative Ohio place but didn’t want to leave the state.  And Cols had a good economy vis a vis the rest of Ohio.  So maybe there is some self-selection within the statewide GLBT community to where you are going to get more “out” gay people coming to Columbus, where their gay self-indentification and wanting to live openly is important enough to make them relocate.

 

Columbusite - Do you have something against Lady Gaga? I mean, I like her and I am gay, but I don't like her because I am gay.

 

I don’t really “get” Lady Gaga.  I see her more in the Madonna context, as the younger generations’ Madonna, playing with that fashion/performance/music/celebrity persona nexus,  but I liked Madonna’s music more. 

 

The SN goes from north of the 670 cap to Smith (north of 5th Ave)

 

So what's the area between the cap and the railroad overpass, where North Market is?  I used to think that was sort of "Short North", but not really the Arena District?  That's an interesting neighborhood, which used to be sort of generic low density stuff and fragmented streetscape on High, but has really changed over the years.

 

...while ONC stretches from Lane to Arcadia and definitely has a much more alternative vibe with all of the musicians in the area.

 

Yeah, maybe also more of an OSU student thing, too?  I think that Mambo club I went to earlier in the year was near this ONC area, though I think it was south of Lane.  I can see that place (Mambo) having that alt/indy thing going on, muscially and culturally...

I'd much rather hang out in Grandview! Now THERE'S a cool place! It feels so comfortable there. It's also proof that architecture doesn't make or break neighborhoods by any means; it's HOW the buildings are USED. It's also the people.

 

Yeah, I've seen this elsewhere.  Places that used to be 'generic' change due to how they are used/inhabited and who's using them.  Good comment about Grandview, too.  The place was a surprise when I drove through there by accident a while back.

 

@@@@

 

As for other Cols neighborhoods and "the gays"....

 

Old Towne East & the Columbus gay communities role in gentrification has recieved national attention via that 'Flag Wars' documentary, & it wasn't a postive thing toward the gays.

 

 

So what's the area between the cap and the railroad overpass, where North Market is?  I used to think that was sort of "Short North", but not really the Arena District?  That's an interesting neighborhood, which used to be sort of generic low density stuff and fragmented streetscape on High, but has really changed over the years.

 

 

That area doesn't really have a name. It was dominated for so long by Union Station and the Pen that people just called it "by the Ohio Pen", "by Union Station" or today "by the Convention Center". If it did have a neighborhood name, it was lost when the tracks (of which there used to be many more) were moved from at grade to under a viaduct in the late 1800s. So, the area is simply part of Downtown.

So what's the area between the cap and the railroad overpass, where North Market is?  I used to think that was sort of "Short North", but not really the Arena District?  That's an interesting neighborhood, which used to be sort of generic low density stuff and fragmented streetscape on High, but has really changed over the years.

 

Downtown.

I was looking for a spot to post this recent Columbus Monthly article about how Columbus became a LGBT-Friendly city.  Which seemed particularly relevant given last Friday's landmark same-sex marriage ruling. (Note: This article was published before that ruling)  So I'm updating this older thread, originally about a NY Times article on Columbus' gay population, with a title change to reflect that update.

 

Here's an brief excerpt of that Columbus Monthly article with the full article link at the bottom.  It's a good read:

 

---

 

Rainbow City: How Columbus Became So LGBT-Friendly

By Michelle Sullivan, Columbus Monthly

From the June 2015 edition

 

It’s 1984, and an ordinance that would bar employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation has been brought to City Hall.  Council members have agreed to hear testimony from opponents and proponents.  A preacher is the first to take the stand.

 

“Homosexuality is an unclean practice,” the preacher spits, his voice rising as blood rushes to his face. “They should not be forced to be hired in to spread diseases that have no cure—it’s foolishness. You don’t let a leper person in among clean people.” The AIDS crisis was in full swing, exacerbating anti-gay sentiments.  “I can’t believe that the great city of Columbus is considering the passage of a bill of this nature,” another speaker, also a preacher, shouts. “I believe if we pass it, it’ll give Columbus a bad name. Homosexuals from surrounding states will flock here. They’ll realize they can be protected in Columbus.”

 

He closes with a rhetorical question: “Who in the world wants Columbus to be known as the gay capital of the Midwest?”  Today, those words—captured in a grainy video—are so pointed they elicit a jaw drop.  “That’s exactly what happened,” says Douglas Whaley, a law professor who helped draft the ordinance 30 years ago and testified that day in its favor.  When Whaley took the stand, he predicted, “There will come a day where this will be considered as silly a matter as discriminating against blacks or women.”  Three decades later, Columbus prides itself on being a place where residents are not only tolerant but supportive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.  The local tourism bureau markets it, corporations brag about it and city politicians back it — it’s become another badge used to attract a younger, more enlightened generation of residents.

 

The city’s LGBT-friendly reputation isn’t merely anecdotal.  In March, Gallup released a ranking of the nation’s top 50 metropolitan areas, based on the population of adults who identify as LGBT.  Columbus ranked No. 15 on the list, with 4.3 percent, which is higher than rates in New York City, Miami and Chicago.  Columbus didn’t arrive here overnight.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusmonthly.com/content/stories/2015/06/rainbow-city-how-columbus-became-so-lgbt-friendly.html

This article was written after last Friday's Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling.  And it relates to Columbus' reputation for being a LGBT-Friendly city in a different way.  Columbus economist Bill LaFayette studied the impact that legalizing same-sex marriage would have on the Ohio economy - a hypothetical study until now.

 

Equally interesting is that author of the study - who is the local media's go-to analyst for the Columbus and Central Ohio economy - is also a statistic in his own study.  Mr. Lafayette was interviewed for this story as he was going to the Franklin County Courthouse to legally marry his partner of nearly 12 years on Friday:

 

---

 

Gay marriage to pump millions into economy as Ohioans head to courthouses

By Evan Weese, Columbus Business First

Updated: June 26, 2015, 2:22pm EDT

 

Three years ago, Columbus economist Bill LaFayette studied how same-sex marriage could boost Ohio’s economy if legalized.  It was merely hypothetical – until now.

 

Reached by phone Friday morning, just minutes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that legalized gay marriage nationwide, the owner of economic forecasting firm Regionomics LLC was hurrying to the Franklin County courthouse to legally marry his partner of nearly 12 years.

 

LaFayette becomes a statistic in his own study, one of the more than 9,850 same-gender couples expected to marry within the first three years of legalization, pumping $126.6 million into the state’s economy.

 

MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2015/06/gay-marriage-to-pump-millions-into-economy-as.html

Mayor Coleman unites 13 same-sex couples in City Hall ceremony: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/11/coleman-marries-couples.html

 

That photo has to be fake. The pavement is dry and there is some kind of light coming from the sky.

That photo has to be fake. The pavement is dry and there is some kind of light coming from the sky.

 

Yes.  One of the few non-rainy days we've had in Central Ohio (something like 27 out of the last 31 days had rain).

 

It's almost like someone up above was giving a blessing (if you believe in such things).

From http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/morning_call/2015/12/morning-roundup-columbus-gets-perfect-lgbt.html:

 

Ohio’s capital city isn't shy about being one of the most gay-friendly places in the country.  It has vibrant arts and entertainment districts, a bunch of supportive workplaces and one of the most gay-friendly college campuses in the U.S.  Now, for the third year in a row, The Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index has given Columbus a perfect score of 100 for LGBT inclusion.

 

"Cincinnati and Columbus earned a 100-point score, helping to set a standard of LGBT inclusiveness with exemplary policies ranging from non-discrimination laws and equal employee benefits, to cutting-edge city services,” a press release from HRC said.  The LGBT score for the six Ohio cities in the report:  Akron - 73; Cincinnati - 100; Cleveland - 78; Columbus - 100; Dayton - 98; Toledo - 76.

 

The full Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index report is at http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/municipal-equality-index

Ugandan LGBTQ Refugees Seek a Better Life in Columbus

By Amber Hage-Ali, Columbus Underground

June 5, 2016 - 8:30 am

 

Stonewall Columbus and Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), are collaborating to create a new program for LGBT immigrants fleeing Uganda.  “We are working on a partnership with SWC (Stonewall Columbus) to help get the story of the experiences of the LGBTQ from Uganda to the public,” said Angie Plummer, executive director of CRIS.

 

In 2013, an anti-homosexuality act or “Kill Gays Bill” was passed by the parliament of Uganda.  This aggressive bill criminalized same-sex relations sentencing LGBTQ individuals to life in prison, and because of this, many people have sought refuge in Columbus.  “Many people of the Uganda immigrant community that are already settled here have homophobic beliefs, so the LGBTQ refugees arriving really couldn’t find community with their immigrants here,” said Lori Gum, Program and Pride Coordinator of Stonewall Columbus.

 

CRIS and Stonewall wanted to give a platform for LGBTQ refugees to tell their stories and integrate them into the community so they created “The Love Will Win; LGBT Refugee Experience”.  The launch was held on May 14.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lgbtq-refugees

http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-responds-to-orlando-shooting

 

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/06/13/heartbreak-anger-defiance-voiced-at-goodale-park-vigil-over-orlando-tragedy.html

The Columbus Pride Festival and Parade is celebrating its 35th anniversary: https://www.columbuspride.org/

 

The 2016 Columbus Pride Festival will be held at Goodale Park in the Short North this weekend and the Pride Parade will take place Downtown on Saturday.  Now in its 35th year, the Columbus Pride weekend keeps getting bigger and bigger.  And large events like Columbus Pride necessarily require security measures so it can run smoothly.  Unfortunately, last weekend's mass shooting that targeted an Orlando gay nightclub will ramp up the normal security concerns for this Pride weekend.  But the City of Columbus and the Pride organizers will make sure it happens:

 

---

-- In wake of Orlando killings, safety top of mind for Columbus Pride Festival that draws 400,000:  http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/06/13/in-wake-of-orlando-killings-safety-top-of-mind-for.html

 

-- Police presence beefed up for this weekend's Pride Festival:  http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/06/13/police-presence-beefed-up-for-this-weekends-pride.html

The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and Parade had its 35th anniversary over the weekend.  It was their most attended festival ever - with an estimated crowd of over 500,000 for both the parade and festival on Friday and Saturday.  So many people ... so many photo slideshows linked below:

 

 

Columbus Dispatch article with video of parade:  http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/06/18/pride-parade.html

 

Columbus Dispatch:  SLIDESHOW: 2016 Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade

 

Business First:  PHOTOS: Huge crowd turns out for 2016 Columbus Pride Parade

 

NBC4:  GALLERY: Columbus celebrates Pride 2016 with annual parade

 

10TV:  PHOTOS: The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival 2016

 

FOX28:  PHOTOS: Plenty of Pride at this year's parade

 

Columbus Underground:  Photos: 35 Years of PRIDE

 

2018's Pride Festival will still be one of the most well-attended festivals to be held in Downtown Columbus - more about that at https://www.urbanohio.com/forum/index.php/topic,17502.msg920170.html#msg920170.  And 2017's Pride Festival was also very well-attended.  But the 2017 Pride Parade didn't finish without a hitch.

 

Four protesters from Black Queer & Intersectional Columbus were arrested after trying to interrupt the 2017 Stonewall Columbus Pride parade.  They said they were protesting the lack of intersectionality (a term used to describe accommodating multiple identities within a movement), recent police shootings of black suspects, and what they felt was an "overwhelming" volume of police at Stonewall Columbus Pride.

 

This year, Black Queer & Intersectional Columbus is not going to repeat that action.  Instead, they plan to hold a separate Pride event, which will take place at Mayme Moore Park in the King-Lincoln neighborhood on June 16 - the same day as Stonewall's parade.  According to the below article about this, some local activists have a message for people of color within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community: “Pick a Pride.”

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180601/group-plans-alternative-pride-celebration

2018's Pride Festival will still be one of the most well-attended festivals to be held in Downtown Columbus - more about that at https://www.urbanohio.com/forum/index.php/topic,17502.msg920170.html#msg920170.  And 2017's Pride Festival was also very well-attended.  But the 2017 Pride Parade didn't finish without a hitch.

 

Four protesters from Black Queer & Intersectional Columbus were arrested after trying to interrupt the 2017 Stonewall Columbus Pride parade.  They said they were protesting the lack of intersectionality (a term used to describe accommodating multiple identities within a movement), recent police shootings of black suspects, and what they felt was an "overwhelming" volume of police at Stonewall Columbus Pride.

 

This year, Black Queer & Intersectional Columbus is not going to repeat that action.  Instead, they plan to hold a separate Pride event, which will take place at Mayme Moore Park in the King-Lincoln neighborhood on June 16 - the same day as Stonewall's parade.  According to the below article about this, some local activists have a message for people of color within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community: “Pick a Pride.”

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180601/group-plans-alternative-pride-celebration

 

I certainly think that having a Pride that is especially for POC is a good thing, however, I do not agree that POC have to "pick a Pride". People can participate in both without besmirching the image of either. "pick a Pride" is exactly what the Gay community does not need-more divisiveness. JMHO.

 

*Also while I can understand the concerns of POC with the police presence in the mainstream Pride parade and events, I think that they also need to understand the history of the police involvement in the parade and festivities. I can remember marching in the 80's and at times the protesters were very hateful, aggressive, and outnumbered the participants, and the police presence was a needed and necessary thing and we were glad to have it. There is a history there that also needs to be understood. Also you cannot have an event involving 500,000 people (especially in these times) without a large police presence.  I do hope that there can be some reaching towards one another and some accommodations can be made to assist everyone involved.  I also hope the alternative parade at Mayme Moore Park was a success today.

I thought I'd cross-post this report and photo-slideshow link on Saturday's downtown Pride Parade and note that both this enormous downtown Pride Festival and the much smaller alternative neighborhood Pride Festival went safely and smoothly.

 

Lots and lots of photos from Saturday's Pride Parade over at Business First (at the link below).  Local TV is reporting that the crowd estimate was 700,000!

 

Photos: Pride Parade draws huge crowd as companies show support for diversity