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IT'S OUR MOMENT

Cleveland, Akron & Ohio Take the LGBT Spotlight

by Tom Nobbe

For one fabulous week from Aug 9-16, thousands of people from around the world will descend on Ohio for the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation.

It's pretty much a no-brainer to host an event of this magnitude in one of our North American, European or Australian gay tourist meccas. Prior Gay Games have been in San Francisco, Vancouver, New York City, Sydney, Amsterdam, Chicago and Cologne and the 2018 Games will be hosted by Paris.

It's a whole different matter to hold the Games in the smallest metropolitan area to date not to mention a place few consider an LGBT tourist destination but we are.

And it's going to be great!

Northeast Ohio has embraced the Games, and the excitement is palpable. We are poised to provide a magical and memorable experience for our participants, spectators and volunteers. Packed between the energy of the Opening Ceremonies and the nostalgia of the Closing Ceremonies will be a myriad of sports and cultural events, parties, concerts

16 august 2014

and street fests.

A constant throughout Games Week will be the activity of Festival Village, the hub for all Gay Games participants, their friends and families, spectators, and the general public. It's where community and connections will be formed and where thousands of people will gather after the day's competitions to meet up with friends, celebrate their personal victories, be entertained, visit sponsors and vendors, and relax and enjoy Ohio hospitality.

Even if you live outside of Northeast Ohio and haven't registered to participate or volunteer, it's an easy drive to experience the Games.

The Opening Ceremonies simply should not be missed. The highlight of the week, it will be at Quicken Loans Arena, where LeBron James will be playing again this fall! The program will offer a star-studded lineup of entertainment, featuring singer, dancer and radio host Lance Bass; Broadway actress Andrea McArdle; and the legendary Pointer Sisters.

Alex Newell, best known for his role on Fox's Glee, will join McArdle for a tribute to Gay Games participants in a Broadway-style mu-

sical number. Olympic champion and LGBT advocate Greg Louganis will make a special appearance. The event will generate buzz, excitement and spirit that will carry throughout the remainder of the Games. Get your tickets at gg9cle.com/plan-my-visit/tickets and help us welcome the world to Northeast Ohio.

Throughout the week there's even more to enjoy, including a White Party (featuring a DJ set by the one and only Boy George), a Black Party, a Block Party, concerts with the Indigo Girls and Ana Matronic, and gay rodeo oh my!

There are going to be women's parties, lake and river cruises, and band and choral concerts. There's so much to do in just a week's time. Check it all out at gg9cle.com/plan-myvisit.

We also can't forget the 36-plus sports events, which for many are what the Gay Games is really all about. Our participants look forward most to the experience of bringing one's whole self to competition in a safe and affirming environment.

Check out some of the events. Most are free. You'll be amazed.

Can't the Terminal Tower just stay rainbow?

I am constantly asked why Cleveland and Akron were chosen to host the Games. There were a number of reasons: our first-rate facilities, our affordability and the region's passionate desire to host the event.

Perhaps the biggest, though, is that the time was right to host these Games in a place where the event could be a catalyst to change hearts and minds. After all, we are an internationally recognized "purple" state that makes or breaks presidential aspirations.

This is an exciting time for Ohio's LGBT community. People from around the country and the globe will be flying to the American heartland instead of over it for the Gay Games.

My wish is that Buckeyes from all over the state flock to Northeast Ohio during Games Week to help welcome our visitors and to show their support for LGBT equality in our state and around the world.

See you at the Games!

Tom Nobbe is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio and executive director of Gay Games 9.

outlookohio.com