COMMUNITY PROFILES

NIC SATOW The Young Urbanite

Raised in Highland Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, Nic Satow attended both Cleveland State University and Kent State University to study advertising. He joined Marcus Thomas LLC, an integrated communications agency, managing digital and social media, before moving to Right Turn.com, a start-up eCommerce site where he now heads social media, PR and event marketing. Nic has also run the Gay Games 9 social media and event marketing committees.

You chair the social media committee for Gay Games IX. What does it mean to you that Cleveland is hosting the Games?

Cleveland winning Gay Games 9 is one of the most exciting and progressive opportunities Cleveland has ever had. Being born and raised in Cleveland, I'd have to say it's pretty open and welcoming to the gay community. Most wouldn't consider Cleveland a "gay" city or destination because we don't have a concentrated "gayborhood" full of bars and retail like a WeHo or Boystown, but that isn't necessarily true. There is a pretty active gay community in Cleveland that thrives as neighbors among all Clevelanders. Cleveland is a place where you can find the "everyday gay" living a fabulous life right in the heart of Midwestern America.

You recently moved to downtown Cleveland. Why did you commit to living in Cleveland? What are the advantages to living downtown? Yes, I recently moved to the East 4th neighborhood, and I'm loving it! There is energy in the neighborhood that you don't necessarily get as a young professional living in suburbia. It feels good to be part of the group of young professionals, or "pioneers" who are

actively rebuilding the downtown neighborhoods and rejuvenating the local businesses. I have a great job just minutes from my new loft, and, for the first time, I'll start to utilize the city's public transportation. I'm within walking distance to some of Cleveland's best restaurants, bars, music venues and pro sports stadiums.

What are some of the fun nightlife spots in Cleveland? What places do you recommend to visitors?

My friends and I frequent gay bars like Bounce and Twist, but I can guarantee you'll find us bar hopping in the Ohio City, Tremont or downtown districts at least once a weekend. We don't segregate ourselves to only gay bars because that's not what Cleveland's about. The up-and-coming neighborhoods, bars, restaurants and art scenes are very gay friendly, and I frequent them with my boys. From museums like MOCA, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Cleveland Museum of Art, to authentic neighborhoods like Little Italy, my friends and I really consider all of Cleveland our playground. Sure, Bounce and Twist are definitely gay staples of Cleveland that every LGBT tourist should visit, but I wouldn't let a friend visit this city without having a martini at The Velvet Tango Room, dancing at Speakeasy below Bier Market or going to Progressive Field for an Indians game.

PHYLLIS HARRIS The Community Activist

Cleveland native Phyllis Harris holds a Master's degree in non-profit management from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin Wallace College. She is dedicated to helping improve the lives of Greater Clevelanders through advocating for social justice. She is the proud mother of two children ages 8 and 16.

The LGBT Community Center of Greater

Cleveland is nearly 40 years old. What role does the center play in the community? The LGBT Community Center continues to play an important role in the quality of life for many LGBT Clevelanders. In some instances the Center may be the only LGBT resource where residents feel that they can be affirmed and safely access social, educational and health services. The Center also provides LGBT Clevelanders the opportunity to engage in advocating for social and legal change. What did it mean to you when Cleveland's iconic Terminal Tower was lit in LGBT pride colors?

I felt a sense of pride about being a Clevelander and about my choice to live in Cleveland as

an out lesbian. I hold the lighting of the Terminal Tower in pride colors as a symbol of acknowledgement and appreciation!

2014-15 LGBT VISITORS GUIDE

The City of Cleveland offers a domestic partner registry. Has that helped to make Cleveland a more welcoming city?

Yes, I believe so. I know many people who have left the state to seek out legal protections offered in other states like the ability to marry and build families through second parent adoption. I believe the registry is a start in the right direction.

How do you like living in the Cleveland region?

I enjoy living in Cleveland! In the past few years I feel like I am rediscovering all that the region has to offer. I generally tell friends who want to visit that we have great Meds, Eds, Eats, Arts and Parks!

Any recommendations for visitors with kids? Yes, Cleveland is kid-friendly and has affordable opportunities such as our museums the Children's Museum, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art and so on.

EMMA BENO &

COMMUNITY PROFILES

ALEXIA RODRIGUEZ The Culinary Experts

91€

What makes Cleveland's foodie scene unique?

There is an abundance of fresh food, locally grown. There is also a great tradition of many ethnic cuisines. The increasing numbers of creative chefs and adventurous restaurants and customers makes the Cleveland food scene second to none.

What can visitors expect to find at the West Side Market?

It is a unique experience. You'll see things and discover food that won't be found anywhere else. The other thing you'll notice right away is that this is a working market. You can do your grocery shopping here. At the same time, you'll learn about and taste new foods, talk with vendors and get to know where your food comes from.

CAPITOL

THEATRE

Built in 1921, this unique theatre is now a digital

cinema showing independent films. Hollywood classics and

30 features

with beer and wine at concessions.

clevelandcinemas.com

for tickets and show times

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CLARK

CLABLESTION CUTE

Milk Duds

Emma Beno, 24, and AlexiaRodriguez, 32, met in 2009. They live in the West Park/Kamm's Corners neighborhood. They are co-owners of the Pork Chop Shop (theporkchopshopwsm.com) at the West Side Market. They stay here because of the quality of life in Cleveland, including the nightlife and dining scene.

What are some of your favorite things about Cleveland?

It's easy to get around, which is great because there are so many fun and exciting neighborhoods. There are many pockets of hip and interesting places to go, whether you like art, dancing, dining, sports, culture, theater, or whatever. We live in the Kamm's Corners neighborhood, where there are lots of great restaurants and bars; we work in Ohio City, where there are galleries, breweries, clubs, restaurants and more. Also check out Tremont, University Circle, Little Italy, East 4th St. and Waterloo. There are so many.

Sweetie

candy company

CLEVELAND

BROOKPARK RO

MEGA CANDY WAREHOUSE!

The country's largest candy warehouse open to the public! Sweeties buys its candy from over 140 different manufacturers throughout the world & has more candy under one roof

than anyone! 21,000 square feet... 4,000 items...

400,000 pounds... $2 Million worth of inventory!

From all the old-time favorites to all the new

kid-crazes! A MUST SEE!

7480 Brookpark Rd Cleveland OH 44129

216.739.2244 SweetiesCandy.com