COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The perfect place to start your visit. With racks of

brochures and large flat screen monitors flashing video highlights of the region, the downtown Cleveland Visitors Center is the perfect place to start your visit. Knowledgeable CLE concierge ambassadors staff the center and are available to answer questions, give directions and provide maps, help plan itineraries, sell attraction tickets, offer cost savings coupons and book dining, hotel and car rental reservations. So stop in. We'll give you personal attention, let you in on "insider" travel tips and give you everything you'll need to get started exploring Cleveland and the region.

LGBT RESOURCES

In the LGBT community, many times our family isn't

the one we're born into, but the one we choose. Thankfully, Cleveland has plenty of organizations to help with that from dozens of open and affirming churches to a community center that's been in operation for more than 38 years; from gayfriendly university groups to a clinic that specializes in LGBT health needs. Whether you're here for a weekend or moving here for a lifetime, there are plenty of resources to assist you in finding a community that makes you feel like you're home.

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

216.651.5428. lgbtcleveland.org

6600 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102

Akron Pride Center 330.252.1559 canapi.org

895 N. Main St. Akron, OH 44310

PFLAG Cleveland

216.556.1701 pflagcleveland.org TransFamily of Cleveland 216.691.HELP transfamily.org Equality Ohio

614.224.0400⚫ equalityohio.org 118 E. Main St., Ste. 200

Columbus, OH 43215

Plexus

Chamber of Commerce for the LGBT Community and Allies 888.PLEXUS9. thinkplexus.org

MetroHealth Pride Clinic 216.957.4848

metrohealth.org/mccafferty

4242 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113 Open Wed., 4:30pm-8pm

Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland 216.621.0766 aidstaskforce.org 2829 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115

34 2014-15 LGBT VISITORS GUIDE

Larry E. Highbaugh

Cleveland Visitors Center

334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 800.321.1001 216.875.6600

Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-6:30pm and Sat., 10am-6:30pm. Closed Sunday.

Community Aids Network 330.252.1559 canapi.org

895 N. Main St. Akron, OH 44310

Gay People's Chronicle gaypeopleschronicle.com

Cleveland Domestic Partner Registry Declaration of Domestic Partnership forms can be downloaded online at:

city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/

Home/Government/CityAgencies/Finance/

AssessmentsandLicenses

Registration is available Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm,

at 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 122.

Registrants for Domestic Partnerships* must be 18 or older, and neither may be married or in an existing domestic partnership with someone else. Registrants can deliver or mail a completed application form and $55 to the Division of Assessments and Licenses at the above address. Acceptable forms of in-person payment include money order, check, or cashiers check (made out to the City of Cleveland); cash, or credit/debit card. Photo ID is required to enter the building. Those registering via mail may pay by check or money order only.

*Non-marital committed relationships of two adults of the same or different sex who share a common residence and affirm that they share responsibility for each other's common welfare.

TOP: Terminal Tower

COMMUNITY PROFILES

JACOB NASH The Transgender Activist

Jacob Nash is a consultant, published writer and a seasoned, engaging presenter committed to training both providers and community activists on the needs of transgender people. He has delivered trainings to more than 30,000 people around the country over the past twelve years. While his specialty is on transsexuality, he has also trained on the importance of diversity and cultural competencies in the work place as well as in non-profit agencies. In 2011 he was awarded the Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Freedom Award from the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats for his work in helping to advance the rights and understanding of the transgender community. He is also the Founder and President of Margie's Hope which assists transgender individuals in need and will soon have a transitional living program that will help homeless transgender clients to secure stable housing and employment as well as other necessary services.

You are actively involved in several LGBT organizations. Tell us about your work with the Transgender community and the impact it's making on our community as a whole?

My work with the Transgender community came about because I was outed very publicly by a judge when Erin and I applied to get married in Trumbull County back in 2002. The fear, anger and frustration that we faced during that time pushed us into becoming activists, not only for ourselves but for those who would come after. Standing up to make sure everyone, not just the transgender community, is safe and free from hate and discrimination is why I do what I do. Working to support others who are just coming to terms with their gender identity and or expression and help them be proud of who they are and not ashamed, gives them power. Helping to establish policies and laws to protect individuals in their work, homes and in public accommodations gives them a sense of belonging and freedom to be who they are without fear of retaliation. Establishing relationships with doctors, hospitals, and teaching facilities so that health issues do not become more of a burden than they already are and molding young medical professionals to treat all of their patients with dignity and respect, no matter why they come to see them. These are just some of the things I do for and with the transgender community as well as the rest of my gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer family members. I hope the impact it has on all of Cleveland is a better understanding and awareness of who transgender and gender non-conforming people are.

What resources are available for transgender individuals and allies, locals or newcomers alike? The resources available in the Cleveland area are amazing. We have support groups in both Cleveland and Akron that help individuals and their families cope with the everyday problems that folks in the transgender community face as they embark on their new life, we have an amazing community center, and the partnership among the many organizations across the LGBT spectrum helps to provide a supportive safety net for those in crisis. Together we work to educate the community and help those in need. I've been working to develop a comprehensive network of resources through Margie's Hope and am happy to help direct folks to the organizations that best suit their needs. Get social with #ThisisCLE DION®®®

How's the perfect day spent in Cleveland? Any suggestions for visitors? Cleveland has a very exciting list of places to see and things to do. We have world class restaurants including Lola's, The Greenhouse Tavern, Latitude 41, Tommy's, XYZ the Tavern, Parallax, and Sushi Rock, to name a few. If you have a craving there's a restaurant for it from Tremont to Little Italy to Ohio City to East 4th and the downtown district. Our museums are among the best in the nation with the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and the LGBT archives at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The metro parks system in Cuyahoga County is second to none. We have the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreational Area. There's always something new to see or do. Lolly the Trolley and the Goodtime III provide great ways to experience the city. Cleveland plays host to the largest theater district outside of New York City. The revival of Playhouse Square has brought world class entertainment to the forefront in Cleveland, while Cleveland Public Theater and the Dobama Theater work to bring theater to all, allowing for affordably priced entertainment. A great way to experience talent within the LGBTQ community is to attend one of the many concerts performed by the North Coast Men's Chorus or Windsong.

Do you have any favorite neighborhood spots?

I love the Ohio City, Gordon Square, Coventry, and Clifton Boulevard neighborhoods. They have great shops, amazing food, and wonderful night life. Tommy's on Coventry, Big Fun, The West Side Market, the Great Lakes Brewing Company, Bounce, Twist, Latitude41, XYZ, and Gypsy Bean Coffee Company are among my favorites. The patios at Twist and Bounce are fantastic, especially on a beautiful summer evening.