April 19, 201213 yr And some acutal news! Registration to open soon for 2014 Gay Games, hosted by Cleveland-Akron Published: Thursday, April 19, 2012, 6:00 AM CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With more than two years to go before opening ceremonies for the 2014 Gay Games unfold in downtown Cleveland and Akron, organizers of the Games say plans are coming together so smoothly that online registration should open for competitors within the next couple weeks. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/04/registration_to_open_soon_for.html
April 19, 201213 yr Yeah I dont know if the first group of new amenities (Conv Center, Aquarium, Casino) will be enough to outweigh the lack of amenities that are not here in abundance, as mentioned. A better fixed up Euclid Ave with a couple boutique hotels would do wonders though for 'first impressions'. By then also, the Market District should be really interesting. Those two things (restored Euclid Ave and Market District) will improve the pedestrian experience for this event. Also, there might be a lot more activity in Akron?
April 19, 201213 yr 2014. Think about how "new" the city will be for first time visitors. New convention center, new casino, all sorts of new on Euclid Ave, downtown, CSU and uptown, Flats, aquarium, Market District.... I think this event will be a great showcase for the city. Yeah and hopefully some new great hotel brands by then (this will really help to set a tone, right MTS)... But also, hopefully there will be some new establishments for the crowd to go to. Im not sure what happened there, whether most of the gay population moved away or scattered, but considering what a groundbreaking place Cleveland was in its day, there really isnt much of anything now, and the places that are there dont seem very well supported. If nothing else my hope would be that places in general will become "host" bars, restaurants, whatever... and that they will also hold events, dances and such in some of the cities grand spaces and lobbies. The business model for gay bars are rapidly changing. I was just discussing this with the owner of St. James tavern in Columbus after she told me Havana closed there. There will be niche bars, like dance, leather, country, but as the "stigma" of being gay has dramatically lessened in this generation, the need to find a place where gays can be themselves has also lessened. (and yes, I'm back on the "I'm going to open a bar kick") So, as long as our guests are made to feel welcome, and we have a decent dance venue, I think it will be OK
April 19, 201213 yr Indeed. And really the past 15 years, Cleveland has become much more of an assimilated place for gays, in that most seem to go to regular places anyway and feel welcome doing so. They have also had much success there with their traveling gay happy hours (G2H2), which for many (especially if your a bit older), has taken the place of going to a gay bar.
April 19, 201213 yr And some acutal news! Registration to open soon for 2014 Gay Games, hosted by Cleveland-Akron Published: Thursday, April 19, 2012, 6:00 AM CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With more than two years to go before opening ceremonies for the 2014 Gay Games unfold in downtown Cleveland and Akron, organizers of the Games say plans are coming together so smoothly that online registration should open for competitors within the next couple weeks. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/04/registration_to_open_soon_for.html I'm excited, my team, played in our first gay tournament, so we can be rated. They dont use USVA ratings for volleyball and I understand they dont use governing body ratings in other sports so you need to qualify to the gay games governing body standards which can be confusing. After showing of my city this past weekend, I'm excited to play host again!
April 19, 201213 yr Great video: http://www.2014gaygamescleveland.com/location.html They made a little blooper on the West Side Market: http://www.2014gaygamescleveland.com/
April 19, 201213 yr Great video: http://www.2014gaygamescleveland.com/location.html They made a little blooper on the West Side Market: http://www.2014gaygamescleveland.com/ The first video should have been replaced or at least edited. considering the content is not accurate.
April 19, 201213 yr Yes, I noticed but still good. Some editing would be good, remove Lebron and some updated skyline shots. I don't recognize the fountain at 1:18, where is it?
April 19, 201213 yr Yes, I noticed but still good. Some editing would be good, remove Lebron and some updated skyline shots. I don't recognize the fountain at 1:18, where is it? Fountain of eternal life on the mall
April 19, 201213 yr Wow I have a short memory span, I took photos of it and posted here in 2007. I just don't remember those details though.
April 19, 201213 yr Wow I have a short memory span, I took photos of it and posted here in 2007. I just don't remember those details though. Old ass! LOL
April 20, 201213 yr What are the events? Same as the Olympics? Something different? They mirror the olympics, but they also have things like handball, IIRC. Every year they add stuff. From my contacts at the GG, this event list is not complete as of yet. They want to try to include gymnastics. http://www.gaygames.com/index.php?id=gg9-program0
April 20, 201213 yr ^^I dunno, I would think similar events. To finish what I mentioned upthread...Akron bars may be the places to party.
April 20, 201213 yr ^^I dunno, I would think similar events. To finish what I mentioned upthread...Akron bars may be the places to party. Im pretty sure they will be capitalizing on it in Cleveland by then. There will be plenty of place to party there.
April 20, 201213 yr ^^I dunno, I would think similar events. To finish what I mentioned upthread...Akron bars may be the places to party. Im pretty sure they will be capitalizing on it in Cleveland by then. There will be plenty of place to party there. Agreed. The gays will bring $$$$ and with the Casino opening this year, a lot of downtown and adjacent neighborhoods will grow. Gay businesses will blossom.
April 21, 201213 yr I would bet that the great majority of the best of the best gay male athletes are in the closet
April 21, 201213 yr I'm pretty sure that's the whole point of it...sports are incredibly homophobic...gay games...they can be themselves.
April 21, 201213 yr Well, start the straight games, bring thousands of athletes from around the world to Cleveland. Then, I will enthusiastically support it.
April 21, 201213 yr ^Alright, do we really need to do this? I checked their website, straight people are allowed to (openly) compete, and many do.
September 13, 201212 yr planning for gay games, cleveland is 'ahead of schedule' Thursday, September 13, 2012 Metro Weekly, D.C.'s gay and lesbian news magazine, writes in an article titled "Planning for Gay Games in 2014 is ahead of schedule" that "Many people around the world were shocked when Cleveland beat Boston and Washington, D.C., in the battle to host the Gay Games in 2014. However, Ohio's second largest city is proving it is not just up for the task but ready to set the bar for future Gay Games." Leading up to the Gay Games, which will take place in Cleveland August 9 to 16, 2014, organizers are ahead of schedule when it comes to planning. Organizers announced that 26 hotels in Cleveland and Akron, which is co-hosting the games, have been officially contracted to provide than 20,000 rooms to accommodate more then 11,000 expected participants. Approximately 35 sports and culture events will be a part of Gay Games. Events will run the gamut from softball, track & field, soccer and swimming to volleyball, bowling, marathon and rowing to band, orchestra and cheer. "Cleveland has long been active in promoting the city as a welcoming destination for LGBT visitors. Positively Cleveland launched its gay travel marketing campaign in 2007 that included the creation of an LGBT section of its website." http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/inthenews/gaygames091312.aspx
September 13, 201212 yr Great news for the Gay Games! Excellent work. I am actually very interested to know what venue will host Bowling. Personally, Corner Alley downtown would make a great statement (I don't think many downtowns in the US have a bowling alley in such an exciting urban environment). But then, Mahalls is quite excellent but I don't know if it is up to compliance for a tournament. I have no idea what kinds of things go into a decision like this, though.. could anyone with any knowledge make a guess for me?
January 10, 201312 yr The Terminal Tower stands lit in the colors of the rainbow Wednesday to celebrate the Gay Games, which will be coming to Cleveland and Akron in August 2014. They are lighting the tower so it can be photographed for the 2013 LGBT visitors guide. View the photo here: http://photos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2013/01/terminal_tower_lighted_in_rain.html#incart_photo
January 10, 201312 yr The Terminal Tower stands lit in the colors of the rainbow Wednesday to celebrate the Gay Games, which will be coming to Cleveland and Akron in August 2014. They are lighting the tower so it can be photographed for the 2013 LGBT visitors guide. View the photo here: http://photos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2013/01/terminal_tower_lighted_in_rain.html#incart_photo The comments on the picture are so shortsighted and small minded that it's shameful. I see no problem with the colors being shown on our most prestigious building, I think it's great that Cleveland is fully embracing the games as they get closer.
August 21, 201311 yr I wonder if the Gay Games give a shout out to Cleveland's own CWRU for being named the #1 most LGBT-friendly school in the country yesterday...interesting..: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/campus-pride-lgbt-colleges-2013_n_3781950.html
January 4, 201411 yr Redirected from the W. 117th thread- I think it's honestly part of a pretty national trend of gay bars closing because they aren't as necessary as they once were. The gay population is able to comfortably go out to other places now and therefore the gay bars aren't as popular. Cincinnati really only has a few left and frankly they're awful. It seems to be happening in a lot of places. I think this is certainly a trend and definitely not unique to Cleveland, but at the same time, there are still many people for whom the "scene" is important, and a lot of them are younger. I guess I just want Cleveland to blow away as many visitors as possible... this event is a real opportunity to make an impression on the world. It's bad enough that the narrative has started spreading that the biggest reason the Games are coming here is to make some kind of point about gays in the "heartland" (which really only began when some reporter from Boston suggested it to an organizer during an interview). Maybe it's just my Cleveland inferiority complex, but I'd love people to come away wowed by their experience here, not saying "well, what did you expect, it's Cleveland after all"
January 4, 201411 yr I have now doubt Cleveland will impress. The city always shines during major events because people in Cleveland care about the city. The key will be what is the follow-up to engage a relationship with those that attend? How do you get those that live regionally (Columbus) to see the city as a destination to get away more frequently to enjoy the arts, food, concerts. The focus should be to make this more than a one and done event.
January 4, 201411 yr Redirected from the W. 117th thread- I think it's honestly part of a pretty national trend of gay bars closing because they aren't as necessary as they once were. The gay population is able to comfortably go out to other places now and therefore the gay bars aren't as popular. Cincinnati really only has a few left and frankly they're awful. It seems to be happening in a lot of places. I think this is certainly a trend and definitely not unique to Cleveland, but at the same time, there are still many people for whom the "scene" is important, and a lot of them are younger. I guess I just want Cleveland to blow away as many visitors as possible... this event is a real opportunity to make an impression on the world. It's bad enough that the narrative has started spreading that the biggest reason the Games are coming here is to make some kind of point about gays in the "heartland" (which really only began when some reporter from Boston suggested it to an organizer during an interview). Maybe it's just my Cleveland inferiority complex, but I'd love people to come away wowed by their experience here, not saying "well, what did you expect, it's Cleveland after all" But I'm still surprised that the owner is opting to just close down Twist rather than sell it to another investor to keep it going. The bar always seems to be busy.
January 4, 201411 yr "I'd love people to come away wowed by their experience here, not saying "well, what did you expect, it's Cleveland after all" There are *always* going to be people who no matter what, are going to say that. I'm not suggesting that anyone will be blown away by our gay club scene but if someone comes from a place like NYC, LA, etc. and expects something comparable to what they have at home - I think that reflects more on their ignorance and provincialism than anything else. Megaclubs (gay or otherwise) have been closing for years, gay clubs outside of the larger cities have been struggling and the younger crowds seem much more open to going to more mixed environments (I'm 41 but that's the feedback I get). Maybe something will pop up in time for the games but I'd rather it be something sustainable instead of the tired "LIKE NOTHING CLEVELAND HAS EVER SEEN!!!" repurposed club that lasts six months. Where Cleveland seems to do well are special events like G2H2, WH2, the GIFT Cruise - those are always busy and I think the games will probably have something comparable in venues that will really make the event. "But I'm still surprised that the owner is opting to just close down Twist rather than sell it to another investor to keep it going. The bar always seems to be busy." The owner has had the place for a *long* time - around 20 years, and moved it from downtown to the current location (the previous name was Detours). For any club to be open that long is a hell of an accomplishment - I don't feel it's my place to disclose someone's health issues but 'keeping it going' might be the least of their concerns. :| clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
January 4, 201411 yr "But I'm still surprised that the owner is opting to just close down Twist rather than sell it to another investor to keep it going. The bar always seems to be busy." The owner has had the place for a *long* time - around 20 years, and moved it from downtown to the current location (the previous name was Detours). For any club to be open that long is a hell of an accomplishment - I don't feel it's my place to disclose someone's health issues but 'keeping it going' might be the least of their concerns. :| Completely understood--but my point was it seems to be a successful business. Selling it turnkey to a new owner would, to me, seem easier than actually closing a business down, especially if the owners health is failing. Maybe there are other factors. It's just a disappointment because it actually seems to be an asset for the neighborhood--I've never heard of any trouble coming out of that bar.
January 4, 201411 yr "But I'm still surprised that the owner is opting to just close down Twist rather than sell it to another investor to keep it going. The bar always seems to be busy." The owner has had the place for a *long* time - around 20 years, and moved it from downtown to the current location (the previous name was Detours). For any club to be open that long is a hell of an accomplishment - I don't feel it's my place to disclose someone's health issues but 'keeping it going' might be the least of their concerns. :| Completely understood--but my point was it seems to be a successful business. Selling it turnkey to a new owner would, to me, seem easier than actually closing a business down, especially if the owners health is failing. Maybe there are other factors. It's just a disappointment because it actually seems to be an asset for the neighborhood--I've never heard of any trouble coming out of that bar. Rumor mill alert. I've heard employees at Clifton Diner say the entire strip is being torn down. Take that for what it's worth, but it fits the fact pattern.
January 5, 201411 yr Yeah that was mentioned a while back on here, and while it wouldn't surprise me to see another walkable strip torn down in this town, I wouldn't put too much into that rumor (currently).
January 5, 201411 yr They are going to "need" that space for a parking lot for the new car oriented development across the street. And they will "need" the parking lot to be built prior to any groundbreaking across the street! I wouldn't be too surprised to hear that the rumor was actually true.
January 5, 201411 yr This all makes much more sense. I wonder if the landlord is not renewing leases.
February 7, 201411 yr Some more buzz: Human Rights Campaign Partners with 2014 Gay Games http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/human-rights-campaign-partners-with-2014-gay-games-242447901.html Queer Girl Mini Guide: Cleveland, Ohio and the Gay Games http://www.autostraddle.com/queer-girl-mini-guide-cleveland-ohio-and-the-gay-games-215216/
February 7, 201411 yr http://www.autostraddle.com/queer-girl-mini-guide-cleveland-ohio-and-the-gay-games-215216/ Ugh, those comments, though! Can anyone seriously point me to a state where it's "safe" to be trans? Or any state that's "queer-friendly" outside of its "liberal arts college sphere?" I certainly wish Ohio were more proactive from a legal protection standpoint, but saying that the games should be boycotted is ridiculous, IMO. The people whose minds need to be changed won't miss you. Better to show up in force, be highly visible, and make a positive difference. I'm glad the writer had a good time, though, and I imagine her experience will be closer to that of the average attendee. The fact that the City, County, and our local foundations have been so supportive of the games should speak volumes, and I wish more of these pieces emphasized that point
February 7, 201411 yr Are transgendered people even allowed to compete in the gay games? I've always thought it a mistake to bundle the "T" with the "LGB"
February 7, 201411 yr Given than my straight, Republican father is captaining a team in the games I can confirm that yes, anyone can indeed compete!
February 8, 201411 yr Thanks to Sochi, and Putin's Anti-gay policies/laws, I'm betting Cleveland will gain more US and international attention than if the Winter Olympics were held anywhere else for GG9.
February 8, 201411 yr ^ On that note: Gay Games to make a statement about diversity in TV commercial during Winter Olympics opening ceremony (video): Michael K. McIntyre's Tipoff The 2014 Gay Games, coming to Cleveland and Akron in August, is set to make a statement locally about diversity during the NBC broadcast of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday on WKYC Channel 3. "These are great times we live in. Exciting, evolving, extraordinary times. While the rest of the world tries to decide what its legacy will be, here in Northeast Ohio, we have a running start," says the narrator of a minute-long commercial to air on Channel 3. "This year, the most inclusive sporting event in the world will take place in Cleveland and Akron." http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2014/02/clevelands_gay_games_will_make.html
February 8, 201411 yr Six months out and only 1,000 people have registered for events. Here's hoping for the best, but I'm starting to get worried.
February 8, 201411 yr Six months out and only 1,000 people have registered for events. Here's hoping for the best, but I'm starting to get worried. I thought I heard a story on WKYC the other day that said there were ~10,000 athletes registered?
February 9, 201411 yr Six months out and only 1,000 people have registered for events. Here's hoping for the best, but I'm starting to get worried. I thought I heard a story on WKYC the other day that said there were ~10,000 athletes registered? 10,000 registrants is the estimate the Gay Games people keep throwing out there. That's just a goal though. In reality, only about 1,000 have actually registered thus far. Also, I love that they had an ad run during the Olympic opening ceremonies. But why run the ad only in Ohio and in small markets like Dayton and Toledo? Why not run the ad in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Indianapolis and other nearby Midwest cities to try to expand awareness of the event in places from which you might actually draw some participants. It's almost like the people running this thing have no clue.
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